Craving something restaurant-worthy but easy enough to whip up at home in under 30 minutes? Look no further than this irresistible Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta. It combines juicy seared shrimp, spaghetti noodles, and a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that packs a flavorful punch — all tossed together in one addictive, slurpable dish.
Whether you’re cooking for a date night, treating your family, or just indulging in comfort food with a little heat, this dish never fails to impress. Inspired by the iconic Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer from Bonefish Grill, this pasta version takes it a step further with satisfying carbs and a saucy coating that clings to every bite.
💥 What is Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta?
At its heart, Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, spicy pasta dish that centers around three simple but powerful components:
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- Succulent shrimp, seasoned and sautéed to perfection.
- Tender spaghetti or linguine, cooked al dente.
- Bang Bang sauce, a blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, garlic, and sriracha, creating a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor bomb.
🛒 Ingredients (Original Recipe – Kept Intact)
- 8 oz spaghetti (or linguine)
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice (optional for brightness)
Garnish (optional but highly recommended):
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Crushed red pepper flakes or sesame seeds
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
✅ No dairy in the sauce? That’s right! It’s creamy without cream thanks to the mayo and chili sauce combo.
🍳 How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Set the pasta aside and drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice (if using). Taste and adjust spice to your liking.
🔥 For extra kick, add a dash more sriracha or even cayenne.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil. Toss shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic. Add shrimp to hot skillet in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add drained pasta, cooked shrimp, and the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Plate the pasta and top with chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, or sesame seeds. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for a pop of citrusy brightness.
🧠 Chef’s Tips & Tricks
- Use large or jumbo shrimp for an elegant presentation.
- Want a shortcut? Pre-cooked shrimp can be used — just warm them gently in the sauce.
- Sriracha substitutions: Try gochujang or sambal oelek for a similar punch with a twist.
- Add a handful of baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition and color.
🔄 Variations to Try
This dish is incredibly adaptable. Try these fun twists:
🧀 Creamy Bang Bang
Add ¼ cup cream cheese or heavy cream for a richer, thicker sauce.
🐓 Bang Bang Chicken Pasta
Swap shrimp for bite-sized pieces of grilled or pan-fried chicken breast.
🌱 Vegetarian Version
Use roasted cauliflower florets or crispy tofu in place of shrimp.
🍋 Lemon Zest
Grate fresh lemon zest into the sauce for a citrusy lift.
🥗 What to Serve With It
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette
- A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus
- Chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
❄️ Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not ideal (mayo-based sauces may separate).
Reheat: Gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or water over low heat to loosen the sauce without breaking it.
💬 Reader Reviews
“Made this twice in one week! The sauce is out of this world. My husband now requests it every Friday.” — Emily P.
“This tastes BETTER than the restaurant version. Super creamy and not too spicy. Loved it!” — Jerome T.
“I used gluten-free pasta and it still turned out perfect!” — Riley M.
📸 Presentation Tips
- Serve in shallow pasta bowls.
- Swirl the spaghetti with tongs before plating for that pro-chef look.
- Top with extra parsley and a drizzle of chili oil for dramatic flair.
🍤 Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta – A Creamy, Spicy Weeknight Favorite!
At its heart, Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, spicy pasta dish that centers around three simple but powerful components:
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti (or linguine)
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice (optional for brightness)
Garnish (optional but highly recommended):
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Crushed red pepper flakes or sesame seeds
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Set the pasta aside and drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice (if using). Taste and adjust spice to your liking.
🔥 For extra kick, add a dash more sriracha or even cayenne.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil. Toss shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic. Add shrimp to hot skillet in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add drained pasta, cooked shrimp, and the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Plate the pasta and top with chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, or sesame seeds. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for a pop of citrusy brightness.
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