Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta; ¾ cup mayonnaise; ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce; Juice of 2 limes; 2 tablespoons sriracha; 12 ounces medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta combines succulent, tender shrimp with a slightly spicy, creamy sauce that is simply irresistible. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy shrimp pasta recipe has an amazing blend of flavors and textures that is sure to be an instant hit with my family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish brings together the best of Asian flavors with a classic, creamy Italian pasta. It's quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The recipe is also customizable—I can adjust the spice level to my liking or even swap out the shrimp for chicken or tofu. The combination of sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice creates a sauce that's both tangy and spicy, coating the pasta and shrimp beautifully.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta
¾ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
Juice of 2 limes
2 tablespoons sriracha
12 ounces medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil

Optional Garnish:

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions

I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions. Then, I drain it and set it aside.
While the pasta is cooking, I prepare the sauce by combining the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and sriracha in a small bowl. I set this aside.
In a large bowl, I toss the shrimp with the minced garlic, paprika, salt, and onion powder until they're well coated.
I heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I add the shrimp in a single layer and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they're nearly opaque.
I stir in the prepared sauce and cook for another 5 minutes, until the sauce comes to a simmer and begins to thicken.
I add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
If desired, I garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, so I can have it on the table in just 20 minutes.

Variations

Protein Swap: Sometimes, I substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different take on the dish.
Vegetarian Option: I add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Spice Level: I adjust the amount of sriracha to make the dish milder or spicier, depending on my preference.

Storage/Reheating

Make Ahead: I can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge.
Storage: Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freezing: I don't recommend freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce and shrimp may not thaw or reheat well.
Reheating: I reheat the pasta slowly over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

How can I make this dish less spicy?

I reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce to make it milder. Starting with 1 tablespoon and adjusting to taste works well for me.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I thaw the frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This ensures they cook evenly and don't release excess water into the sauce.

What type of pasta works best?

I usually use spaghetti or linguine, but any pasta that holds sauce well, like fettuccine or penne, would work.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. I prepare the sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes the dish even quicker to assemble on busy nights.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to mayonnaise?

Yes, I use a dairy-free mayonnaise substitute to make the dish suitable for those avoiding dairy.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a delightful fusion of flavors that's both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether I'm cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish never fails to impress. The combination of creamy, spicy sauce with tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta makes it a go-to recipe in my kitchen.

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Fusion
Diet: Halal

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Description

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta combines tender shrimp with a creamy, spicy Asian-inspired sauce over pasta for a quick, flavorful meal.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and sriracha. Set aside.
In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with minced garlic, paprika, salt, and onion powder until well coated.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until nearly opaque.
Stir in the prepared sauce and cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce simmers and thickens.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.