Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: The Creamy, Spicy, & EASY Recipe You’ll Love!

Ever crave a restaurant-quality meal on a busy weeknight? Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is the answer! It’s a creamy, spicy, and utterly addictive dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta recipe delivers all the flavor of the famous Bonefish Grill appetizer but transformed into a satisfying main course that comes together in just 30 minutes.

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta combines tender, juicy shrimp with a signature sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy. The sauce coats every strand of pasta for a dish that’s impossible to resist. Though popularly associated with Bonefish Grill’s famous appetizer, this pasta version takes the concept to new heights with a few simple modifications that make it even better than the restaurant version.

What makes this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta recipe truly stand out is its simplicity without sacrificing flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, you’ll create a dish that tastes like it came from a professional kitchen. The balance of flavors – creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy – creates complexity that belies how easy it is to prepare.

In this post, I’ll walk you through every step of making perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta at home, from selecting the right ingredients to plating the finished dish. You’ll also find helpful tips for customizing the spice level, suggestions for complementary side dishes, and answers to common questions about this delicious recipe.

What You’ll Need: The Ultimate Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Ingredients

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Ingredients

1st. For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)

2nd.For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)

3rd.For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine
• Salt (for pasta water)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (to prevent sticking)

4th.For Garnish (Optional):

• 3 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)

Ingredient Notes:

For the shrimp, I prefer using large shrimp (21-25 count) because they cook evenly and have a nice bite. Frozen shrimp works great – just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.

Sweet chili sauce can vary in spiciness. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.

If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for that hint of acidity.

Essential Equipment for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large skillet or wok (for cooking shrimp)
• Mixing bowls (small and medium)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or pasta server
• Colander

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide

Prep the Shrimp:

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. The cornstarch helps create a light crust that the sauce will cling to.

Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Cook the Shrimp:

Step 3: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly crisp on the edges.

Step 4: Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Keep warm.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar (if using) until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Cook the Pasta:

Step 6: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes).

Step 7: Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water. Toss the pasta with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Combine Everything:

Step 8: Return the empty pasta pot to low heat. Add the cooked pasta and pour about ⅔ of the Bang Bang sauce over it. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 9: Add the cooked shrimp to the pot and gently toss to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water (1-2 tablespoons at a time) until you reach your desired consistency.

Serve:

Step 10: Transfer the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta to serving plates or a large platter. Drizzle with the remaining sauce, then garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like extra heat. Serve immediately.

Instruction Notes:

Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the shrimp. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and proper browning.

Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, or it will become rubbery. They’re done as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Adjust the amount of Sriracha to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.

Pro Tips for the BEST Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before coating in cornstarch. This helps them brown properly and creates a better texture.
• Cook pasta until just al dente (with a slight bite). It will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
• Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed. The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta better than plain water.
• Taste and adjust the Bang Bang sauce before adding it to the pasta. Everyone’s preference for sweetness and spice is different.
• Make the sauce ahead of time to let the flavors meld. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Use room temperature mayonnaise for smoother sauce blending.
• Try panko breadcrumbs instead of cornstarch for extra crispy shrimp.

Spice It Up: Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Variations

What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Round out your meal with these complementary side dishes:

• Simple Asian Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
• Garlic Bread: The perfect vehicle for soaking up any extra Bang Bang sauce.
• Steamed Edamame: A light, protein-packed side that complements the Asian flavors.
• Simple Green Salad: With a light rice vinegar dressing to balance the richness of the pasta.
• Citrus Wedges: Lemon or lime wedges on the side add brightness to cut through the creamy sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Storing: Allow leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so it may become less saucy over time.

Reheating on Stovetop: The best method for reheating this dish is on the stovetop. Add the pasta to a skillet with 1-2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth over medium-low heat. Stir gently until heated through (about 3-5 minutes). Be careful not to overheat the shrimp.

Reheating in Microwave: For quick reheating, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the pasta seems dry.

Make-Ahead Option: If you want to prepare components ahead of time, cook the shrimp and make the sauce up to a day in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator, then cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve and combine everything.

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta FAQs

Q: Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta ahead of time? A: For best results, I recommend cooking the components separately and combining just before serving. The sauce can be made 1-2 days ahead, and shrimp can be cooked a few hours in advance.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp? A: Absolutely! Just thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water, then pat very dry before coating with cornstarch.

Q: How spicy is this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta recipe? A: As written, it has a medium heat level. For milder flavor, reduce or omit the Sriracha. For extra spice, add more Sriracha or red pepper flakes.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free (most are, but some contain wheat thickeners).

Q: What type of pasta works best? A: Medium to long pasta shapes like linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work best as they hold the sauce well. You can also use penne or rotini if you prefer.

Q: Can I use something other than mayonnaise? A: Greek yogurt makes a good substitute for about half the mayonnaise if you want a lighter version, though the flavor will be slightly tangier.

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Makes 4 servings

Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used.

Try Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Tonight!

This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta recipe brings together the beloved flavors of the famous appetizer in a satisfying main dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its creamy, spicy sauce and tender shrimp, this pasta is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

The beauty of this Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is that it delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. In just 30 minutes, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite seafood restaurant but at a fraction of the cost.

Did you try this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta recipe? Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear how you customized it to suit your taste preferences.

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