There’s something completely irresistible about a creamy, spicy noodle dish that comes together in no time and tastes like you just ordered it from your favorite fusion restaurant. Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is my go-to for weeknights when I want maximum flavor with minimal fuss—the sauce is silky, luscious, and packs that signature chili kick, while juicy, crispy shrimp turn every bite into a celebration. It’s a one-pan wonder that transforms humble pantry staples into something truly special!

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of easy-to-find ingredients can deliver such big, bold flavors. Each component in this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta brings something unique—for color, crunch, creaminess, or that tingling heat that keeps you coming back for more.

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti: Choose your favorite long pasta; it’s perfect for soaking up every drop of that zippy sauce.
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: Go for medium or large shrimp for the right balance of tenderness and meatiness.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Lightly coats the shrimp, giving you that craveable crispy texture when pan-seared.
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skip seasoning—this simple step makes every bite pop!
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the shrimp get beautifully golden without sticking to the pan.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce—full-fat is most luxurious, but light works in a pinch.
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Adds the signature sweet-tangy heat; look for it in the Asian aisle of any grocery store.
1–2 tablespoons sriracha (to taste): Adjust according to your spice tolerance—just a little for warmth or more for a fiery kick.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers a mellow, savory backbone to the sauce.
1 tablespoon lime juice: A squeeze of citrus brightens the whole dish.
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): Adds a fresh, crisp bite right at the end.
Chopped parsley or cilantro (optional): For that pop of green and a herbaceous finish.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your linguine or spaghetti until it’s perfectly al dente—think just tender, but still a little bite. Drain the noodles and set them aside (don’t forget to save a splash of pasta water if you like your sauce extra silky!).

Step 2: Prep and Coat the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels, then toss them in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This quick dusting is the secret to that dreamy crispy crust—so don’t skip it! The seasoning works its way into every bite while the cornstarch seals in moisture.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, add the coated shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they’re pink, slightly curled, and wonderfully crispy on the outside. Transfer to a plate and resist snacking (for now!).

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, and lime juice until you have a velvety, rosy sauce. Give it a taste and add more sriracha if you like things extra spicy—the best part of making Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta at home is dialing the flavor just right for you.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Add your cooked noodles to the bowl of sauce and toss gently until every strand is glistening and coated. Gently fold in the crispy shrimp so they stay plump and golden. If you want your dish a little looser, a splash of reserved pasta water does wonders for creaminess.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta to a serving bowl or plates, then shower with sliced green onions and a scatter of fresh parsley or cilantro if you like. Behold, dinner is ready—just watch it vanish!

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

A final flourish can elevate the dish into true restaurant status. You can’t go wrong with a handful of thinly sliced green onions and a dusting of fresh parsley or cilantro for color and brightness. For a tangy crunch, try tossing in some thin slices of red radish or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. It’s all about adding contrast and a burst of freshness to each serving.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta shines as a main course, but if you want to round out your meal, pair it with a crisp side salad or some steamed veggies like snap peas or broccoli. Garlic bread is always a welcome addition for sopping up every last bit of that addictive sauce, or serve with a light, Asian-inspired slaw for something extra zingy.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or want to impress, pile the noodles high in a large platter and arrange the shrimp artfully on top. For individual servings, twirl the pasta with tongs into little nests and crown each with a few golden shrimp. Or go for a casual approach and serve family-style with toppings on the side so everyone can build their own bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta holds up beautifully for up to two days in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the pasta and shrimp together for easy reheating, but if you think you’ll have leftovers, consider storing the sauce separately for the very best texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the sauce may lose a bit of its silkiness and the shrimp can become slightly less snappy after thawing. If you must, freeze only the cooked shrimp and sauce (without pasta), then toss with hot, freshly cooked noodles when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or milk to help loosen the sauce. The shrimp will heat through quickly—be careful not to overcook or they can toughen. The microwave works in a pinch, but stovetop is best for preserving those vibrant flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta?

Absolutely! Just thaw your shrimp completely and pat them very dry before tossing with the cornstarch. This ensures they’ll get nice and crispy when pan-seared.

Is there a lighter version of the sauce?

You can easily substitute up to half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This lightens up the sauce while still keeping it rich, creamy, and tangy—the perfect complement to spicy shrimp!

What other vegetables can I add?

Steamed snap peas, broccoli florets, or even julienned carrots are all delicious additions to Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta. Simply stir them in with the noodles for extra color, crunch, and nutrition.

How spicy is Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta?

The heat level really depends on how much sriracha you use; start with less if you’re sensitive to spice and taste before adding more. The sweet chili sauce balances the sriracha with its sweetness, so you get a pleasant warmth that’s never overpowering.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free noodles and double-check that your sweet chili sauce and sriracha are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that’s creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor, give Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta a spot on your dinner table. It’s easy, show-stopping, and endlessly customizable—plus, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles all around. I hope you love every slurp and bite as much as I do!

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and spicy twist on a classic pasta dish, Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a creamy and flavorful recipe that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp coated in a crispy cornstarch crust are tossed in a creamy and tangy sauce, then combined with al dente pasta for a satisfying meal with a kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

Shrimp:

1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1–2 tablespoons sriracha (to taste)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lime juice

Garnish:

2 green onions, sliced
Chopped parsley or cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the shrimp: Pat dry the shrimp, then coat with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet, and cook the shrimp until pink and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove from heat.
Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic, and lime juice until smooth.
Combine: Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce until well coated, then gently fold in the cooked shrimp.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and herbs if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Adjust sriracha to taste for preferred spice level.
You can lighten the sauce by using Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayonnaise.
Enhance the dish by adding steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-American