Print

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 55 reviews

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and creamy fusion dish featuring tender shrimp seasoned with smoked paprika and coated in a spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. Tossed with al dente spaghetti and garnished with fresh green onions and a hint of lime, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and zest in a comforting pasta meal.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 8 ounces (226g) spaghetti

For the Shrimp

  • 1 pound (450g) raw shrimp, deveined and peeled
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon sweet Thai chili sauce (for seasoning shrimp)

For the Sauce and Sauté

  • 2 ounces (57g) unsalted butter, divided
  • ½ cup (26g) diced yellow onions
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (115g) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup (237ml) sweet Thai chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) sriracha sauce
  • ¼ cup (60ml) reserved pasta water
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lime juice
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Heat a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
  2. Season Shrimp: In a small bowl, season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and one tablespoon of sweet chili sauce. Mix well so that all the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning.
  3. Cook Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt half of the butter. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and golden. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and place on a plate; set aside.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: To the skillet, add the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and reserved pasta water. Whisk the ingredients together until completely combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning by tasting and adding salt or pepper as needed.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the Bang Bang sauce.
  7. Add Shrimp and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss lightly to coat them with the sauce. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the pasta and shrimp. Garnish with chopped green onions and crushed red pepper flakes if desired, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of sweet chili sauce to 2 teaspoons; 4 teaspoons provide a good balance of flavor and spice for most.
  • Do not overcook your shrimp; cook until they turn pink and the meat is opaque but still tender to avoid a rubbery texture.
  • Nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary depending on exact ingredients and brands used.