Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Dish

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta packs a punch of flavor and comes together quickly enough for busy weeknights but still feels special enough to serve guests. The creamy sweet chili sauce, juicy shrimp, and tender noodles combine for a pasta dish that is wildly craveable and easy to fall in love with.

I remember the first time I served this at a family birthday dinner and everyone went back for seconds My daughter still talks about that bowl of pasta

Ingredients

• Spaghetti or linguine pasta: Gives this dish its comforting base. Choose a high quality dry pasta for best texture
• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy sauce foundation. I like to use a good quality full fat mayo for the smoothest finish
• Sweet chili sauce: Brings sweetness and a gentle heat. Look for one with real chili and garlic on the label
• Fresh lime juice: Offers a necessary zing. Make sure your limes are heavy and soft for the juiciest result
• Sriracha: Adds signature kick. Use more or less based on your heat preference
• Medium shrimp: Great because they cook quickly and remain tender. Look for peeled and deveined shrimp to save prep time
• Garlic: Provides depth. Mince it fresh for pop of flavor
• Paprika: Gives a smoky undertone. Opt for a sweet paprika to avoid overpowering heat
• Salt: Necessary to enhance every other flavor. Use a fine sea salt for even seasoning
• Onion powder: Gently boosts savory notes
• Vegetable oil or olive oil: Used for sautéing. Either works well, just use what you have on hand
• Parsley: Perfect for a pop of color and freshness. Chop right before serving for bright flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil and Salt the Pasta:

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Generously add salt which seasons your noodles from the inside out. Cook your pasta following package instructions until al dente which means it still has a little bite. Drain immediately in a colander and set aside so it does not overcook

Whisk the Sauce:

In a small mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, lime juice and sriracha. Use a whisk to blend until silky and fully combined. Taste and adjust lime or hot sauce to match your preference. This creamy zingy sauce is what makes the dish unforgettable

Season and Prep the Shrimp:

Place your cleaned shrimp in a large bowl. Sprinkle over finely minced garlic, paprika, salt and onion powder. Toss everything together with a gentle hand so the shrimp get evenly coated without mashing the delicate flesh. Leave out at room temperature to take off the chill for even cooking

Cook the Shrimp:

Pour the oil into a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them go untouched for two to three minutes until the underside turns pink and just starts to curl. Flip and cook another couple of minutes. You want the shrimp nearly opaque but not tight and rubbery

Combine Everything:

Drop the heat to medium low and pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp in the skillet. Stir to coat every shrimp then let the sauce and shrimp simmer gently for about five minutes until the sauce is hot and starts to thicken. Add cooked pasta right into the pan and toss together so every noodle is covered and glossy

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Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is always a showstopper at our table My favorite ingredient is the sweet chili sauce which coats every bite with a sweetness that balances the tang of lime and just enough heat My kids love swirling their noodles in the extra sauce and it never lasts long enough for leftovers

Storage Tips

This pasta keeps best in the fridge in a tightly covered container for up to two days. For the juiciest shrimp, avoid microwaving. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or extra sauce so the noodles do not dry out. The flavors deepen as it sits which makes it even more delicious the next day

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find sweet chili sauce, you can mix equal parts honey and your favorite hot sauce as a quick substitute. Greek yogurt works instead of mayonnaise if you want an even lighter sauce. For a gluten free variation swap in brown rice pasta or zoodles. Large prawns or even diced chicken breast are good stand ins for the shrimp

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta freshly tossed and hot from the pan. Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of parsley and extra lime wedges if you want extra zip. Sliced green onions make for a crunchy garnish. You can also add steamed broccoli spears or toss in some snap peas for more color and crunch. The rich saucy pasta pairs great with a simple green salad or garlic bread

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Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta combines simple steps with big flavor making it a perfect choice for nearly any occasion—whether weeknight meals or special gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of shrimp works best?

Medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined, offer the best texture and quick cooking. Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp will both work well for this dish.

→ Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, spaghetti or linguine are traditional, but fettuccine or angel hair also pair nicely with the creamy, spicy sauce.

→ Is there a substitute for sweet chili sauce?

If you don't have sweet chili sauce, blend honey with a touch of hot sauce and rice vinegar for a similar balance of sweetness and spice.

→ How can I make it less spicy?

Reduce the sriracha in the sauce or use a milder chili sauce. Taste as you go, adjusting heat to your preference.

→ What garnishes work best?

Fresh parsley adds color and brightness. Chopped green onion or cilantro are also great alternatives for extra freshness.