If you’re looking for a dish that’s bold, creamy, spicy, and satisfying, look no further than Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta.

This recipe combines crispy shrimp, tender pasta, and a luscious sauce that strikes the perfect balance between heat, sweetness, and tanginess. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress. And the best part? It only takes 30 minutes to whip up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup cornstarch (for dredging the shrimp)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying the shrimp)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons Sriracha (depending on your heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for tanginess)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine (or any pasta shape you like)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Optional Add-Ins and Variations:
- Vegetables: Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for more nutrients.
- Tofu: Swap shrimp with crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch to make it gluten-free.
- Lemon Zest: Sprinkle some lemon zest for a fresh, zesty touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by seasoning your shrimp to pack in flavor. Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Coat the seasoned shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. The cornstarch gives the shrimp a crispy exterior when fried. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the shrimp in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the shrimp is frying, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice—spaghetti or fettuccine works great—and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8–10 minutes). Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water to help loosen the sauce later if needed. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha (adjust to your heat preference), honey, lime juice, and minced garlic. This creamy and bold sauce is what makes this dish so irresistible. Taste and adjust as needed—add more Sriracha for extra heat or more honey for added sweetness.
Step 4: Toss the Pasta with the Sauce
Using the same skillet you fried the shrimp in (no need to wash it), heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the garlic oil. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the pasta and toss until every noodle is coated in creamy goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Combine the Shrimp and Pasta
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the crispy fried shrimp to the skillet with the saucy pasta and gently toss to combine. Make sure each bite gets a little bit of everything—shrimp, sauce, and pasta.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish for a savory finish. Garnish with chopped green onions and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like an extra kick of spice. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is perfect for those who love bold flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The crispy shrimp adds texture, while the creamy sauce coats every noodle beautifully. Plus, it’s versatile—you can easily customize it by adding vegetables or making it vegetarian.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It’s essential for achieving that crispy shrimp texture.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is a lifesaver if your sauce feels too thick.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the Bang Bang sauce to suit your preferences—it’s your dish!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 bowl of pasta with shrimp
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
Ready to Try This Recipe?
Your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is now ready to be devoured! The combination of crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and tender pasta creates a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds.
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PrintBang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta features crispy fried shrimp tossed with tender pasta in a bold, creamy, sweet and spicy sauce. It’s a 30-minute meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home, perfect for weeknights or impressing guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion, Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini
- Lemon zest
- Tofu (instead of shrimp)
- Gluten-free pasta and cornstarch
Instructions
1. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss in cornstarch and shake off excess.
2. Heat oil in skillet and fry shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
3. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
4. In a bowl, whisk together mayo, chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic. Adjust to taste.
5. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic in olive oil for 30 seconds.
6. Add pasta and toss to coat in garlic oil. Pour in Bang Bang sauce and mix well. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
7. Gently toss in the fried shrimp.
8. Top with Parmesan, green onions, and red pepper flakes. Serve hot with lime wedges.
Notes
• Adjust heat by changing the amount of Sriracha.
• Add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for a healthier twist.
• Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch to make it gluten-free.
• Tofu is a great substitute for shrimp in a vegetarian version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl of pasta with shrimp
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: —
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: —
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
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