Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as quick to make as it is bursting with flavor—this Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a creamy, spicy, and irresistible meal. Combining tender spaghetti with juicy jumbo shrimp in a zesty bang bang sauce, every bite is packed with a delightful balance of heat, creaminess, and a hint of smoky paprika. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to comfort food that’s both impressive and fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and intentionally chosen to create a perfect harmony of texture, flavor, and color in your dish. Each plays its part, from the smoothness of mayonnaise to the vibrant kick of Thai sweet chili sauce, making this Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe truly special.
- 1 pound dried spaghetti: Breaking it in half helps it cook evenly in the Instant Pot without sticking.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant base that elevates the pasta’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: Helps bring a subtle richness and keeps noodles from clumping.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta as it cooks.
- 4 1/4 cups water: The perfect amount for pressure cooking the pasta to al dente perfection.
- 1 pound cooked jumbo shrimp: Adds a succulent seafood twist with protein and texture.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
- 1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings sweetness with a mild, tangy heat.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a smoky depth that balances the sweetness and spice.
- Juice from 1/2 a lime: Adds a bright acidity to cut through the richness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, ensuring maximum flavor balance.
- 1 plus tablespoons sriracha sauce: Customize the spice level just how you like it.
- Dried green onions or chives (optional): Garnish that hints at fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
How to Make Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Pressure Cook the Pasta
Start by breaking the spaghetti noodles in half so they fit perfectly inside your Instant Pot. Toss in the minced garlic and olive oil along with a teaspoon of salt, then pour in the water. Lock the lid in place and set your Instant Pot to HIGH pressure for 4 minutes. The noodles cook super quickly under pressure, and once done, perform a quick release to stop cooking immediately. This step ensures your spaghetti comes out tender yet firm, forming the perfect base for the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While the pasta cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and sriracha in a medium bowl. This combination creates the signature creamy, sweet, and spicy “bang bang” flavor that makes this Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe so addictive. Start with 1 tablespoon of sriracha for a mild kick, and adjust to taste for more heat—this sauce is all about your preferred spice level.
Step 3: Coat Pasta in Sauce
Once your spaghetti is cooked, stir the sauce into the Instant Pot, mixing well until the pasta is evenly and deliciously coated. Toss in about half a tablespoon of dried green onions for a subtle pop of flavor; they add a wonderful aroma and a bit of texture to the creamy sauce. This is where your dish really comes together—creamy noodles infused with bold flavors!
Step 4: Add Shrimp and Finish Cooking
Next, fold in the cooked jumbo shrimp and switch the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Let everything heat through for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the shrimp to soak up the sauce’s flavors perfectly. As it warms, add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. The shrimp should stay tender, and this final step brings everything into a piping-hot, harmonious dish.
How to Serve Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of dried green onions or fresh chives works wonders as a garnish, adding a subtle crunch and burst of color. If you want to amp up the freshness, add chopped cilantro or a few lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze. These little touches create an inviting presentation and add layers of flavor that complement the vibrant sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also excellent companions, perfect for soaking up any extra bang bang sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or family dinner, serve this dish in individual bowls garnished with lime zest and a drizzle of sriracha for diners to customize spice levels. Alternatively, try layering the pasta in a casserole dish topped with breadcrumbs and broiling for a few minutes to add a crunchy, golden crust—offering a fun texture twist to this classic Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making for even tastier bites the next day. Consume within 2 to 3 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool the pasta completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain the shrimp’s texture and the sauce’s creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low-medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it feels dry. Microwaving works too—just heat in short intervals and stir often to avoid overheating the shrimp, which can make them rubbery. The sauce will recoat the pasta beautifully upon warming.
FAQs
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of cooked shrimp?
Absolutely! If using fresh shrimp, add them in the last step and sauté until pink and opaque, which usually takes around 4 to 5 minutes. This will ensure they cook perfectly while absorbing the sauce’s flavors.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is fully adjustable. The sriracha in the sauce controls the heat, so start with 1 tablespoon for a mild dish and add more if you like a stronger kick. The Thai sweet chili sauce adds a nice balance of sweetness to tone down the heat.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise for a healthier option?
You can substitute Greek yogurt or a light mayonnaise alternative to make the dish a bit lighter. Keep in mind the texture will be slightly different, but the creamy element will still be there to bring the sauce together.
Can I prepare this recipe without an Instant Pot?
While the Instant Pot speeds up cooking and simplifies the process, you can make a similar version on the stove. Cook the pasta separately, then mix with the sauce and sauté shrimp in a skillet. It will take a bit longer, but the flavors remain just as delicious.
What can I do if I don’t have Thai sweet chili sauce?
If you can’t find Thai sweet chili sauce, mix together equal parts honey and sweet chili paste or a mild chili garlic sauce. This will mimic the sweet and spicy flavor profile that’s essential for the bang bang sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes that makes you smile from the first bite. It’s flavorful, comforting, and comes together in a flash, making your dinner table feel a little more special without the fuss. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy how effortlessly you can bring big, bold flavors to your home kitchen!
Print
Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American with Thai influences
Description
This Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish combining tender spaghetti, spicy bang bang sauce, and succulent cooked jumbo shrimp. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a delicious balance of spicy, tangy, and savory notes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Base
- 1 pound dried spaghetti
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/4 cups water
Shrimp
- 1 pound cooked jumbo shrimp
Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice from 1/2 a lime
- 1 plus tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Dried green onions or chives (about 1/2 tablespoon, optional)
Instructions
- Pressure Cook Pasta: Break the spaghetti noodles in half and place them in the Instant Pot. Add the minced garlic, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 4 1/4 cups water. Close and lock the lid, set the Instant Pot to HIGH pressure for 4 minutes. After cooking, turn off the Instant Pot and perform a quick release to release the pressure.
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, juice from half a lime, sriracha sauce (start with 1 tablespoon for mild and adjust to your spice preference), and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the prepared bang bang sauce and about 1/2 tablespoon of optional dried green onions into the Instant Pot with the cooked pasta, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add Shrimp and Sauté: Add the cooked jumbo shrimp to the Instant Pot and mix to combine. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to heat through the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use cooked jumbo shrimp to save time; raw shrimp would require additional cooking time.
- Adjust sriracha quantity based on your heat preference.
- If using fresh green onions or chives, add them at the end as garnish for best flavor and texture.
- Breaking the spaghetti noodles helps them fit better in the Instant Pot and cook evenly.
- Make sure to do a quick release so the noodles don’t overcook.
