Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The sauce is both creamy and zesty, giving pasta an exciting flavor boost.

• It comes together fast — under 30 minutes from start to finish.

• Shrimp cooks quickly, so this is a great option for when you want something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

• It’s easily customizable — adjust the heat level, swap in different seafood or pasta shapes, or lighten it up.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your preferred type)

• Raw shrimp (peeled, deveined)

• Butter (or oil)

• Garlic (minced)

• Paprika (smoked or regular)

• Salt & black pepper

• Mayonnaise

• Thai sweet chili sauce

• Lime juice

• Sriracha (or other hot sauce)

• (Optional) Fresh ginger, for extra aroma

• Fresh herbs or garnishes (cilantro, green onion, red pepper flakes, toasted peanuts)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside (reserve a little pasta water if needed to thin the sauce).

2. Season and cook shrimp
   Pat the shrimp dry. Season with paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter (or heat oil). Add garlic and sauté briefly (~30 seconds) until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook about 1–2 minutes per side (depending on size), until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

3. Make the bang bang sauce
   In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and Sriracha (or preferred hot sauce). Adjust heat or tanginess to taste.

4. Combine everything
   Return the pasta to the skillet (or a large bowl). Add the shrimp and pour in the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta and shrimp with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a small splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

5. Garnish and serve
   Top with fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, or green onion), red pepper flakes, or toasted peanuts if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Servings and timing

• Yield: Approximately 4 to 6 servings

• Prep time: ~10 minutes

• Cook time: ~15–20 minutes

• Total time: ~25–30 minutes

Variations

• Use Greek yogurt or light mayo instead of full‑fat mayonnaise to lighten the sauce.

• Add heavy cream for an even richer texture (some recipes include cream).

• Incorporate fresh minced ginger or a pinch of garlic powder for depth.

• Change the protein: use cooked chicken, scallops, or tofu instead of shrimp.

• Use gluten‑free pasta or spiralized vegetables for lower carbs.

• Add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach to bulk it up.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1–2 days (shrimp is delicate).

• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring and adding a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce. Microwaving may cause separation of the sauce.

• Note: The sauce may thicken or separate over time; stirring in a bit of liquid helps restore the texture.

FAQs

What size shrimp should I use?

Medium or large shrimp (deveined and peeled) work well. Avoid overly large shrimp so they cook quickly and evenly.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes — you can mix the bang bang sauce ahead and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature or whisk again before using.

Is it spicy?

It can be as spicy as you want. Adjust the amount of Sriracha or chili sauce (or add red pepper flakes) to suit your heat tolerance.

Can I skip the mayonnaise in the sauce?

Mayonnaise is key for the creamy texture. You could try substituting Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a mix, but it will change the character of the sauce.

What pasta goes best with this?

Long pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine works nicely, but any pasta shape you like is fine.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

Reserve a bit of pasta cooking water and stir in as needed to loosen the sauce when combining.

Can I grill the shrimp instead of pan cooking?

Yes — grill or broil the shrimp, then combine with pasta and sauce for a lovely smoky flavor.

Can this be made ahead and reheated?

While possible, shrimp tends to overcook when reheated. It’s best when served fresh, but gentle reheating with added moisture helps.

Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets?

Yes, if you use dairy‑free butter or oil and a suitable dairy‑free mayonnaise alternative.

How do I get a stronger garlic flavor?

You can add additional minced or pressed garlic to both the shrimp and the sauce, or even a small garlic powder boost.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a dynamic and flavorful dish that brings together creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy elements in one bowl. It’s fast enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. With room to play with spice levels, proteins, and add-ins, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll return to again and again. Enjoy!