Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta 🍤🍝🌶️

This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a quick, creamy, and spicy dish that’s bursting with flavor! Juicy shrimp and al dente spaghetti are tossed in a zesty sauce made with sweet Thai chili, sriracha, and lime, then finished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun twist on pasta night!
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
- 2 tbsp butter
- 10 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish
For the Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- Juice of ½ lime
- 1 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, lime juice, and sriracha until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Shrimp
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring to prevent burning.
Step 5: Combine
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and add the cooked spaghetti.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and pasta, tossing gently to coat evenly.
Step 6: Serve
- Transfer to a serving dish or plates.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~460 kcal
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Servings: 4
Serving Suggestions
- Sides: Pair with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
- Garnish: Add extra lime wedges or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for freshness.
- Spice it Up: Increase sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Tips for Success
- Shrimp Prep: Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp for the best texture. Pat dry before seasoning to ensure a nice sear.
- Pasta Tip: Cook spaghetti al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when tossed with sauce.
- Sauce Variations: Swap sriracha for hot sauce or adjust the chili sauce for a sweeter or spicier profile.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors, with tender shrimp and pasta coated in a crave-worthy sauce. It’s quick to make, customizable for spice lovers, and ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort. This dish brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen!
Serves 4. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 10 minutes. Total time: 20 minutes.