Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is that perfect mix of creamy comfort and just enough heat to make your taste buds dance. Tender shrimp get seared quickly in a hot pan then tossed with spaghetti and an addictively sweet and spicy sauce. When I make this for friends they ask for the recipe every single time and never believe how easy it is.

The first time I made this I was amazed at how restaurant quality it tasted without much effort and now it is my go-to for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner parties

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: adds creaminess and pulls the whole sauce together use a real egg-based mayonnaise if you can
• Sweet Thai chili sauce: gives the sauce its signature sweetness and a gentle bite choose a trusted brand with a balance of tangy and sweet
• Sriracha: brings the gentle heat taste as you go if you love things extra spicy add a little more
• Honey: for just a touch of mellow sweetness go for a floral or local honey if you can
• Shrimp: the star of the dish fresh or frozen both work just make sure they are peeled and deveined for best texture
• Salt and pepper: simple but essential for seasoning the shrimp before cooking
• Butter: for extra richness and to help brown the shrimp for maximum flavor
• Garlic: fresh cloves are best for a punchy garlicky base
• Spaghetti noodles: classics like spaghetti or linguine work great cook until just al dente so they soak up the sauce
• Green onions: for garnish adds freshness and crunch choose vibrant green stalks free of wilting
• Red pepper flakes: for garnish only if you like extra heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

Whisk together the mayonnaise sweet Thai chili sauce sriracha and honey until smooth and fully blended set this aside for later so flavors meld together a bit while you prep the shrimp

Cook the Pasta:

Boil a pot of water add a good handful of salt and cook your spaghetti noodles until just al dente about a minute less than the package suggests reserve a splash of pasta water before draining in case you want to thin the sauce later

Prepare the Shrimp:

Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels and season all over with salt and pepper drying helps them sear not steam

Sear the Shrimp:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high and melt the butter once it's foaming add the shrimp in a single layer cook for one to two minutes per side until pink and just cooked through

Add the Garlic:

Toss in the minced garlic and stir constantly for about a minute so the garlic becomes fragrant but does not burn this will infuse the shrimp and butter with extra flavor

Combine Everything:

Turn off the heat add the drained spaghetti and pour over all the bang bang sauce gently toss with tongs so every noodle is coated and the shrimp is nestled in the sauce if the sauce seems thick add a splash of reserved pasta water

Garnish and Serve:

Transfer to plates and sprinkle with green onions and red pepper flakes for color and a little extra kick enjoy hot right out of the pan

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My favorite part is that hit of fresh green onion on top it wakes up all the flavors and always reminds me of family gatherings when everyone would fight over that last bite of shrimp

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep best in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days the sauce may thicken so add a tablespoon of water or milk when reheating heat gently on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave to keep the shrimp tender

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap spaghetti for linguine or fettuccine for a heartier bite if you need a gluten free version use your favorite gluten free pasta and mayonnaise if you are out of sweet Thai chili sauce combine apricot preserves with a splash of rice vinegar and hot sauce for a similar effect

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is rich and filling on its own but I like to serve it with a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables garlic bread is a favorite for mopping up extra sauce

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Cultural Context

Bang Bang sauce originally became popular at American chain restaurants inspired by Asian flavors its name comes from the spicy pop of heat from the chili and sriracha sauces while the creamy base is classic comfort food

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of shrimp works best?

Medium or large peeled, deveined shrimp without tails are ideal for even cooking and easy eating.

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Spaghetti is classic, but linguine or fettuccine work well too. Any sturdy pasta will soak up the sauce beautifully.

→ How spicy is the bang bang sauce?

The sauce is mildly spicy, but you can adjust sriracha to your preference for more or less heat.

→ What’s a good garnish for serving?

Green onions, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs add color and extra flavor right before serving.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream to keep the sauce smooth and prevent drying out.