Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe That Wows Every Time

Crispy, zesty bang bang shrimp pasta promises a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

This crowd-pleasing dish combines crunchy prawns with a creamy, spicy sauce that sings of coastal cuisine.

Tender noodles create the perfect canvas for each delectable bite.

Weeknight dinners demand something spectacular, and this recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Home cooks can easily master the art of crafting this restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.

Light, bold seasonings bring restaurant sophistication right to your kitchen table.

Sharp chili notes and velvety textures guarantee a memorable dining experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Ingredient Rundown

• Linguine, Spaghetti: Classic pasta options perfect for holding creamy sauces and catching delicious flavors.

• Shrimp: Fresh, succulent seafood that becomes crispy and golden when cooked; choose medium-sized, deveined shrimp for best results.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential spices for enhancing shrimp's natural flavor and adding subtle warmth.
• Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating for shrimp; helps achieve golden exterior.

• Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha: Classic Bang Bang sauce ingredients that provide creamy, spicy, and sweet layers of flavor.
• Honey, Lime Juice, Garlic Powder: Adds sweetness, tanginess, and aromatic depth to the sauce.

• Vegetable Oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking and creating crispy shrimp exterior.
• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for pasta sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient for creating luxurious, silky sauce texture.

• Green Onions, Red Pepper Flakes: Fresh, zesty toppings that add color and extra spice kick.

How To Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta In A Flash

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle salt generously. Bring water to a rolling boil. Drop linguine or spaghetti into bubbling water. Cook until noodles are tender but still have a slight bite. Drain pasta, keeping a small cup of cooking water on the side.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Bang Bang Sauce

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Spicy Sriracha
• Golden honey
• Fresh lime juice
• Zesty garlic powder

Stir ingredients until smooth and well blended. Set sauce aside for later.

Step 3: Prepare Crispy Shrimp

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Smoky paprika

Dust shrimp lightly with cornstarch for extra crunch. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet until shimmering. Cook shrimp quickly, turning once, until golden and crisp on both sides.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Pasta Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter until foamy. Add minced garlic and cook briefly. Pour in heavy cream and half the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Let sauce simmer and thicken. Toss cooked pasta into the creamy mixture, adding reserved pasta water if sauce seems too thick.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Gently fold crispy shrimp into saucy pasta. Drizzle remaining Bang Bang sauce over the dish. Sprinkle chopped green onions and red pepper flakes on top. Serve hot and savor every delicious bite.

Tips To Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

• Quick-Dry Shrimp Technique: Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that locks in maximum flavor and prevents soggy results.
• Smart Cornstarch Coating Trick: Lightly dust shrimp with cornstarch for an extra crunchy texture that creates a delightful contrast with the creamy pasta sauce.
• Sauce Balance Magic: Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, helping you control thickness and ensure perfect coating on every pasta strand.
• Heat Management Hack: Cook shrimp on medium-high heat for just 2-3 minutes per side to maintain tenderness and prevent rubbery texture, creating restaurant-quality results at home.
• Flavor Boosting Shortcut: Layer Bang Bang sauce by mixing some into the cream sauce and drizzling extra on top, intensifying the tangy, spicy profile of the dish.

How To Keep Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Fresh

• Refrigerate leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Separate the shrimp from the pasta when storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to refresh the sauce and prevent drying out.
• Pro tip: Consume within 24 hours for the best texture and flavor, as shrimp tends to lose its crispiness and tender quality when stored overnight.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce and delicate shrimp won't maintain their original taste and consistency after thawing.

Best Sidekicks For Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

• Spice Up with Crisp White Wine: Pair this zesty Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the spicy sauce and complement the shrimp's delicate flavor.
• Cool Down with Refreshing Slaw: Serve a tangy Asian-inspired coleslaw on the side to provide a crunchy contrast and help temper the dish's heat, creating a perfectly balanced meal.
• Kick Back with Craft Beer: Select a light, hoppy IPA or a crisp wheat beer that can stand up to the bold Bang Bang sauce while cutting through its creamy richness.
• Brighten with Citrus Salad: Add a fresh citrus and herb salad that brings a zesty, light element to the table, helping to cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, spicy pasta.

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Variations You Should Try

• Spicy Coconut Fusion: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and add red curry paste for a tropical Southeast Asian-inspired version of the dish.
• Mediterranean Herb Seafood: Swap shrimp for grilled calamari, use olive oil instead of vegetable oil, and incorporate fresh herbs like basil and oregano into the sauce.
• Cajun Seafood Remix: Season shrimp with Cajun spice blend, use andouille sausage for extra flavor, and add diced bell peppers for a New Orleans-style interpretation.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with crispy tofu or roasted cauliflower, keeping the Bang Bang sauce and cooking technique exactly the same for a plant-based alternative.

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Common Questions Answered

• What makes Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta so special?

This dish combines crispy shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce that delivers incredible flavor in every bite. The combination of sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey creates a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that makes the recipe irresistibly delicious.

• Is this recipe really spicy?

The spice level is totally customizable! You can adjust the amount of Sriracha and red pepper flakes to match your personal heat tolerance. Start with a small amount and add more if you want extra kick.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them very dry before cooking. Dry shrimp will get that perfect crispy coating when you pan-fry them with cornstarch.

• What if I don't have cornstarch for coating the shrimp?

No worries! You can substitute with flour or even crushed panko breadcrumbs. The key is to create a light, crispy exterior that adds texture to your shrimp.

Why Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Brings Big Flavor

• Spice Up Your Dinner: This bang bang shrimp pasta delivers a knockout flavor punch with its creamy, zesty sauce and crispy shrimp that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish, you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving something delicious and exciting.
• Customize Your Comfort: The recipe offers flexibility with pasta choices, heat levels, and toppings, allowing you to create a personalized dish that matches your exact taste preferences.
• Restaurant-Style Magic at Home: Recreate a trendy restaurant favorite in your own kitchen, saving money while impressing dinner guests with professional-looking culinary skills.

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy bang bang shrimp pasta delivers a flavor explosion that dances across taste buds. Crispy shrimp and creamy sauce create an irresistible combination you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled & deveined

Pasta and Sauce Components:

• 8 oz (226 g) linguine or spaghetti
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sweet chili sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
• ¼ cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water (if needed to thin sauce)

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for balance)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch (for crispiness)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil (for frying)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (15 g) green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge linguine or spaghetti and cook until perfectly tender yet firm. Drain the pasta, preserving a modest amount of starchy liquid, then set aside.
2. Craft the vibrant Bang Bang sauce by harmonizing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, fresh lime juice, and garlic powder in a mixing vessel. Allow the sauce to rest momentarily.
3. Meticulously pat shrimp dry using absorbent towels, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Delicately coat each shrimp in a light cornstarch dusting.
4. Ignite a skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully introduce the seasoned shrimp, searing each side until a golden, crisp exterior develops. Transfer the succulent morsels to a separate plate.
5. Utilize the same skillet to melt butter, introducing minced garlic and allowing it to become fragrant. Incorporate heavy cream and half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce, letting the mixture simmer briefly.
6. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, introducing reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
7. Reunite the crispy shrimp with the pasta, drizzling the remaining Bang Bang sauce over the dish. Embellish with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
8. Serve the dish immediately, presenting a tantalizing fusion of textures and flavors.

Notes

• Perfectly crisp shrimp requires completely dry seafood before coating with cornstarch, ensuring a golden, crunchy exterior that locks in flavor.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting Sriracha and red pepper flakes for personal spice preferences, making the dish adaptable for mild to fiery palates.
• Create a gluten-free version by using alternative pasta like zucchini noodles or certified gluten-free pasta, and swap cornstarch for rice flour when coating shrimp.
• Elevate the dish’s nutrition by adding extra vegetables like sautéed bell peppers or spinach, increasing fiber and providing additional texture and color contrast.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg