This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta brings together succulent shrimp and al dente pasta, all enveloped in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce that’s irresistibly delicious. Inspired by the popular Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer from seafood restaurants, this Instant Pot adaptation transforms the concept into a complete meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. The combination of creamy, spicy, and sweet elements creates a perfectly balanced dish that’s ready in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a true one-pot meal that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor
• Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights
• The creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce creates a restaurant-quality taste at home
• Uses the Instant Pot to perfectly cook both pasta and shrimp with minimal monitoring
• Easily customizable to match your preferred spice level or accommodate what’s in your pantry

Ingredients

• Shrimp: Use raw shrimp, deveined with tails removed for easier eating. Medium to large sized shrimp work best for this recipe.
• Spaghetti Noodles: Regular dried spaghetti works perfectly. You’ll need to break them in half to fit in the Instant Pot properly.
• Chicken Broth: Provides flavor to the pasta as it cooks. You can substitute vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the shrimp. Any neutral cooking oil can work as a substitute.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce. Full-fat provides the best texture, but light mayo can work too.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness and mild heat. Look for this in the Asian food section of your grocery store.
• Honey: Enhances the sweetness and helps balance the heat. Agave nectar is a good substitute.
• Sriracha: Optional heat element that lets you control the spice level. Other hot sauces can be used.
• Lime Juice: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the sauce. Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch.

Variations

Creamy Garlic Bang Bang Pasta

Add 3-4 cloves of minced garlic when sautéing the shrimp and incorporate 2 tablespoons of cream cheese into the sauce for an extra creamy, garlicky version that adds depth to the flavor profile.

Vegetable-Loaded Bang Bang Pasta

Add colorful vegetables like diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas after cooking the shrimp. The residual heat from the pasta will warm them while maintaining a pleasant crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Chicken Bang Bang Pasta

Substitute diced chicken breast for shrimp and increase the sauté time to ensure it’s fully cooked. This alternative is perfect for those who don’t enjoy seafood but still want to experience the delicious bang bang sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp

Turn your Instant Pot to SAUTÉ mode and allow it to heat up. Add the olive oil to the pot, then add your shrimp, seasoning with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and slightly curled, which usually takes 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them as they’ll become tough. Once done, remove the shrimp and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Turn off the SAUTÉ function. Break the spaghetti noodles in half and arrange them in a flat layer in the Instant Pot. Pour the chicken broth over the noodles, ensuring all pasta is submerged. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing position, and cook on HIGH pressure for 8 minutes. When the timer completes, perform a quick release by carefully turning the pressure valve. Don’t worry if there’s some liquid remaining in the pot – this will help create the sauce.

Step 3: Combine and Finish

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, Sriracha (if using), and lime juice until smooth. Add this sauce mixture and the reserved cooked shrimp back into the Instant Pot with the pasta. Stir everything thoroughly until the noodles are evenly coated with the creamy bang bang sauce and the shrimp is distributed throughout. The residual heat will warm everything perfectly.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before sautéing to ensure they sear properly rather than steam
• Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they will continue to cook slightly when added back to the hot pasta
• When pressure cooking pasta, the rule of thumb is to cook for half the time listed on the box (minus 1 minute)
• Stir the pasta immediately after releasing pressure to prevent clumping
• For a thicker sauce, let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes after combining all ingredients
• Add a tablespoon of butter when mixing everything together for an extra silky sauce

How to Serve

Serve this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta immediately in warmed bowls, garnished with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal. For a complete meal, pair with a simple side salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to complement the Asian-inspired flavors. If you’re looking to add more substance, garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment to soak up any extra sauce.

Make Ahead

This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. The bang bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also clean and devein the shrimp a day ahead.

If you want to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave at 50% power to prevent the sauce from separating and the shrimp from becoming rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before sautéing. Frozen shrimp that’s not properly thawed will release too much water during cooking, resulting in steamed rather than sautéed shrimp.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

You can easily adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking. Cook the pasta according to package directions, sauté the shrimp in a separate pan, make the sauce as directed, and combine everything in a large pot or pan once the pasta is drained.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Skip the Sriracha entirely and use less sweet chili sauce, supplementing with additional honey or even a bit of ketchup to maintain the balance of flavors without the heat.

What other pasta shapes work well in this recipe?

While spaghetti is recommended, other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine work well. For shorter options, try penne or bow ties, but you may need to adjust the pressure cooking time (usually 4-5 minutes for smaller pasta shapes).

Conclusion

This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta in the Instant Pot delivers all the flavors of your favorite restaurant appetizer transformed into a satisfying, complete meal. With its perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors combined with tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. The Instant Pot makes this recipe not only delicious but also incredibly convenient for busy weeknights. Give it a try tonight and discover your new favorite way to enjoy shrimp pasta!

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