Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

by Sophia

If you’re anything like me, you live for recipes that combine bold flavors, satisfying textures, and just a hint of indulgence. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta recipe with you. It’s everything you love about your favorite shrimp dishes—juicy, golden, crispy shrimp—combined with a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. Toss that with pasta, and you’ve got a meal that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.

Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this pasta checks all the boxes. Plus, with a few easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you can whip it up in no time.

Let’s dive into the first part of this recipe so you can get started on your journey to pasta perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this meal takes just about 30 minutes to prepare.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, adjust the spice level, or even swap the shrimp for tofu—this recipe is as flexible as it is delicious.

Restaurant Quality: It’s a dish that looks and tastes fancy, but you’ll make it right in your kitchen.

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Shrimp is the star of this dish, and getting it golden and crispy is key. Here’s how to do it:

Season Your Shrimp: Start with 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. (Tip: If you’re short on time, you can buy shrimp that’s already prepped.) Toss the shrimp with ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and, for a little extra kick, ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika. This spice adds a subtle smoky depth to the dish, but you can leave it out if you prefer.

Dredge in Cornstarch: Coat each shrimp in ½ cup of cornstarch. This will give your shrimp that irresistible crispy texture when fried.
Fry to Perfection: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. As you finish each batch, transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Pro Tip: Want to keep things on the healthier side? Bake or air-fry the shrimp instead! Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (or your air fryer to 375°F) and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While your shrimp is sizzling away, it’s time to get your pasta ready.

Boil Your Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti or fettuccine, cooking until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Don’t forget to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s a small step that makes a big difference in achieving a perfectly coated sauce.

Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

The sauce is where the magic happens. Creamy, spicy, sweet—it’s a flavor bomb that pulls the whole dish together.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (to balance the richness)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced

Taste and Adjust: Give the sauce a taste test. Want more heat? Add another splash of Sriracha. Prefer it sweeter? A touch more honey will do the trick.

Pro Tip: If you’re trying to cut down on calories, swap out regular mayo for a low-fat version or use plain Greek yogurt as a base.

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: Bringing It All Together

Welcome back! Now that you’ve got your shrimp perfectly crispy, pasta cooked to al dente perfection, and a bowl of mouthwatering Bang Bang sauce ready to go, it’s time to assemble this masterpiece. This is where the magic happens, as all those bold, vibrant flavors come together into one unforgettable dish. Let’s get cooking!

Step 4: Toss the Pasta with the Sauce

This step is all about transforming your plain pasta into a silky, flavor-packed base for your crispy shrimp.

Prepare the Skillet: Grab the skillet you used to fry the shrimp (because who doesn’t love fewer dishes?). Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

Sauté Garlic: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the oil and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—this step brings a warm, aromatic depth to the dish.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add your drained pasta to the skillet and toss it gently in the garlic oil. Next, pour the Bang Bang sauce over the pasta. Use tongs or a large spoon to mix everything until the noodles are fully coated in that creamy, spicy sauce. If the sauce seems a little thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Pro Tip: If you like extra heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes while tossing for a little fiery kick.

Step 5: Bring the Shrimp Back

Now it’s time to introduce your golden, crispy shrimp to the party.

Add the Shrimp to the Skillet: Gently fold the fried shrimp into the pasta and sauce mixture, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Top It Off: Sprinkle ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta for a hint of saltiness and richness. Garnish with ¼ cup of chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Step 6: Optional Add-Ins and Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some ways to make it your own:

Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or fresh spinach for a boost of color and nutrients.

Make It Vegetarian: Swap the shrimp for crispy tofu, and you’ll still get that amazing combination of textures and flavors.
Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and cornstarch to make the dish accessible for everyone.
Zesty Upgrade: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest or squeeze fresh lime juice over the finished dish for an extra burst of brightness.

Pro Tip: If you’re making this dish for guests, you can serve the shrimp on top of the pasta instead of mixing it in. It looks stunning and keeps the shrimp ultra-crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Impress

The best part of any recipe? Digging in! Here’s how to serve your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta like a pro:

Plate It Up: Divide the pasta into individual servings or serve family-style in a large, shallow bowl.
Garnish Generously: Add extra green onions, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a dash of red pepper flakes for that picture-perfect finish. Lime wedges on the side are a great touch for guests who love a citrusy twist.
Serve Hot: This dish is best enjoyed immediately, while the shrimp is still crispy and the sauce is warm and creamy.

Pro Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Work Quickly: The shrimp is at its crispiest right after frying, so don’t let it sit for too long before combining it with the pasta.
Balance the Sauce: If the sauce feels too spicy, stir in a little more honey or mayonnaise. Too mild? Add a splash of Sriracha.

Storage: While this dish is best fresh, leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

Congratulations! You’re almost ready to serve your incredible Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta. But before you dig in, let’s tackle some common questions and offer a few more tips to make sure your dish is absolutely flawless. Whether you’re making this for the first time or the fiftieth, these FAQs and insights will help you perfect the recipe every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare parts of it ahead of time. Cook the pasta and make the Bang Bang sauce a day in advance. Store the sauce in the fridge and the pasta in an airtight container. Fry the shrimp just before serving to keep it crispy.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before seasoning and frying. To thaw, place the shrimp in a colander under cold running water for about 10 minutes.

3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat this dish on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as it warms. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp less crispy.

4. Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes! This dish is highly customizable. For less heat, reduce the amount of Sriracha in the sauce or omit the red pepper flakes. For more spice, add extra Sriracha or sprinkle cayenne pepper on the shrimp before frying.

5. What pasta works best for this recipe?
Spaghetti or fettuccine are classic choices, but any long pasta, like linguine or bucatini, will work beautifully. For a twist, try it with penne or rigatoni to create a slightly different texture.

6. How can I make this dish healthier?
Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for the sauce, and bake or air-fry the shrimp instead of frying in oil.

7. Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Definitely! This recipe is versatile. Substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or even scallops. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.

Conclusion: Time to Wow Your Taste Buds!

And there you have it—Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, a dish that’s equal parts comfort food and culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its bold flavors and irresistible textures.