Sometimes, the best meals come from mixing bold flavors with easy steps. That’s exactly what Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta delivers—a warm, creamy, spicy-sweet combo that wraps perfectly around tender shrimp and silky pasta.
This dish is wildly popular for a reason. It’s ready in about 20 minutes, it packs flavor that punches above its weight, and it uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or freezer. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just want a cozy solo meal, this creamy shrimp pasta checks all the boxes.
Throughout this guide, we’ll explore exactly how to make it from scratch, cover ingredient swaps, serving suggestions, and much more. Let’s dive into the deliciousness.
Key Ingredients in Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
The beauty of Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta lies in its simple ingredients that blend sweet, spicy, creamy, and savory all in one bite. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each one matters.
Shrimp
Medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined, are the star. Fresh or frozen both work—just make sure they’re not overcooked. Their natural sweetness balances the spicy sauce beautifully.
Pasta
Thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta is perfect here. It cooks quickly and holds onto the sauce like a champ. You can also use gluten-free noodles or even spaghetti squash for a low-carb version.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
This is the heart of the Bang Bang sauce. It’s sweet with a mild kick and gives that signature flavor you crave. Don’t skip it—it’s essential. Learn more about it here.
Mayonnaise
Creamy and smooth, mayo is what ties the sauce together. It cools the heat while keeping everything rich and luscious.
Garlic, Lime, and Paprika
Garlic adds depth, lime juice brings brightness, and paprika adds warmth and a splash of color. Optional red pepper flakes can crank up the spice if you like it hot.
Simple ingredients. Big flavors. That’s the magic.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Step by Step
Making Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta at home is surprisingly easy—and fast! This one-skillet wonder comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a pot of salted water and cook your thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta according to package directions. Once it’s al dente, drain and set it aside. Save a splash of the pasta water—it can help loosen the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Prep and Cook the Shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, toss your peeled shrimp in paprika, garlic, and black pepper. In a hot skillet with a little coconut oil or olive oil, sauté the shrimp until pink and just cooked through—about 6–8 minutes. Be sure not to overcook them!
Step 3: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
In a bowl, stir together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and a bit of garlic. Add crushed red pepper flakes if you want more heat.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
In a large bowl or back in the skillet, toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce. Mix well so everything gets coated in that creamy, spicy goodness. Garnish with parsley—and serve immediately!
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Variations You’ll Love
One of the best things about Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you’re switching things up for dietary reasons or just getting creative in the kitchen, there are plenty of tasty ways to remix this creamy shrimp pasta.
🐔 Swap Shrimp for Chicken or Tofu
Not a shrimp fan? No problem. Substitute with bite-sized chicken breast or crispy tofu. Just sauté them the same way you would the shrimp. You’ll still get that bold Bang Bang sauce flavor.
🥦 Add Some Veggies
Looking to sneak in more greens? Toss in steamed broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, or spinach. They soak up the sauce and add color, texture, and nutrients.
🧀 Boost the Creaminess
For a richer twist, stir in a bit of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream. It makes the Bang Bang sauce even silkier—perfect for pasta lovers.
🌶️ Make It Spicier (or Milder)
Love heat? Add extra crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, or even hot paprika. Want to tone it down? Use sweet chili sauce only and skip the extra spice.
🍝 Change Up the Pasta
Not into spaghetti? Use fettuccine, penne, or even zoodles if you’re going low-carb. Just choose a pasta that holds the sauce well.
No matter how you tweak it, the creamy, spicy magic stays!
Kitchen Equipment Needed for Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
One more reason to love Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta? You don’t need a gourmet setup to make it. With just a few basic tools, you’ll be dishing out creamy, spicy shrimp pasta like a pro.
🍳 Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
This is where your shrimp will sizzle and shine. Use a nonstick skillet or stainless steel pan with enough space so the shrimp cook evenly without crowding.
🍲 Pasta Pot
You’ll need a medium to large pot for boiling the pasta. Don’t forget to salt the water—it makes a big difference in flavor!
🥄 Mixing Bowl
A small to medium mixing bowl is perfect for whisking together the Bang Bang sauce ingredients. It helps ensure everything blends smoothly before you add it to the pasta.
🔪 Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
For prepping your garlic, parsley, or slicing lime, you’ll want a sharp chef’s knife and a steady cutting board.
🧄 Garlic Press (Optional)
Want ultra-fine garlic without mincing? A garlic press makes it super easy—especially if you’re adding extra flavor.
Simple tools. Big flavor. That’s the Bang Bang way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
❓ What is Bang Bang sauce made of?
Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet blend of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and garlic. Some versions include a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or even a splash of sriracha to turn up the heat. It’s incredibly versatile—and the reason this pasta is so addictive.
❓ Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw?
Yes, you can! If you’re using pre-cooked shrimp, just warm them briefly in the skillet—about 1–2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll turn rubbery. The flavor will still shine through when tossed with the spicy, creamy Bang Bang sauce.
❓ How spicy is Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta?
It’s mildly spicy by default—more of a sweet heat than a burn. But it’s easy to adjust. Want more fire? Add crushed red pepper flakes, hot paprika, or even sriracha. Prefer it mellow? Skip the extra spice and stick with Thai sweet chili sauce alone.
❓ Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep parts of it in advance! The Bang Bang sauce can be mixed and chilled ahead. The shrimp can also be peeled and seasoned early. For best results, cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. That way, the texture stays just right.
❓ Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While thin spaghetti or angel hair works great, you can easily use penne, linguine, fettuccine, or even zoodles. Just go for something that holds onto that luscious Bang Bang sauce well.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!