Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes

Why It’s So Popular

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is inspired by the famous Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer served at Bonefish Grill, but with a twist—it’s turned into a creamy, spicy, slightly sweet pasta dish. It combines tender pasta, juicy shrimp, and a luscious sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and seasonings. The result is a perfect balance of heat, tang, and creaminess.

Ingredients

For the pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine (you can also use fettuccine for more sauce cling)

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil (to keep pasta from sticking)

• Salt for pasta water

For the shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Bang Bang sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ⅓ cup Thai sweet chili sauce

• 1–2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for heat preference)

• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

• 1–2 tsp lime juice (for brightness)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional but recommended for depth)

For garnish:

• Chopped green onions or parsley

• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Grated parmesan (non-traditional, but some love it)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.

3. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining—it will help loosen the sauce later.

4. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Bang Bang sauce

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:

   • Mayonnaise

   • Sweet chili sauce

   • Sriracha

   • Honey (if using)

   • Lime juice

2. Taste and adjust—more sriracha for heat, more honey for sweetness, more lime for tang.

3. If you like a garlicky kick, stir in the minced garlic.

3. Cook the shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels (important for a good sear).

2. Toss them in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Do not overcook—they’ll get rubbery.

5. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.

4. Combine pasta and sauce

1. In the same skillet (heat reduced to medium-low), add the cooked pasta.

2. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the pasta and toss until coated.

3. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.

4. Return shrimp to skillet and toss gently until warmed through.

5. Garnish and serve

1. Plate pasta and shrimp.

2. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley.

3. Optionally, dust with red pepper flakes or parmesan cheese.

4. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. Shrimp Size Matters – Large shrimp (16–20 per pound) hold up better in pasta without overcooking.

2. Don’t Skip the Pasta Water – The starch helps bind the sauce to the noodles for a silky texture.

3. Mayonnaise Quality – Use full-fat mayo for the best creamy consistency.

4. Sweet Chili Sauce Brand – Mae Ploy or Thai Kitchen brands give a richer, less artificial sweetness.

5. Heat Control – Start with 1 tbsp sriracha if you’re sensitive to spice; add more after tasting.

6. Garlic Flavor – Raw garlic in the sauce gives a sharper kick; sautéing it first mellows the bite.

Nutritional Breakdown (Approx. per serving)

(Based on 5 servings, using full mayo and no parmesan)

• Calories: ~480

• Protein: 27g

• Carbs: 48g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: ~940mg

This is a rich dish—if you want to lighten it, swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt and use whole wheat pasta.

Flavor Profile

• Creamy – from mayo’s emulsified base

• Sweet & Tangy – from Thai sweet chili sauce

• Spicy – from sriracha and optional pepper flakes

• Savory – from shrimp seasoning and garlic

• Bright – from lime juice cutting through richness

Variations

1. Lightened-Up Version

• Use half mayo, half plain Greek yogurt.

• Swap regular pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

• Reduce sweet chili sauce slightly and increase lime juice for freshness.

2. Extra Creamy Alfredo Fusion

• Stir ¼ cup heavy cream into the sauce for a thicker, restaurant-style coating.

3. Cajun Bang Bang Pasta

• Season shrimp with Cajun spice mix instead of paprika and garlic powder.

• Add sautéed bell peppers and onions for color and crunch.

4. Vegetarian Bang Bang Pasta

• Replace shrimp with crispy baked cauliflower or tofu.

• Keep the same sauce and toss with pasta.

5. Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

• Use the same shrimp and sauce, but fill soft tortillas with slaw instead of pasta.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Gently reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to keep sauce smooth.

• Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid drying out shrimp.

Freezing:

• Not ideal, as mayo-based sauces can separate when thawed.

Serving Ideas

1. With Garlic Bread – Perfect for mopping up extra sauce.

2. Side Salad – A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances richness.

3. Grilled Veggies – Asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers complement the flavors.

4. Wine Pairing – A slightly sweet Riesling or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make in under 30 minutes. It’s creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy all in one bite, with shrimp bringing a luxurious seafood note. While it’s not the lightest meal, it’s a fantastic treat for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Once you’ve made it once, you’ll probably start playing with the sauce ratio, swapping pasta types, or even doubling the shrimp. And if you love entertaining, it’s one of those crowd-pleasers where people will ask for the recipe before they’ve even finished their first serving.