Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta layers juicy shrimp and creamy sweet—tangy sauce over silky noodles for a fast weeknight meal that feels like restaurant comfort in your own kitchen. This version brings together the best of bold flavors and quick cooking for something you really crave after a long day.

When I first made this for my family we could not stop eating it and everyone went back for seconds. The sauce coats the shrimp and noodles so perfectly it has become my birthday dinner pick more than once.

Ingredients

• Thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta or gluten free pasta: Choose a shape that holds sauce well and cooks up al dente. Pasta is the base and you want good texture
• Medium shrimp peeled and deveined: Go for fresh or frozen shrimp that are plump with no fishy smell. Freshness makes a big difference in flavor
• Coconut oil: Adds a hint of sweetness and helps get the shrimp golden without burning. Choose unrefined for more flavor
• Fresh garlic minced: Gives depth to both the shrimp and the sauce. Choose firm unbruised cloves for best taste
• Paprika: Adds smoky sweet flair. Opt for high quality smoked or sweet paprika for richer color and aroma
• Dried parsley: Brings a bit of herbal lift and color. You want bright green flecks not faded herbs
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adjust amount for kick. Adds a peppery note that wakes up the sauce
• Mayonnaise or light mayonnaise: Brings that creamy mouthfeel. Choose real mayonnaise for richness or light for fewer calories
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Source a good quality one for real sweet and spicy balance. Look for brands without too much corn syrup
• Lime juice: Brings freshness. Use fresh limes for best zing
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For a little heat. Add more if you like it spicy

Instructions

Mix the Sauce:

In a medium bowl whisk together mayonnaise Thai sweet chili sauce minced garlic lime juice and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth. Set aside. You can gently warm in a microwave for thirty seconds if you want a slightly heated sauce

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and stir to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions until al dente then drain well. Do not rinse so the sauce clings better

Prepare the Shrimp:

In a bowl toss the peeled shrimp with paprika minced garlic and black pepper until evenly coated. Let this sit a few minutes for full flavor absorption

Sauté the Shrimp:

In a large skillet heat coconut oil over medium high. Add coated shrimp in a single layer. Stir constantly cooking for about six to eight minutes or until shrimp turn pink and curl up. Once cooked remove the skillet from heat to avoid overcooking

Combine Everything:

In a spacious serving bowl add drained hot pasta cooked shrimp and all of the sauce. Toss together thoroughly with tongs or two forks so every strand is glossed with flavor

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle dried parsley evenly over the dish and serve hot. For extra color scatter a bit more freshly ground black pepper

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My favorite part of this recipe is the shrimp that soak up all the seasoning. You get bite after bite of sweet smoky flavor that really stands out. My daughter always asks for this Bang Bang pasta on her birthday and making it together is our little tradition.

Storage Tips

This dish lasts in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or quickly in the microwave to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid freezing since mayonnaise based sauces can separate.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken breast strips or tofu instead of shrimp for a totally different take. Greek yogurt can sub for mayonnaise if you want a lighter sauce and rice noodles work great for gluten free eaters. If you are out of lime juice try lemon.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta with a crisp cucumber salad or simple garlic sautéed green beans for a bigger meal. I love a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a wedge of lime on the side. For parties pile the pasta into a large bowl and let guests serve themselves.

A Bit of History

Bang Bang sauce takes inspiration from American Asian fusion cuisine and is famous for its balance of creamy and sweet chili flavors. Many restaurants use it as a dipping sauce for fried shrimp but tossing it with pasta and sautéed shrimp makes it perfect for weeknight dinners. The recipe has become an internet classic over the last decade.

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This restaurant—style pasta is easy enough for weeknights but special tasting every time. I hope it becomes your birthday dinner too!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, any long pasta such as linguine or gluten-free options work well with the sauce and shrimp.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The heat is moderate from Thai sweet chili sauce and red pepper. Adjust red pepper flakes to taste.

→ Are there lighter sauce alternatives?

Light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt can replace regular mayonnaise for a lighter creamy texture.

→ Can frozen shrimp be used?

Absolutely, just thaw the shrimp completely and pat dry before seasoning and sautéing.

→ What sides pair well?

Try with a crisp salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

→ How do I prevent overcooked shrimp?

Cook shrimp on medium-high heat just until pink and opaque, then remove from heat immediately.