Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe

There’s no denying it — Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a total flavor bomb that packs a creamy, spicy-sweet punch in every forkful. Tender shrimp, silky noodles, and a luscious, tangy sauce come together in one quick, crave-worthy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner parties. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this comforting classic.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is all about simple, bold ingredients that truly deliver. Here’s how each one helps build those crave-worthy layers of flavor and texture, from the perfectly cooked shrimp to the creamy, tangy sauce.

• Thin Spaghetti or Angel Hair Pasta: Delicate noodles let that velvety sauce cling to every bite; feel free to use gluten-free pasta if you need to.
• Shrimp (medium, peeled & deveined): Plump, juicy shrimp bring sweet brininess and the perfect protein punch.
• Coconut Oil: Adds a subtle tropical hint and high smoke point for quick, even shrimp cooking.
• Garlic (freshly minced): Essential for both the shrimp and the sauce, giving rich, savory depth.
• Paprika: Lends gentle warmth and color — smoked or sweet paprika both work beautifully.
• Dried Parsley: A touch of herbal brightness that freshens up the whole dish.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Cracked right in, it gives each bite a little zippy kick.
• Mayonnaise (or light mayo): The creamy backbone of the sauce, keeping things rich without overwhelming.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: The secret to that sweet-spicy bang — look for it in the Asian foods aisle.
• Lime Juice: Adds zingy acidity, balancing all those luscious flavors.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a dash of heat — add more or less depending on your spice preference.

Variations

One of the best things about Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is how easy it is to make it your own! Here are just a few fun ways to mix things up based on what’s in your pantry, your guests’ tastes, or your dietary needs.

• Make it Extra-Spicy: Add a few dashes of Sriracha or double the crushed red pepper for some serious heat.
• Lighten It Up: Use light mayo and swap shrimp for grilled chicken or tofu for a fresh, slightly different twist.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
• Add Veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli, sugar snap peas, or bell peppers for extra color and crunch.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Mix Up the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by stirring together all the sauce ingredients — mayo, sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, and red pepper flakes — in a small bowl. Give it a whisk until smooth and creamy. Set this aside so the flavors can mingle and intensify while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook your pasta of choice until just al dente. This usually takes about 6–8 minutes for angel hair or thin spaghetti, but check the package to be sure. Drain well, but don’t rinse — you want some of that starch to help the sauce cling later!

Step 3: Season and Sauté the Shrimp

Toss your peeled shrimp in a bowl with the paprika, three cloves of minced garlic, and plenty of black pepper. Melt the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the shrimp. Cook, stirring constantly, until they’re pink and just opaque — about 6–8 minutes, depending on size. Don’t overcook or they’ll get rubbery!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

If your pasta’s done, it’s time for the grand assembly! In a large serving bowl, combine the hot pasta, sautéed shrimp (juices and all), and every last drop of that creamy Bang Bang sauce. Toss thoroughly until every noodle and shrimp is smothered in spicy goodness. Sprinkle with dried or fresh parsley and serve right away while it’s steamy and fragrant.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

To brighten up your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, sprinkle on some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a fresh pop of color and flavor. For a little extra crunch and wow-factor, a scattering of toasted sesame seeds or sliced scallions is absolutely lovely. You can also add a lime wedge on the side for those who want even more tang!

Side Dishes

This pasta is truly a meal on its own, but it pairs so well with simple sides. A crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, some quick-steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables help round out the meal without overpowering those delicious shrimp flavors. If you’re feeling extra fancy, serve with crusty bread for sopping up every last drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, try twirling individual nests of noodles and shrimp onto plates for a restaurant-worthy look, or serve family-style in a big, rustic bowl for everyone to dig in together. Tiny cups of extra Bang Bang sauce on the side make a fun, interactive garnish as well. For parties, you can even skewer the shrimp, serve over pasta in mini cups, and let folks grab-and-go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta stores beautifully in the fridge. Pop it in an airtight container and it’ll stay tasty for up to 2 days, making for a seriously good next-day lunch.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, the creamy sauce may separate a bit and shrimp texture can suffer. If you do freeze, wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge for best results — and expect the sauce to be just a little less silky upon reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or milk and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid microwaving the shrimp for too long — just heat until steaming hot. A squeeze of fresh lime after reheating revives all those flavors beautifully!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you love food that’s fun, flavorful, and a little bit unexpected, Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta was made for you. Give it a try this week — you might just find a new favorite that’s sure to wow everyone at your table. Don’t forget to grab an extra fork, because this is one dish that disappears fast. Enjoy!

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