Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Tasty Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe to Enjoy

Seafood lovers rejoice as this easy bang bang shrimp pasta recipe bursts with tantalizing flavors that’ll dance across your taste buds.

Creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible, this dish combines succulent shrimp with a zesty sauce that packs a serious punch.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of heat and richness that’ll have everyone at the table begging for seconds.

The sauce – a magical blend of mayo, sweet chili, and sriracha – coats tender pasta and plump shrimp in pure deliciousness.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes.

No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required – just pure, simple deliciousness waiting to be devoured.

Cooking Tool Checklist for Shrimp Pasta

Equipment & Tools:
  • Large pot: For boiling pasta with salted water.
  • Whisk: To blend yogurt sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Small bowl: Mixing sauce ingredients.
  • Rimmed baking sheet: Roasting shrimp evenly.
  • Cooking spray: Lightly greasing baking sheet.
  • Colander: Draining pasta after cooking.
  • Sharp knife: Chopping scallions.
  • Measuring spoons: Accurately measuring spices and seasonings.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Stirring pasta and tossing ingredients.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta in Steps

Spicy Seafood Pasta Delight

  • Oven Preparation Kitchen Setup

Adjust the oven rack to the center position and warm it to 400°F. Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick coating.

  • Creamy Sauce Creation

Mix tangy yogurt, zesty chili sauce, golden honey, aromatic garlic powder, and half the fresh lime juice in a small bowl.

  • Pasta Cooking

Boil salted water and cook pasta until perfectly tender, following package guidance.

  • Shrimp Seasoning

Pat shrimp dry and spread on baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and spicy cayenne for a flavor kick.

  • Roasting Magic

Bake shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, giving them a quick stir midway. Drizzle remaining lime juice over the cooked seafood.

  • Final Assembly

Combine pasta with creamy sauce, gently fold in roasted shrimp and juices. Top with chopped green onions and crispy breadcrumbs.

  • Serving

Plate immediately, enjoying the vibrant colors and bold flavors of this quick and delicious meal.

Personalize Your Bang Bang Sauce & Pasta

  • Replace shrimp with grilled chicken, seared scallops, or crispy tofu for a personalized protein twist that suits your taste and dietary preferences.
  • Adjust the cayenne and chili-garlic sauce to match your desired spiciness, from mild and creamy to fiery and bold.
  • Toss in roasted bell peppers, sautéed spinach, or grilled zucchini to boost nutrition and add colorful texture to the pasta.
  • Experiment with different breadcrumb variations like panko, seasoned Italian crumbs, or crushed macadamia nuts for unique crispy toppings.

Presentation Tips for Bang Bang Pasta

  • Tropical Beach Dinner Night: Transform this pasta into a vacation-inspired meal with tiki torches, colorful plates, and a light coastal playlist in the background.
  • Spicy Appetizer Twist: Serve small portions as a zesty starter at parties, garnishing with extra chili-garlic sauce and fresh lime wedges for guests to customize heat levels.
  • Family-Style Sharing Platter: Create a communal dining experience by placing the pasta in a large central dish, allowing everyone to scoop their own portion with extra scallions and crispy breadcrumbs on the side.
  • Quick Weeknight Meal Companion: Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lime, making this dish feel like a restaurant-quality dinner without complicated preparation.

Smart Storage for Shrimp Pasta

  • Fridge Storage Strategy: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Separate pasta and shrimp to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Quick Reheat Technique: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive moisture and prevent drying out. Stir carefully to redistribute flavors.
  • Ingredient Prep Hack: Chop scallions and mix yogurt sauce ahead of time to reduce cooking stress. Store separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.
  • Freezer Consideration: Not recommended due to delicate shrimp and creamy sauce. Pasta and seafood tend to break down and lose quality when frozen and thawed.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Required for Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

For Pasta Base:
  • Pasta: Serves as the hearty foundation, choose a short shape like penne or fusilli for better sauce coating and texture.
For Protein and Seasoning:
  • Shrimp: Fresh, plump seafood that provides lean protein, look for firm, bright shells without discoloration.
  • Salt: Enhances natural flavors, use sea salt or kosher salt for deeper taste profile.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground provides more vibrant flavor.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Introduces spicy kick, adjust quantity based on heat tolerance.
For Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Greek Yogurt: Creates creamy base with tangy undertone, choose full-fat version for richer consistency.
  • Chili-Garlic Sauce: Brings zesty, bold flavor, select authentic Asian-style sauce for authentic taste.
  • Honey: Balances heat with subtle sweetness, opt for raw honey for deeper nutritional benefits.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides consistent garlic essence, ensure fresh and fragrant.
  • Lime Juice: Adds bright, citrusy notes, select ripe, juicy limes for maximum flavor.
For Garnish and Texture:
  • Scallions: Introduces fresh, oniony crunch, select bright green tops with crisp appearance.
  • Breadcrumbs: Creates delightful crispy topping, use panko for extra crispiness.
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Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta


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4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Bang bang shrimp pasta delivers a spicy and creamy fusion of flavors from Asian and American cuisines. Quick weeknight dinners become delightful experiences with this simple, zesty recipe that satisfies spice-loving palates.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (453 g) uncooked peeled and deveined medium shrimp
  • 12 oz (340 g) dry spaghetti
  • ½ cup whole-milk plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) lime juice (from 2 medium limes)
  • 2 tbsps Asian chili-garlic sauce
  • 2 medium scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp honey
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prep Station: Position oven rack to middle position and warm to 400°F while coating a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
  2. Sauce Creation: Whisk together yogurt, chili-garlic sauce, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice in a mixing bowl to craft a vibrant, tangy mixture.
  3. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil, then cook pasta according to package directions until perfectly al dente.
  4. Shrimp Seasoning: Thoroughly pat shrimp dry, then distribute across the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and cayenne, ensuring even coating.
  5. Roasting Process: Slide baking sheet into preheated oven, roasting shrimp for 6-8 minutes and rotating midway until they transform to opaque pink. Drizzle remaining lime juice over roasted shrimp, capturing caramelized essence from the pan.
  6. Pasta Assembly: Return drained pasta to pot, generously coat with yogurt sauce, then gently incorporate roasted shrimp and accumulated pan juices. Fold in half the chopped scallions.
  7. Finishing Touch: Plate pasta, lavishly garnish with crispy breadcrumbs and remaining scallions. Serve piping hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

  • Shrimp Selection Matters: Choose medium-sized, fresh shrimp for optimal texture and even cooking.
  • Pat Dry for Perfect Roasting: Removing excess moisture ensures crispy, caramelized shrimp edges and prevents steaming.
  • Spice Balancing Trick: Adjust cayenne pepper according to heat preference, starting with a light sprinkle for mild flavor.
  • Sauce Coating Technique: Stir pasta sauce thoroughly to guarantee every strand is evenly and generously covered.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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