Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta; ¾ cup mayonnaise; ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce; Juice of 2 limes; 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste); 12 ounces medium shrimp, deveined and peeled; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional garnish)

A creamy, spicy shrimp pasta that comes together in just 20 minutes, blending bold Asian-inspired heat with comforting Italian-style noodles for a flavor-packed weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish combines vibrant East-Asian flavors—like sriracha, lime, and sweet chili sauce—with tender shrimp and classic spaghetti. It’s a quick, fuss-free dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste, and I can easily swap in chicken, tofu, or veggies whenever I want a change.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta
¾ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
Juice of 2 limes
2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
12 ounces medium shrimp, deveined and peeled
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional garnish)

directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente, then drain and set aside.
While pasta cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and sriracha in a small bowl—this is your sauce.
In a separate bowl, mix shrimp with garlic, paprika, salt, and onion powder.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side, until nearly opaque.
Pour in the sauce, simmer until it thickens slightly, about 1–2 minutes.
Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat.
Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with parsley if using.

Servings and timing

Servings: I get about 4 generous servings from this recipe
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: ~20 minutes

Variations

Swap shrimp for chicken, beef, tofu or add veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas
Use your favorite pasta—linguine, penne, or fettuccine all work beautifully
For less heat, reduce sriracha and sweet chili sauce; to ramp it up, add more

storage/reheating

Make-ahead: I prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate it
Storage: Leftovers stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing—cream sauce and shrimp don’t thaw well
Reheating: Gently warm over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp

FAQs

How can I make this dish less spicy?

I cut back on sriracha and/or sweet chili sauce until the heat level is just right for my taste.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes—I thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning, and it works fine.

What’s the best shrimp size to use?

I prefer medium shrimp that are deveined and peeled. Fresh is ideal, but frozen works after proper thawing.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely. I’ve tried linguine, penne, and fettuccine—all pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

My sauce is too thick/thin. How do I fix it?

If it’s too thick, I loosen it with a bit of water or lime juice. If too thin, I simmer it a little longer to thicken.

Conclusion

I love how this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta delivers bold Asian flavors with minimal effort. It’s a quick, adaptable weeknight winner that always feels special—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.