Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: Your Ultimate Creamy, Sweet, and Spicy Weeknight Dinner

Dive into the delectable world of Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta – a harmonious blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors coating tender shrimp and your favorite pasta. This incredibly easy recipe transforms a beloved appetizer into a satisfying main course, ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s completely customizable to match your preferred spice level, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone at your table!

There are evenings when only something truly sensational will do, yet the clock is ticking, and energy levels are low. For those moments, my go-to culinary creation is this sensational Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta. It’s my delicious answer to cravings for a bold, creamy, and slightly indulgent meal that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen.

If you’re already acquainted with the legendary Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer, prepare to have your taste buds thrilled as we elevate those signature crave-worthy flavors – the perfect interplay of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes – and reimagine them as a hearty, fulfilling main course. This dish captures all the magic of the original, delivering it in a comforting, pasta-filled embrace.

Imagine perfectly cooked, succulent shrimp, tossed with al dente pasta, all generously coated in a luscious, vibrant sauce. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that feels wonderfully gourmet, yet it remarkably comes together in less than 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s the ideal solution for those who love exciting flavors but need a quick and straightforward cooking process.

My journey with this recipe began out of a desire for a meal with a significant kick, without the usual time commitment. The true star of this dish is undoubtedly the Bang Bang sauce. It’s a marvel of balance, combining the fruity heat of sweet chili sauce with the cool creaminess of Greek yogurt, and just enough Sriracha to ignite a pleasant warmth. What’s fantastic is its flexibility: you can effortlessly adjust the Sriracha to dial up the heat for spice enthusiasts or tone it down for more sensitive palates, ensuring everyone enjoys it.

Beyond its incredible flavor, the versatility of this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta truly stands out. While shrimp is classic, feel free to experiment with other proteins like chicken or even tofu for a different twist. It pairs beautifully with virtually any pasta shape you have in your pantry, from linguine to penne. And here’s a bonus: there’s no breading or deep-frying involved, making it a lighter alternative to the traditional appetizer while still delivering every bit of the robust, satisfying flavor you expect.

Why This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Will Become a Family Favorite

This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a solution for dinner dilemmas. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore adding this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta to your regular rotation:

• Incredibly Quick and Easy: Forget complicated recipes and long cooking times. This dish is designed for speed and simplicity, coming together in approximately 20 minutes. It’s truly ideal for those hectic weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.
• Light, Flavorful, and Satisfying: Unlike heavily fried versions, our rendition uses sautéed shrimp and a wholesome Greek yogurt-based sauce. This means you get all the incredible sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors without feeling overly heavy. It’s a healthier twist that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Minimal and Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need a lengthy or exotic grocery list. This recipe relies on readily available pantry staples like cornstarch, olive oil, and rice vinegar, alongside fresh shrimp and pasta. This simplicity makes meal planning and shopping a breeze.
• Customizable to Your Spice Preference: Whether you prefer a gentle warmth or a fiery kick, the spice level is entirely in your hands. Easily adjust the amount of Sriracha to cater to every member of your family.
• Impressive Yet Effortless: This dish tastes and looks like something you’d order at a restaurant, yet it’s remarkably simple to prepare. It’s perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a special meal without the culinary stress.

Essential Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

For the best results, gather your ingredients before you begin. You’ll find the full printable recipe card with exact measurements at the bottom of this post.

For the Shrimp and Pasta

• Pasta: Any short or long pasta will work, such as linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or rotini.
• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen (thawed and patted dry) large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Quality shrimp is key for tender results.
• Cornstarch: This is crucial for creating a light, crispy coating on the shrimp and helping the sauce adhere beautifully.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color to the shrimp.
• Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the natural flavor of the shrimp.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic for an aromatic base when sautéing the shrimp.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the shrimp to perfection.

For the Signature Bang Bang Sauce

• Plain Greek Yogurt: The secret to achieving a rich, creamy texture without heavy cream, adding a pleasant tang.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides the essential sweet and mild spicy foundation of the Bang Bang flavor.
• Sriracha: Your primary source of heat. Adjust the amount to control the spiciness level.
• Garlic Powder: Complements the fresh garlic and adds an extra layer of savory flavor to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: A touch of acidity that brightens the sauce and balances the sweetness and heat.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Creating this flavorful pasta dish is incredibly simple. Follow these easy steps to bring the sweet, spicy, and creamy goodness to your table:

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha (start with a smaller amount if you prefer less heat, then add more to taste), garlic powder, and rice vinegar. Whisk everything together until the sauce is completely smooth and well combined. Set this vibrant sauce aside.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente – tender but still firm to the bite. Before draining, remember to reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid can be your best friend if the sauce needs thinning later. Drain the pasta and keep it warm.
3. Season and Coat the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, pat the peeled and deveined shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear. In a clean bowl, toss the dried shrimp with cornstarch until each piece is lightly and evenly coated. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. The cornstarch helps create a delicate crispness and ensures the sauce clings beautifully.
4. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced fresh garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Immediately add the seasoned, cornstarch-coated shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they turn opaque, pink, and are fully cooked through. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough very quickly.
5. Combine Everything: Once the shrimp is cooked and the pasta is drained (and warm), it’s time to bring it all together. You can either add the cooked pasta and the prepared Bang Bang sauce directly into the skillet with the shrimp, or transfer everything to a large mixing bowl. Gently toss the pasta, shrimp, and sauce until every strand of pasta and every piece of shrimp is glistening with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Serve Immediately: Plate your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta while it’s still warm. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or cilantro for a touch of freshness and color, if desired. Enjoy this creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish!

Pro Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Unlock the full potential of this delicious recipe with these expert tips:

• The Magic of Pasta Water: Always remember to scoop out about a cup of the starchy pasta water just before draining your pasta. This starchy liquid is a chef’s secret weapon for loosening the sauce if it becomes too thick, helping it cling beautifully to the pasta and create a silky smooth consistency.
• Dry Shrimp for the Best Sear: Before seasoning and cooking, thoroughly pat your shrimp dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will steam the shrimp instead of searing it, preventing that desirable lightly crisp exterior. This simple step makes a significant difference in texture.
• Don’t Skip the Cornstarch Coating: The cornstarch isn’t just for fun; it’s essential. It provides a light, barely-there crispness to the shrimp and, more importantly, acts as a binder, ensuring the creamy Bang Bang sauce perfectly adheres to each succulent piece.
• Mise en Place is Your Friend: “Mise en place” (everything in its place) means having all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start cooking. Shrimp cooks incredibly fast, so having the sauce ready and seasonings at hand makes the entire cooking process smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
• Gentle Reheating for Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a low heat setting on the stovetop or microwave and add a splash of water or broth. This will help reconstitute the sauce and keep the pasta tender and delicious, preventing it from drying out.
• Boost with Veggies: For added nutrition, color, and crunch, consider tossing in some quick-cooking vegetables. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, snow peas, or asparagus spears can be added to the skillet with the shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Adjust the Heat: The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. For a milder flavor, reduce the Sriracha or omit it entirely and use a touch more sweet chili sauce. For extra heat, don’t hesitate to add more Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives, green onions, or cilantro just before serving can add a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that complements the rich sauce.

I’ve explored many variations of the Bang Bang flavor profile over the years. I’ve even made a homemade version of the sauce and served it with store-bought popcorn shrimp, or simply with sautéed shrimp. But it was clear that transforming it into a full, hearty main course with pasta was the ultimate evolution. The combination of perfectly cooked shrimp and tender pasta, all enveloped in that unforgettable sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce, creates a super quick and easy weeknight meal that feels indulgent without the effort. Remember, you hold the power to adjust the heat level to suit your family’s preferences – just reduce the amount of Sriracha if a milder flavor is desired. The key is to use large, unbreaded shrimp, sautéed until just cooked. Since shrimp cooks in a flash, the longest part of preparing this fantastic dinner is simply waiting for the pasta to boil!

More Easy Dinner Recipes to Explore

If you loved this quick and flavorful Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, you’ll surely enjoy these other easy dinner ideas:

• Crockpot Chicken Alfredo: Creamy, comforting, and wonderfully simple to make in your slow cooker.
• Chicken Cobbler: A savory twist on a classic, offering a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
• Mini Chicken Pot Pies: All the warmth and flavor of a classic pot pie, perfectly portioned for individual servings.
• Brown Butter Gnocchi: A sophisticated yet easy dish featuring tender gnocchi in a rich, nutty brown butter sauce.
• Pasta with Breadcrumbs: A simple, flavorful pasta dish elevated by toasted, garlicky breadcrumbs for amazing texture.

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

By Erin Sellin

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta – turn the famous bang bang shrimp appetizer into a main dish with this creamy pasta.

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 15 mins

Total: 20 mins

Servings: 4

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Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Instructions

1. In a bowl combine all of the ingredients for the sauce. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions.
3. Toss shrimp together with cornstarch until well coated. In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium high heat.
4. Add garlic, and shrimp. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
5. Toss together cooked hot pasta, sauce, and shrimp.
6. Serve immediately

Notes

Adapted from Skinny Mom

Nutrition

Calories: 292kcal
|

Carbohydrates: 33g
|

Protein: 26g
|

Fat: 6g
|

Saturated Fat: 1g
|

Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
|

Cholesterol: 181mg
|

Sodium: 1472mg
|

Fiber: 2g
|

Sugar: 10g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Erin Sellin

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Calories: 292

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