Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a quick and tasty dish that combines crispy shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce all tossed with your favorite pasta. The shrimp have just the right amount of crunch, and that bang bang sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick that keeps you coming back for more.
I love making this pasta when I want something flavorful but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. The sauce is super simple to whip up with just a few pantry staples, and the shrimp cooks fast, making this a go-to dinner for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s fun to mix all the flavors together until every bite has that little spicy punch and creamy touch.
My favorite way to serve this is with a sprinkle of fresh green onions and a side of crunchy garlic bread. It just feels like the perfect meal to share with family or friends, especially because it’s easy to adjust the spice level to everyone’s liking. This dish has quickly become one of my favorites for when I want something comforting and exciting at the same time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well here. Just thaw frozen shrimp fully before cooking. If you’re allergic or want a vegetarian option, try crispy tofu or cauliflower bites.
Pasta: I like using spaghetti or angel hair for this dish because they hold the sauce nicely. You can swap for linguine, fettuccine, or even rice noodles if you prefer gluten-free.
Bang Bang Sauce: It’s a simple mix of mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. If you can’t find sweet chili sauce, try mixing a bit of honey with some chili garlic sauce or hot sauce for a similar flavor.
Garlic & Butter: These give the dish a warm, rich flavor. If you want to make it lighter, use olive oil instead of butter, though butter adds that nice creamy touch.
How Can I Cook Shrimp So It Stays Juicy and Tender?
Shrimp cooks very fast, so watch the time carefully. Overcooking makes it tough and rubbery. Here’s how to get perfect shrimp:
- Heat a pan until hot, add oil, and arrange shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook 2 minutes per side for medium-sized shrimp.
- Look for shrimp to turn pink and opaque, with a slight curve — that’s a sign it’s done.
- Remove from heat immediately to stop cooking.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan or shrimp will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed for best texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for boiling pasta without crowding it.
- Large skillet or frying pan – great for cooking shrimp and tossing pasta with sauce.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps stir shrimp and pasta gently without breaking noodles.
- Mixing bowl – useful for combining the bang bang sauce quickly and easily.
- Colander – to drain pasta well without losing any noodles.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp for cooked chicken or crispy tofu to suit your protein preference or eat plant-based.
- Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for a fresh, crunchy veggie boost.
- Mix in cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to make the sauce extra creamy.
- Top with chopped cilantro or fresh basil for a bright, herby note that balances the spice.
Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta and Shrimp:
- 8 oz spaghetti or angel hair pasta
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Red pepper flakes, optional for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend 10 minutes boiling the pasta and preparing shrimp while making the sauce and sautéing garlic. It’s perfect for a speedy, delicious meal any night of the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook The Pasta:
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Mix The Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the sriracha to make it as spicy as you like. This sauce brings the creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors of bang bang to your pasta.
3. Cook The Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour the bang bang sauce over the pasta and toss everything gently so the noodles get fully coated in the sauce.
6. Add Shrimp and Finish:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine and warm through.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Dish out the pasta and shrimp onto plates. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and, if desired, a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Serve right away and enjoy your creamy, spicy meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. The best way is to leave them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat dry to remove excess moisture for better searing.
Can I Substitute the Mayonnaise in the Bang Bang Sauce?
Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a lighter alternative. Keep in mind these substitutions may slightly change the sauce’s creaminess and tang, but they still make a tasty bang bang sauce.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! The sriracha sauce controls most of the heat here. Start with less and add more to suit your taste. You can also skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer it milder.
