Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal: Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta! This incredibly flavorful and surprisingly simple one-pot recipe combines succulent, paprika-seasoned firecracker shrimp with a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce crafted from garlic, Greek yogurt, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Forget bland dinners – this dish delivers a vibrant explosion of taste that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the perfect solution for busy evenings when you crave something extraordinary without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Table of Contents
What is Bang Bang Shrimp and Its Irresistible Flavor?
You might be familiar with the sensationally popular Bang Bang Shrimp from the renowned chain restaurant, Bonefish Grill. This dish skyrocketed to fame thanks to its unique and addictive flavor profile: a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and a delightful kick of spice. Our Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta draws inspiration from this classic, transforming it into a hearty and satisfying meal that stands out from typical cream sauce pasta dishes. If you enjoy bold flavors, you’ll also love my Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp and Sweet Chili Chicken Wings.
The magic of Bang Bang Sauce lies in its simplicity yet complex taste. Traditionally, it combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha for that signature creamy, tangy, and fiery punch. However, our recipe innovates by using Greek yogurt instead of mayo, offering a lighter yet equally rich texture without compromising on flavor. When paired with al dente pasta, perfectly cooked shrimp, and fresh vegetables (broccoli is my personal favorite for its crunch and color), this dish offers an exciting fusion of Asian-inspired sweet and spicy notes with a comforting pasta base. It’s a culinary adventure in every forkful, promising a unique dining experience that’s far from ordinary.
Choosing the Perfect Pasta for Your Bang Bang Shrimp Dish
The type of pasta you choose can significantly impact the overall experience of your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta. For this recipe, I find linguine to be an excellent choice. Its long, flat, and narrow strands are delicate enough to complement the lighter texture of seafood like shrimp, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy. Linguine also excels at cradling thinner sauces, allowing every strand to be evenly coated with our delicious sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce, ensuring a balanced flavor in each bite. Spaghetti is another fantastic alternative, offering a similar mouthfeel and sauce adherence.
While linguine and spaghetti are ideal, other pasta shapes can certainly work depending on your preference. For instance, heartier and wider pasta types like fettuccine are traditionally reserved for rich, thick sauces such as Alfredo or Bolognese. A thinner sauce might struggle to cling to its broad surface. However, if you enjoy a more substantial pasta, don’t hesitate to use it. For leftovers, I personally gravitate towards spaghetti, linguine, or penne, as they tend to hold up well after refrigeration and reheating. Ultimately, the best pasta is the one you enjoy most!
Here’s a general list of pasta options to consider, each offering a slightly different texture and way of interacting with the sauce:
- Fettuccine
- Penne
- Linguine
- Spaghetti
- Farfalle (Bow-tie)
- Rotini (Spirals)
- Rigatoni
- Campanelle (Bell flowers)
Selecting the Best Shrimp for a Flavorful Result
Choosing the right shrimp is crucial for an exceptional Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta. Grocery stores offer shrimp in various forms: raw, pre-cooked, raw and frozen, deveined, with tails on or off. My steadfast rule is to always opt for raw shrimp. Pre-cooked shrimp, while convenient, often suffers from a noticeable dip in quality and flavor. It’s cooked, then frozen, and then you typically cook or reheat it again, leading to overcooked, rubbery, and less flavorful results. Raw shrimp, on the other hand, cooks quickly—often in just a few minutes—allowing you to control the tenderness and ensure a fresh, succulent taste.
Furthermore, I highly recommend purchasing deveined shrimp whenever possible. The “vein” running along the back of the shrimp is actually its digestive tract, and while not harmful to eat, it can be unappetizing both visually and texturally. If deveined shrimp isn’t available, don’t worry! You can easily devein them yourself. Simply use a sharp paring knife to make a shallow slit along the back of each shrimp, then gently lift out the dark vein with the tip of the knife. This small step ensures a cleaner, more enjoyable eating experience. For detailed guidance, check out tips on How to Peel and Devein Shrimp here.
How to Properly Thaw Frozen Shrimp
If you’re using frozen raw shrimp, proper thawing is essential to maintain its texture and flavor. The quickest and safest method involves a cold water bath. Simply place the frozen shrimp in a large bowl, then fill the bowl with cold tap water. Make sure the shrimp are completely submerged. You’ll notice the shrimp beginning to thaw within just a few minutes. For best results and to ensure even thawing, you can change the water every 5-10 minutes. Once thawed, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes depending on the quantity, drain the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps in achieving a better sear and prevents excess water from diluting your sauce. Avoid using hot water, as it can partially cook the shrimp and degrade its texture.
Tails On or Tails Off? Shrimp in Your Pasta
Whether to leave the tails on or remove them from your shrimp is entirely a matter of personal preference, especially when it comes to pasta dishes. Many home cooks and chefs choose to leave the tails on primarily for presentation; they believe it makes the shrimp look more appealing and gives them a nice, elegant curve in the final dish. This aesthetic choice can certainly elevate the visual appeal of your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, making it look more gourmet and inviting.
However, from a practical standpoint, removing the tails is often more convenient, particularly when serving shrimp with pasta. Guests won’t have to navigate around the tails with their forks, making for a smoother and more enjoyable eating experience. It also means less mess on the plate. For a dish like pasta, where you want to twirl and scoop, tail-off shrimp integrates more seamlessly into the overall meal. Ultimately, decide what works best for your serving style and your diners’ comfort.
Enhancing Your Pasta with the Right Vegetables
Adding vegetables to your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta not only boosts its nutritional value but also introduces delightful textures and colors. My go-to vegetable for this dish is broccoli, as its slight bitterness and crisp-tender texture perfectly complement the sweet and spicy sauce and tender shrimp. However, the versatility of this recipe means you can experiment with a variety of other vegetables to suit your taste and what you have on hand. Consider adding vegetables that cook relatively quickly or can be pre-cooked and added at the end.
Here is a list of additional vegetable options that would pair wonderfully with this pasta:
- Peas (add frozen peas directly to the sauce for quick heating)
- Asparagus (cut into bite-sized pieces and quickly sautéed or blanched)
- Spinach (wilted into the hot sauce at the very end)
- Mushrooms (sautéed until golden brown for an earthy flavor)
- Artichokes (canned or jarred, drained and quartered)
- Sundried Tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped, for a concentrated savory-sweet burst)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Creating this delicious one-pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a straightforward process, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. Follow these detailed steps to bring this flavorful dish to life:
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking your chosen pasta (linguine or spaghetti work beautifully) according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain well and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water if you like for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add about a teaspoon of olive oil. Once hot, add your raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Season generously with paprika (smoked paprika adds an extra layer of depth!), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turns bright pink and is fully cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: If necessary, add another teaspoon of olive oil to the same pot. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, typically about 2-3 minutes. The kitchen will start to smell amazing!
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This process, called deglazing, adds incredible depth of flavor to your sauce.
- Whisk in the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat slightly. Add the plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha to the pot.
- Simmer to Perfection: Stir constantly as the sauce heats through, cooking until it becomes smooth and evenly combined. Taste the sauce frequently and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Sriracha for extra heat.
- Combine and Infuse: Add the cooked pasta and pre-cooked broccoli (or other chosen vegetables) to the pot with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the pasta to absorb the wonderful flavors of the Bang Bang sauce.
- Serve: Dish out the pasta, topping each serving with the perfectly cooked shrimp. Garnish with your favorite optional toppings and enjoy your flavorful homemade Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta!
Delicious Optional Toppings to Elevate Your Dish
While Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is incredibly flavorful on its own, a few well-chosen toppings can elevate your dining experience, adding extra texture, freshness, and a pop of visual appeal. These optional additions can enhance the overall taste profile and make your dish truly special:
- Crushed Peanuts: For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the Asian-inspired sauce beautifully.
- Green Onions (Scallions): Sliced thinly, green onions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a vibrant green garnish.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds offer a subtle nutty aroma and an elegant finish, enhancing the Asian fusion feel of the dish.
Bang Bang Sauce Substitutions for Every Palate
The beauty of Bang Bang Sauce lies in its adaptability. While traditionally made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha, our recipe opts for a lighter, tangier base using plain Greek yogurt. This choice provides a creamy texture without the heaviness of mayo, and it introduces a subtle tang that brightens the entire dish. If Greek yogurt isn’t your preference or you’re looking for alternatives, here are some excellent substitutions:
- Sour Cream: A fantastic one-to-one substitute for Greek yogurt, offering a similar creamy texture and tangy profile. It will keep the sauce rich and smooth.
- Mayonnaise: If you prefer the classic, richer taste of a mayo-based Bang Bang sauce, you can substitute a full cup of mayonnaise for the Greek yogurt. This will yield a very creamy and indulgent sauce, though it will be heavier than the Greek yogurt version.
- Cream Cheese: For an exceptionally rich pasta sauce with a hint of sweetness and a velvety mouthfeel, consider using cream cheese. Substitute 6-8 ounces of softened cream cheese for the Greek yogurt. Whisk it in thoroughly until smooth to avoid lumps. This option works wonderfully if you desire a more decadent, almost Alfredo-like creaminess with the distinctive sweet-spicy kick.
Feel free to experiment with these substitutions to find the perfect Bang Bang sauce that suits your personal taste and dietary preferences!
The Best Pot for a One-Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Achieving a truly “one-pot” Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta depends heavily on your choice of cookware. My absolute favorite for this recipe is a 7-quart Dutch oven. These heavy-bottomed, enameled cast iron pots are perfect because they are large enough to comfortably cook the pasta, sauté the vegetables, and simmer the sauce all in one vessel. The robust construction of a Dutch oven ensures excellent heat distribution and retention, which is essential for evenly cooking shrimp and vegetables without scorching, and for maintaining a consistent simmer for your sauce.
Using a pot that is too small can lead to several undesirable outcomes. When pasta cooks in insufficient water, it releases a higher concentration of starch into the cooking liquid. This can result in sticky, clumpy pasta once drained, or a sauce that becomes overly thick and gummy. A large pot allows the pasta ample space to move and hydrate properly, leading to perfectly al dente strands. Even if you’re preparing a smaller portion of pasta, it’s always safer and yields better results to err on the side of a larger pot. Investing in a good quality, generously sized pot like a Dutch oven will elevate your one-pot cooking experience for this recipe and many others. For more insights on common pasta cooking pitfalls, you can read about Common Mistakes When Cooking Pasta here.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this delightful Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, proper storage is key to preserving its freshness and flavor. Once the dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will maintain its quality for 3-4 days. While the pasta is delicious fresh, it’s worth noting that some pasta dishes, including this one, can change slightly in texture and consistency upon reheating. The sauce may thicken a bit more, and the shrimp might not be quite as tender as when first cooked.
To reheat, your microwave is the quickest option. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and restore some of its original consistency, especially if it appears too thick. For best results, avoid overheating, as this can further dry out the shrimp and pasta. Although it still makes a great meal, I personally find this pasta dish tastes best when enjoyed fresh.
Freezer-Friendly Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
For meal prep or simply to enjoy this delicious pasta at a later date, Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta can be frozen. To do so, allow the dish to cool completely after cooking. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring they are tightly covered and sealed to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that with pasta, the sooner you consume it after freezing, the better the texture and consistency will be. Pasta can sometimes become a bit softer after freezing and thawing.
Since this dish contains dairy (Greek yogurt or sour cream), you might notice some separation in the sauce when you reheat it after freezing. This is a normal occurrence and usually resolves with a good stir. To defrost, simply transfer the frozen pasta to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave, adding a little broth or water if needed to bring the sauce back to its desired consistency.
More Delectable Pasta Recipes to Try
If you loved this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, you’re in for a treat! Pasta is a versatile and comforting meal option, and there are countless ways to enjoy it. Explore these other fantastic pasta recipes from our collection to expand your culinary repertoire and discover new family favorites:
Southern Chicken SpaghettiSpaghetti SaladBacon Ranch Pasta SaladSeafood Stuffed ShellsCajun Shrimp PastaSouthern Soul Food Baked Mac and CheeseSeafood Mac and CheeseLobster Mac and Cheese
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Cheesy Taco Pasta
Additionally, if you’re a fan of shrimp dishes, you may also enjoy our Shrimp Parmesan (Parmigiana) and Lemon Pepper Shrimprecipes for more delicious seafood inspiration!
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Brandi Crawford
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Equipment
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 10 oz linguine or spaghetti pasta
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 pound raw shrimp Peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon paprika I always use smoked paprika. Either will work fine.
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 3 garlic cloves Minced.
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha Adjust to taste. If you aren’t a fan of spicy start with 1 teaspoon and continue to build.
- 2 cups cooked broccoli
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in accordance with the instructions on the package.
- Place a large pot or Dutch oven on medium-high heat with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Add the shrimp and season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turns bright pink and fully cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set it aside.
- Add an additional teaspoon of olive oil (if necessary, your pot may be well coated from cooking the shrimp) along with the onions and garlic. Saute until the veggies are translucent and fragrant.
- Add in broth and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pot. After sauteeing the shrimp you may find the bottom of the pot has brown bits stuck to the pot. These bits are loaded with flavor. You deglaze the pot by using the spoon in conjunction with the broth to scrape up the bits.
- Next add in Greek yogurt or sour cream, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha.
- Stir constantly and cook until the sauce is smooth. Taste the sauce repeatedly to ensure it meets your liking. Add additional salt or pepper as needed.
- Add the pasta and cooked broccoli to the pot. Reduce the heat to lower and cover for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavor of the sauce to penetrate the pasta.
- Serve the pasta topped with the shrimp.
Video
A video tutorial for this recipe would typically go here, showcasing each step for a visual guide.
Notes
- The taste of this pasta has a fusion of Asian sweet and spicy sauce, it doesn’t have the flavor of a traditional cream sauce recipe.
- Bang bang sauce is often made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. I’m not a big fan of mayo-based pasta sauces so I used plain, Greek yogurt instead, which can also be substituted for sour cream.
- If you are looking for a rich pasta sauce with a hint of sweetness, you may want to go with cream cheese instead of Greek yogurt or sour cream. You can substitute a cup of mayo or 6-8 ounces of cream cheese for the amount of Greek yogurt used in this recipe.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.