Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta; 3/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce; Juice of 2 limes; 2 Tbsp sriracha; 12 oz medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 Tbsp vegetable or olive oil; 1 Tbsp chopped parsley (optional garnish)

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I fell in love with this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta the moment I tasted the creamy, spicy sauce paired with perfectly cooked shrimp and tender pasta. It's a quick and satisfying meal that feels a little fancy without being complicated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how this recipe packs bold flavor into such a simple dish. The creamy sauce has a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tanginess that clings to every strand of pasta. It comes together in under 20 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy nights. I also love how easy it is to tweak the ingredients to suit different preferences or whatever I have in the fridge.

Ingredients

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

8 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
¾ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
Juice of 2 limes
2 tablespoons sriracha
12 oz medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Then I drain it and set it aside.
In a small bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and sriracha until smooth.
I season the shrimp with garlic, paprika, salt, and onion powder.
In a large skillet, I heat the oil over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until pink and just cooked through.
I pour the sauce into the skillet with the shrimp and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
I add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
I serve it immediately, garnished with parsley if I have some on hand.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Variations

I often switch things up with this dish depending on what I’m in the mood for. Sometimes I use chicken instead of shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. I’ve also tried it with different types of pasta like penne or fettuccine. For extra texture and flavor, I like to toss in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. And when I want it spicier, I add a little more sriracha.

Storage/reheating

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or lime juice to loosen the sauce if needed. I don’t recommend freezing this dish—the sauce doesn’t hold up well, and the shrimp can become rubbery when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking so they sear properly and don’t release too much moisture.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

I reduce the amount of sriracha or skip it entirely for a milder version. The sweet chili sauce still gives plenty of flavor without too much heat.

What if I don’t have mayo?

I’ve used Greek yogurt or sour cream in a pinch. The texture and flavor change a bit, but it still works well.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Then I just cook the pasta and shrimp fresh when I’m ready to serve.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, as long as I use a dairy-free mayo, this recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta has become one of my go-to dinners when I want something quick, comforting, and full of flavor. The creamy, spicy sauce and juicy shrimp hit all the right notes, and it’s versatile enough to adapt to whatever I have in the kitchen. Whether I’m cooking for myself or sharing it with friends, it always gets a great reaction.

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: Asian Fusion
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta features tender shrimp and al dente pasta tossed in a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and sriracha. It's quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook pasta al dente according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and sriracha.
Season shrimp with garlic, paprika, salt, and onion powder.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until nearly opaque.
Add the prepared sauce to the skillet and simmer until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

You can substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or beef.
Try different types of pasta like penne or fettuccine.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of sriracha and chili sauce.
Use vegan mayo for a dairy-free option.