Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta combines the beloved flavors of the popular appetizer with perfectly cooked pasta for a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. The creamy, spicy sauce clings to every strand of spaghetti, while the succulent shrimp adds a delightful protein boost.

I first made this dish when I was craving something special but didn’t want to leave the house. Now it’s become our family’s go-to impressive dinner when we have guests over who always demand the recipe before they leave.

Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti noodles: The perfect canvas for our flavorful sauce. Use good quality pasta for the best texture.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich base for cooking the shrimp and adds silky flavor.
• 10 ounces shrimp: Deveined and peeled. Choose medium to large shrimp for the best texture and presence in each bite.
• 3 cloves garlic: Provides aromatic depth. Fresh is absolutely essential here.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the shrimp.
• Salt and pepper: To taste. Always season properly to enhance all flavors.
• 1 tablespoon cilantro: Brings a fresh herbaceous note that balances the richness.
• Red pepper flakes: For garnish. Adds both visual appeal and customizable heat.

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base. Use full fat for the richest flavor.
• 1/3 cup sweet Thai chili sauce: The star ingredient providing both sweetness and gentle heat.
• 1/2 lime juiced: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness.
• 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce: Brings that signature bang bang heat level. Adjust to your preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:

Combine mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, lime juice, and sriracha in a bowl. Whisk until completely smooth and uniform in color. The sauce should have a beautiful pale orange hue. Set this aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the other components.

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until perfectly al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes. Test by biting into a strand. It should have a slight resistance in the center. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Season and Prepare Shrimp:

Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika, making sure each piece is evenly coated. The paprika will give the shrimp a beautiful color and subtle smoky flavor.

Cook the Shrimp:

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it begins to foam but not brown. Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. They should form a slight crust on the exterior while remaining juicy inside. In the final 30 seconds, add the minced garlic and stir constantly to prevent burning.

Combine Everything:

With the heat turned off, add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour the prepared bang bang sauce over everything and use tongs to toss thoroughly, ensuring every strand of pasta and each shrimp is coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Garnish and Serve:

Transfer to serving plates or a large platter. Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro and a light dusting of red pepper flakes for color and extra heat if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors.

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The sweet Thai chili sauce is truly the magical ingredient in this recipe. I discovered it years ago when trying to recreate my favorite restaurant appetizer, and now I keep a bottle in my pantry at all times. The complex sweet and spicy flavor profile transforms ordinary dishes into something special with minimal effort.

Storing Leftovers

This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and deepen overnight, making it a fantastic meal prep option. To reheat, add a splash of water or cream and warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving if possible as this can make the shrimp tough and rubbery.

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Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. No shrimp on hand? Substitute with cubed chicken breast or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian version. The sauce works beautifully with any protein. For a lighter version, Greek yogurt can replace half or all of the mayonnaise though the texture will be slightly less creamy. Gluten free pasta works perfectly here too. Spaghetti is traditional, but any pasta shape that holds sauce well like fettuccine, linguine or even penne will work wonderfully.

Serving Suggestions

Turn this meal into a complete dining experience by serving it with a simple side salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to complement the Asian flavor profile. For a more substantial meal, add steamed broccoli or sugar snap peas either on the side or tossed right into the pasta. A chilled glass of off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy notes of this dish.

The History Behind Bang Bang

The original Bang Bang sauce has its roots in Sichuan cuisine, where it was traditionally served with chicken. The name comes from the method of preparation where chicken was pounded with a stick to tenderize it. The Americanized version gained popularity in chain restaurants as a creamy, sweet and spicy sauce typically paired with fried shrimp. This pasta adaptation brings those beloved flavors into an easy home cooked meal that maintains all the craveness of the original appetizer while creating a satisfying main course.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How spicy is Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta?

The dish has a moderate level of spiciness from sriracha and red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the heat level by adding or reducing these ingredients to match your preference.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti noodles with any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta, for a similar result.

→ What can I use instead of cilantro for garnish?

If you don’t like cilantro, you can garnish the dish with fresh parsley, green onions, or basil for an equally vibrant touch.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta and shrimp in advance. Reheat the components gently on the stovetop before serving, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

→ What side dishes pair well with this pasta?

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.