Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a fantastic mix of tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and just the right amount of spicy kick all tossed with pasta that soaks up every bit of flavor. This dish brings together crispy shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, combined with a smooth, rich pasta that makes every bite so satisfying.
I love making this recipe when I want something quick but full of flavor. The bang bang sauce is simple to whip up with ingredients you probably have on hand, and it turns ordinary shrimp into a mouthwatering treat. I usually make a little extra sauce because it’s great for dipping, too!
This is the kind of meal everyone at the table enjoys, whether you like mild or a bit more heat. I often serve it with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels special without any fuss, perfect for when I want good food fast.
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp works great here for size and quick cooking. You can use large shrimp if you prefer or even frozen shrimp—just thaw them well first. For a shellfish-free option, try cooked chicken chunks or tofu.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce brings sweetness and mild heat. If you can’t find it, substitute with a mix of honey and a little hot sauce or a mild chili garlic sauce. Adjust sweetness and spice to suit your taste.
Mayonnaise & Heavy Cream: These create the creamy texture of the sauce. You can swap mayo for Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option. Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free choice.
Sriracha Sauce: It adds a spicy kick. Feel free to reduce it if you don’t like things too hot or replace with another hot sauce you enjoy. You can skip it if you prefer mild flavors.
How Do You Get the Shrimp Cooked Just Right Without Overcooking?
Shrimp cook very fast and can become rubbery if overdone. Here’s how I keep them tender and juicy:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on the first side without moving them—this helps get a nice sear.
- Flip shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp right away to prevent overcooking since they will continue cooking slightly from residual heat.
Be watchful—it’s better to undercook shrimp slightly than risk making them tough!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the pasta; plenty of water helps it cook evenly without sticking.
- Large skillet or frying pan – perfect for cooking shrimp and tossing pasta with the sauce all in one pan.
- Mixing bowl – handy for whisking the bang bang sauce ingredients smoothly before adding.
- Colander – for draining the pasta quickly and easily without losing any noodles.
- Whisk or fork – to blend the sauce ingredients together so it’s creamy and well combined.
- Tongs or pasta fork – great for tossing the pasta and shrimp together without breaking noodles.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp for cooked chicken strips or tofu when you want a non-seafood or vegetarian version.
- Add chopped bell peppers or snap peas for a fresh crunch and extra color.
- Mix in some shredded mozzarella or cream cheese for richer, creamier sauce.
- Stir in fresh chopped cilantro or basil at the end for a bright, herbal touch.
Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
- Salt, for pasta water
For The Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For The Bang Bang Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes cooking the pasta and shrimp, then another 5-10 minutes mixing the sauce and combining everything together. It’s quick and perfect for a tasty weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente (tender but still firm). Drain the pasta well and set aside.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and heavy cream until smooth and well combined. Set this flavorful sauce aside for now.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
4. Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce:
Return the pasta to the skillet or place it in a large mixing bowl. Pour the bang bang sauce and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss everything together gently to coat all the noodles evenly with the creamy sauce.
Add the cooked shrimp on top, then give the mixture a gentle toss once more to combine shrimp and pasta without breaking the shrimp.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Divide the pasta onto plates or bowls. Sprinkle sliced green onions over each serving and add red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat. Enjoy your creamy, spicy, and satisfying Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or place sealed shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat dry to avoid extra moisture in the pan.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve for best texture.
What Pasta Works Best?
Spaghetti or linguine works wonderfully, but feel free to use fettuccine, angel hair, or any long pasta you love. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well tossed in the creamy sauce.
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the sriracha and red pepper flakes. To spice it up, add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
