If you are looking for a truly show-stopping yet easy weeknight meal, this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine perfectly cooked shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet bang bang sauce, tossed with tender pasta and finished with garlic, Parmesan, and just the right hint of vinegar to brighten the flavors. It masterfully balances heat, creaminess, and a touch of tang, delivering a dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting. Whether you’re impressing friends or simply treating yourself, this dish feels indulgent without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe keeps things simple but relies on each ingredient to build layers of flavor and texture that truly shine. From the velvety cream and sharp Parmesan to the punchy sweet chili and spice from sriracha, every component plays its part perfectly.
- Large shrimp (1 lb): Fresh or frozen peeled and deveined shrimp provide the star seafood element with a sweet, tender bite.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons total): Essential for pan-searing shrimp and gently sautéing garlic for depth of flavor.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm, robust flavor to the shrimp seasoning blend.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives shrimp a subtle smoky color and mild heat enhancement.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out the natural flavors throughout.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Creates the creamy base of the bang bang sauce with richness and body.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons): Balances heat and sweetness, integral for that signature bang bang flavor.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Provides a spicy kick—adjust to your heat preference for perfect zing.
- Honey (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of mellow sweetness to round out the sauce.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Offers a subtle tang that brightens the sauce without overpowering it.
- Pasta (8 oz): Linguine, spaghetti, or your favorite long pasta forms the comforting canvas for the dish.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Fresh garlic elevates the sauce with aromatic depth.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Provides luscious creaminess to the sauce, making it luxuriously smooth.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds saltiness and umami, perfectly finishing the creamy sauce.
- Fresh parsley or green onions: For garnish, these herbs bring freshness and a pop of color.
- Lemon wedges (optional): A squeeze of citrus adds bright contrast and lifts the dish.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Shrimp
Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This seasoning combo builds a subtle smoky, garlicky flavor that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn perfectly pink and opaque. Once cooked, set them aside to keep warm and juicy while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce
The sauce is simple but packs a punch. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Whisk these ingredients until smooth and creamy, tasting as you go so you can adjust the spice level to suit your mood. This creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy sauce will later coat the shrimp and pasta for that iconic bang bang flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Next, get your pasta boiling according to package instructions. Whether you love linguine, spaghetti, or another favorite, cook it until al dente for perfect texture. Drain the pasta well but reserve about half a cup of pasta water—it’s a little secret that will help you adjust the sauce consistency later.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet you cooked the shrimp, add olive oil and heat over medium. Toss in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds — don’t let it brown, as this keeps the flavor sweet and fresh. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously and let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens to a silky texture. If it seems too thick, slowly stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until it’s just right.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce
Now comes the fun part—add the cooked pasta to your creamy sauce and toss to coat every strand evenly. Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the coated pasta, then drizzle the bang bang sauce over everything. Toss just enough to distribute the sauce, creating a harmonious marriage of flavors with creamy, spicy, and savory notes in every bite.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Transfer to your serving dish and sprinkle fresh parsley or green onions over the top for a burst of color and freshness. For an optional citrus boost, add lemon wedges on the side. Your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe is ready to enjoy — trust me, it’s as delicious as it looks!
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or sliced green onions add a bright counterpoint to the creamy sauce and spicy shrimp. A squeeze of lemon right before eating adds acidity that cuts through the richness and highlights the flavors. Don’t underestimate how much these simple garnishes elevate the entire dish.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables works beautifully. If you want to indulge, crusty garlic bread is a natural companion that helps mop up every last bit of the bang bang sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual bowls garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch. You could even serve it family-style on a platter with shrimp and pasta intertwined, inviting everyone to dig in and share the deliciousness. This recipe’s vibrant colors and textures make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp and sauce hold their flavor nicely when chilled, but best enjoyed fresh to keep that perfect texture.
Freezing
Because of the creamy sauce and delicate shrimp, freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and separate the sauce. For best quality, enjoy this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving if possible, as gentle reheating preserves the shrimp’s tender texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to get a good sear and avoid excess water in the pan.
What pasta type works best with this recipe?
Long noodles like linguine or spaghetti are ideal because they easily catch the creamy sauce, but you can also use fettuccine, penne, or any favorite pasta shape you love.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
The heat level mainly comes from the sriracha and sweet chili sauce. You can adjust the sriracha amount up or down depending on your spice tolerance to make it mild or more fiery.
Can I make the bang bang sauce dairy-free?
Yes! The bang bang sauce itself is mayonnaise-based and dairy-free. For the cream sauce, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative to keep it creamy without dairy.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
This is a fantastic recipe for meal prep. Just store the pasta, shrimp, and sauce separately if possible, then combine and reheat gently for best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that manages to be both indulgent and easy to make, and this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe fits that description perfectly. It’s a beautiful blend of spice, creaminess, and fresh flavors that will have you reaching for seconds without any guilt. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual dinner party, I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough—you’re going to fall in love just like I did!
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Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish that combines tender, spicy shrimp with a rich, garlicky pasta sauce. The spicy Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey perfectly complements the sautéed shrimp and linguine, making for a quick and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or regular vinegar)
Pasta and Cream Sauce
- 8 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or your preferred type)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to evenly coat all the shrimp with the seasonings.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the spice level if desired.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Using the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some reserved pasta water to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add the Shrimp and Bang Bang Sauce: Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the pasta, then drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over everything. Toss all together until the shrimp and pasta are well coated with the creamy, spicy sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions. Serve with lemon wedges on the side to add a fresh citrusy brightness if desired.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; it helps to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Fresh parsley or green onions add a fresh finish but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Lemon wedges are optional but add a nice tangy contrast to the creamy pasta.
