Sunlit summer evenings with laughter around the table—this is where Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta found its forever home in our family. I first tossed shrimp and creamy sauce into pasta one busy evening, seeking something quick yet indulgent. The bold, spicy-sweet flavors brought an instant “wow” to our table.

As a mom who loves simple, striking dishes, this pasta combination became an effortless go-to. It brings restaurant-level flavor without the fuss and keeps the kitchen light and bright, just the way I like it.

Each bite delivers crisp shrimp blanketed in a velvety sauce, tangled with tender noodles. My kids love the mild heat, while I adore the texture play and saucy comfort.

This dish has since become a favorite—ideal for midweek dinners, casual date nights, or sending out as leftovers that taste just as good the next day.

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta - Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Short Description

A creamy, spicy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta that combines crispy shrimp, rich sauce, and al dente noodles—ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for flavor lovers.

Ingredients

For the shrimp and sauce

12 oz (340 g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 Tbsp sriracha (adjust more or less to taste)
1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup
2 tsp lime juice
1 garlic clove, minced

For the pasta

8 oz (225 g) linguine or fettuccine
2 Tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Substitutions

Dairy-free: use vegan mayo, omit or replace honey with agave
Gluten-free: swap linguine for GF pasta
Lower heat: reduce sriracha to 1 tsp

Tools Needed

Large pot for pasta
Skillet (non-stick or cast iron)
Mixing bowls
Tongs or pasta fork

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, toss with 1 Tbsp olive oil, and set aside.

Step 2: Make the sauce
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the shrimp
Heat remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly crisp around edges. Remove from skillet and keep warm.

Step 4: Toss pasta with sauce
Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, pour in the sauce, and stir until noodles are evenly coated.

Step 5: Combine with shrimp
Return shrimp to the skillet and gently toss so each piece is coated with sauce. Warm through for 1 minute.

Step 6: Serve and garnish
Divide pasta onto plates, sprinkle with cilantro or green onions, and serve with a lime wedge on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold, creamy flavor with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy
Quick prep—on the table in about 25 minutes
Textural delight—crispy shrimp meets silky noodles
Kid-friendly with tweakable heat to suit different palates
Versatile pantry staples mean you can make it anytime

Helpful Tips and Cooking Notes

Make sure to dry your shrimp well before seasoning—this helps them get crisp instead of steaming when they hit the hot pan.

Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly so the sweetness, spice, and tang combine evenly—no one flavor should dominate.

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink; overcooking makes them chewy. They continue to warm when tossed with the pasta.

Toss pasta and shrimp on low heat so the sauce coats everything without splitting or drying.

Brighten the dish right before serving with fresh lime juice and herbs. The touch of acid lifts the creamy richness and brings freshness to each bite.

Nutritional Benefits & Fun Facts

Shrimp offers lean protein and is rich in selenium and vitamin B12. The creamy sauce delivers flavor, but using modest mayo and honey keeps calories in check.

Fun bit: the name “Bang Bang” comes from the original shrimp dish that used a triple-threat sauce—sweet, spicy, and creamy—giving it an explosive flavor punch.

Final Dish & Serving Suggestions

This pasta glistens with a creamy, pink-orange sauce hugging each noodle. Crisp-edged shrimp peek through, giving a satisfying bite. Each forkful delivers silky heat balanced by zesty lime.

Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to soak up the sauce, or beside steamed broccoli or asparagus for freshness and crunch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

After cooling, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Add fresh lime juice and herbs after warming to refresh flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—thaw completely, pat dry, and proceed as with fresh shrimp.

2. Is the sauce too spicy?
Adjust sriracha amount to your family’s taste. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more if you like heat.

3. Can I use a different noodle?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even rice noodles work nicely with the creamy sauce.

4. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free pasta. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.

5. Can I prep the sauce ahead?
Yes, make the sauce up to two days in advance. Whisk before using and warm slightly when tossing with pasta.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is my shortcut to a restaurant-style supper that feels indulgent yet simple. It’s brimming with flavor and comfort, and versatile enough for family nights or date nights. I hope it brings bold joy to your table.

Tell me how yours turns out—what toppings you added or noodles you tried. I’d love to hear your spin. If you loved it, pin it for your next weeknight treat!