Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Jun 3, 2024 
Whenever I’m craving a decadent restaurant-style seafood dinner, this creamy, spicy and bold bang bang shrimp pasta recipe is definitely my go-to. All you need to make this seriously easy dish is an Instant Pot, fresh juicy shrimp, and a generous pinch of aromatics!
If you’re a seafood lover like me, and you haven’t tried this restaurant classic bang bang shrimp pasta, then you have to give this recipe a try! The first time I tried this pasta dish I was hooked. I couldn’t get over the juiciness of every bite — from the tender shrimp coated in a spicy mayo and sweet chili sauce, to the perfectly cooked and coated pasta. This is decadent meal worth making, and my Instant Pot version is seriously simple and quick. Like a comforting bowl of shrimp mac and cheese, this bang bang shrimp pasta is perfect for one of those lazy evenings when you’re craving those sweet and spicy Asian flavors. The best part is that it all comes together in one pot, and it’s ready in just four minutes!
Lisa – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ SO YUMMY! And I love ❤️ that the entire recipe is made 100% in the Instapot! Brilliant weekday meal! This has been family approved to stay in the rotation. Thanks for sharing!
Table of Contents
Sommer’s Recipe Highlights
Decadent and Bold – Creamy, spicy and packed with bold spices, every bite of this decadent bang bang shrimp pasta recipe is just dreamy. The shrimp soaks up all those sweet and spicy flavors, and the pasta gets coated in more of that thick Asian-inspired sauce that makes for a perfect slurp.
One-Pot Wonder – I love a one-pot dish for many reasons. This recipe comes together in just a couple of minutes, which is wonderful for those of us who want a homemade dinner that’s delicious and quick. And, of course, making an entire meal in the Instant Pot guarantees a seriously easy clean-up, which is a HUGE win in my book!
Restaurant-Worthy – Inspired by many trips to Bonefish Grill, this bang bang shrimp pasta recipe is definitely restaurant-worthy. I love making homemade versions of my favorite restaurant dishes like recipes with vodka sauce. Even though this bang bang dinner is a really quick and easy dish to put together, it’s elegant and comforting enough for entertaining guests, too.
Key Ingredients and Tips
- Spaghetti – To make the base of this recipe, I always use dried spaghetti because it cooks up fast and it soaks up that decadent sweet and spicy thick sauce really well.
- Shrimp – I prefer using fresh jumbo shrimp that I’ve deveined and prepped ahead of time. I just think that the fresh variety tastes so much better than the frozen kind, and it’s tender and juicy. If you’re using frozen shrimp, simply thaw them in cold water before using! Place the frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water and let them sit for about 15 minutes. Add new cold water every 15 minutes until shrimp are thawed!
- Garlic – For some savory and aromatic notes, I use freshly minced ginger to balance out the rest of the bold flavors.
- Mayonnaise – I like to use a light mayo for this dish because it makes a great creamy base for the sauce, all while keeping it kind of light.
- Thai sweet chili sauce – For that signature bang bang flavor, a splash of Thai sweet chili sauce makes all the difference! It adds the perfect blend of sweetness, heat and a slight tanginess.
- Lime juice – A little bit of freshly squeezed lime juice adds a pop of citrus flavors that keeps this dish feeling fresh.
- Sriracha sauce – I’m a huge fan of spiciness, and I’ve found that the best way to up the heat on this dish is to add a drizzle (or more) of Sriracha. Since it’s creamy, it blends really easily into the rest of the sauce.
How to Make
Find the full recipe with ingredient proportions, detailed instructions, and a video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.
Load up the Instant Pot – To start this ridiculously easy recipe, I begin by breaking up the pasta in half and then adding it into the pot. I also throw in the minced garlic, some coconut oil, a pinch of salt and water. I pop on the lid and lock it up.
Cook the pasta – Then, I let the pasta cook for a couple of minutes on the “Pressure Cook High” setting.
Make the bang bang sauce – While the pasta is cooking, I add some mayo, chili sauce, fresh lime juice and Sriracha into a bowl and I mix it all up.
Add the shrimp – Once the pasta is ready, I add in the sauce, shrimp and a bit of chopped fresh scallions. Then I add the lid and I set the Instant Pot to the “Saute” setting for a couple more minutes. Once the shrimp are cooked through, I’m ready to serve it all up!
Recipe Variations
- Vegetables – For a more nutritious version of this dish, add in some leafy greens like spinach or kale, broccoli florets, snap peas or mushrooms.
- Seafood – I love to add in chunks of meaty lobster or thick bits of salmon fillets for an even more decadent version of this bang bang recipe.
- Pasta – You can swap the spaghetti with other shapes like linguine, penne, fettuccini or rigatoni.
- Lasagna – Sometimes I like to pour the finished version of this dish into a baking tray, top it off with some creamy mozzarella and pop it in the oven for a bubbly baked version.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy bang bang shrimp pasta recipe is an entire meal on its own. I love to serve myself a heaping portion of this dish and enjoy it lazily on the couch for a comforting weekend dinner. If you’re entertaining guests, pair it with any of the below sides for a more complete presentation!
- Serve it with a fresh crispy green salad.
- Enjoy it with grilled vegetables.
- Garnish with a slice of fresh lime for a citrusy finish.
- Sprinkle on some sesame seeds for a nutty twist.
Storing
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Alternatively, place them in an airtight container at room temperature and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can! Boil the pasta as directed on the package and drain in a colander, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Place the coconut oil, garlic, bang bang sauce (step 2,) and shrimp in the empty pot. Set over medium heat. Pour the pasta into the sauce and toss to coat. Cook until the shrimp are pink. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
I honestly recommend making this recipe right before serving because it tastes best that way.
Shrimp tends to get rubbery when it’s overcooked. Avoid that by cooking the shrimp just until they’re pink and opaque.
Looking for More Delicious Instant Pot Recipes? Be Sure to Try:
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Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried spaghetti
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 4 1/4 cup water
- 1 pound raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deviened
- 3/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce, more as needed
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Break the spaghetti noodles in half and place in the Instant Pot. Add the garlic, coconut oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and water. Cover and lock the lid into place.
- Set the Instant Pot on “Pressure Cook High” for 4 minutes. Once it is finished cooking, turn the Instant Pot “Off”, then press the button to “Quick Release” the steam, until the valve button drops.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl mix the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and Sriracha together.
- Unlock the lid and stir the sauce into the pasta. Let the sauce simmer and thicken 2-3 minutes if needed. Pour in the shrimp and scallions, then mix to combine. Set the Instant Pot on "Sauté" and cook for 2-3 minutes, toss and simmer until the shrimp are pink. Taste, then salt and pepper as needed. Add more Sriracha if desired. Serve warm.
Thoroughly enjoyable and so easy to make.
Thanks Sommer.🤩
Hi! Could you send me the recipe for the one pot carbonara? I noticed the link didn’t work, and it’s my husband’s favorite recipe! Thank you so much. Hoping to make it for NYD!
Same request here. The carbonara was a household favorite.
Hi Guys – Sorry about that!
That recipe didn’t get a lot of attention, so we are in the process of revamping it to be republished later this year. When the new version is up, the old links will go to the new carbonara recipe. In the meantime, here is the old one…
One-Pot Spaghetti Carbonara
Ingredients:
1 pound dried spaghetti
5 cups chicken broth
6 ounces bacon, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 large eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons parsley
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Place a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until red and crisp. Scoop out the bacon and set on a paper towel lined plate to drain. Next add the chicken broth, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover and bring to a boil.
When the broth is simmering stir in the spaghetti. Make sure to stir it in well so the pasta doesn’t stick together. Then cover and simmer for 6-7 minutes, until the pasta is nearly cooked through.
Meanwhile whisk the eggs, cream, and parmesan cheese together in a medium bowl. Once the pasta is cooked, slowly pour the egg mixture into the skillet, while stirring the pasta quickly. This will ensure the sauce thickens, but doesn’t scramble the eggs. Let the sauce simmer another minute or two to thicken. Stir in the parsley and bacon pieces. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.