Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: A Creamy, Spicy Weeknight Dinner You’ll Crave Again and Again

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Thank you so much for being here today—truly. I get so excited to share recipes like this one because it’s fast, comforting, creamy, spicy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—restaurant-quality taste with simple ingredients and minimal prep. Anything but boring!!

Every time I make this pasta, the smell of sautéed shrimp, garlic, and that silky bang bang sauce fills the kitchen, and I’m instantly reminded why this recipe has become a family favorite. And honestly? I’m always kicking myself for not making it more often.

Before we dive in, don’t forget to subscribe to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox, plus more easy dinners, pasta favorites, and cozy weeknight meals.

Overview of Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta combines tender sautéed shrimp with a creamy, spicy, slightly sweet sauce inspired by the popular restaurant appetizer. Toss it with thin spaghetti or angel hair for a luscious, flavor-packed dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

This bowl of comfort delivers a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, tang, and seafood richness—seriously irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 30-minute meal
• Restaurant quality with simple ingredients
• Creamy, spicy, and ultra-flavorful
• Customizable heat level
• Kid-friendly option available
• Pairs well with salads, bread, or veggies

What Does Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Taste Like?

Creamy. Slightly spicy. Sweet. Savory. The shrimp sauté beautifully, the pasta soaks up the sauce, and every bite is silky and bursting with flavor. The combination of sweet chili sauce + sriracha + mayo creates that classic bang bang flavor we all love.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Budget-friendly
• Easy weeknight supper
• High in protein
• Great for leftovers
• Works with gluten-free pasta
• Quick cleanup
• Crowd-pleaser

Ingredients

Pasta & Shrimp

• ¾–1 lb thin spaghetti, angel hair, or gluten-free pasta
• 1 ½ lbs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2–3 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional for extra sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt & pepper to taste

For Cooking Shrimp

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or green onions
• Red pepper flakes
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Colander
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu
• Use linguine or fettuccine if you prefer wider noodles
• Add vegetables: mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes
• Make it extra creamy with a splash of heavy cream
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter sauce
• Make it extra spicy with added chili flakes

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.

2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

• mayonnaise
• sweet chili sauce
• sriracha
• honey
• lime juice
• garlic

Taste and adjust heat/sweetness.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, salt & pepper. Sauté 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

4. Combine Pasta & Sauce

In the same skillet, lower heat and add pasta + sauce. Toss until creamy and well-coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.

5. Add the Shrimp

Stir in cooked shrimp gently. Taste and adjust seasonings.

6. Serve Warm

Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or chili flakes. Serve immediately.

What to Serve With Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

• Garlic bread
• Side salad with creamy vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli
• Sautéed zucchini
• Roasted asparagus
• Fried or baked wontons
• Cucumber salad

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: 2–3 days
• Freezer: Not recommended (dairy + shrimp don’t freeze well)
• Reheat: Gently on stovetop with a splash of water or cream

General Information

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15–18 minutes
• Total: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Difficulty: Easy

Conclusion

This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is creamy, spicy, sweet, and unbelievably satisfying—your new weeknight favorite. It comes together fast, packs huge flavor, and feels like something straight from a restaurant but made effortlessly at home.

If you love flavorful shrimp dishes, try my Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo, or Bang Bang Chicken Bowls next!

Share Your Creamy Creations!

If you make this recipe, please leave a review and share your gorgeous photos on Pinterest—I love seeing your kitchen masterpieces!

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 55g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g