If you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and just a little bit addictive, this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is going to blow you away. Inspired by the popular restaurant appetizer, this dish takes everything you love about Bang Bang Shrimp — crispy texture, creamy heat, sweet tang — and turns it into a full-on dinner with tender pasta and juicy shrimp tossed in a bold, creamy sauce.
It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a treat but comes together in under 30 minutes. The shrimp are seasoned and seared quickly in a skillet while the pasta boils away in the background, and the sauce — a mouthwatering mix of mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey — pulls it all together in the most flavorful way.
This recipe has just the right amount of kick, balanced by the smooth creaminess of the sauce and the fresh finish of lime juice. Whether you like it spicy or prefer to tone it down, it’s super easy to customize.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons water (to thin, if needed)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- Optional: chopped green onions and parsley for garnish
STEPS: Cook the Pasta and Shrimp
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions. Once cooked to al dente, drain and set aside. A drizzle of olive oil will help prevent it from sticking while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a mixing bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This quick marinade gives the shrimp tons of flavor before it hits the skillet.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until they’re pink, opaque, and just cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside — they’ll be added back at the end.
Toss the Pasta and Shrimp in Creamy Bang Bang Sauce
Now that your pasta is cooked and your shrimp are golden and flavorful, it’s time to bring everything together with the creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce that gives this dish its name. This sauce is rich and bold, with just the right balance of heat from sriracha and sweetness from honey and chili sauce. It coats the pasta perfectly, making every bite packed with flavor.
This part of the recipe takes just a few more minutes, and it’s when the magic really happens. The sauce melts into the warm pasta, the shrimp get tossed back in, and everything is heated through for a quick and satisfying meal you’ll want to make on repeat.
STEPS: Make the Sauce and Combine Everything
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste), honey, lime juice, and a splash of water to thin it out if needed. The sauce should be creamy but pourable and easy to toss with the pasta.
Step 5: Toss Pasta in Sauce
Using the same skillet you cooked the shrimp in, add a tablespoon of butter or olive oil. Once melted, add the cooked pasta and pour in the bang bang sauce. Toss everything together over medium heat until the noodles are well coated and the sauce is warmed through.
Step 6: Add the Shrimp
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to combine with the saucy pasta. Let it heat for another 1–2 minutes until everything is hot and fully coated in that creamy, spicy goodness.
Finish and Serve
Step 7: Garnish and Plate
If desired, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top before serving. It adds a fresh pop of flavor and color that complements the rich sauce perfectly.
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
- Adjust the spice: Add more or less sriracha depending on how spicy you like it.
- Use any pasta: Linguine and spaghetti work great, but penne or fettuccine would also hold the sauce well.
- Add veggies: Try tossing in sautéed bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra texture and color.
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta FAQ: Tips, Swaps, and Storage
You’ve just created a bold and creamy pasta dish that’s packed with flavor — but let’s make sure you can customize it, store it properly, and reheat it without losing that signature texture and taste. Whether you’re cooking for one or serving up seconds to a hungry crowd, this section answers the most common questions about Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta.
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps them brown better and avoids excess moisture in the skillet.
2. Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?
You can use a dairy-free or vegan mayonnaise and swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based alternative. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful without dairy.
3. How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level depends on how much sriracha you use. One tablespoon gives it a mild kick, while two or more really turn up the heat. Start small and adjust to your taste.
4. Can I use a different protein?
Definitely. This recipe works well with grilled chicken, tofu, or even scallops. Just adjust the cook time as needed based on the protein you’re using.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
6. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes — the sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using.
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, spicy, and addictive Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta featuring tender shrimp and pasta tossed in a bold, creamy sauce with a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tang.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons water (to thin, if needed)
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- Optional: chopped green onions and parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (start with 1 tablespoon), honey, lime juice, and water to thin if needed.
- In the same skillet, melt butter or heat olive oil, add cooked pasta and pour in the bang bang sauce; toss over medium heat until noodles are well coated and warmed through.
- Return shrimp to skillet and gently toss to combine; heat 1–2 minutes until everything is hot and coated.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Adjust sriracha amount to control spice level. Use any pasta shape you prefer. Add sautéed vegetables for extra texture and nutrition. Use thawed shrimp for best searing. Sauce can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
