If you love a dish that brings together creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors with an ultra-simple prep, then this Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight hero. It perfectly combines tender spaghetti, succulent shrimp, and a zesty bang bang sauce that’s both rich and vibrantly flavorful. The best part is how effortlessly everything cooks right in your Instant Pot, delivering lots of bold taste with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re craving a comforting pasta dinner or want to impress friends with a quick yet impressive meal, this recipe is your ticket to shrimp pasta bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting all your ingredients ready for this recipe is a breeze, and each item plays an essential role in the final dish’s flavor and texture. With the right balance of spices, sauces, and pasta, this Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe is as delicious as it is simple.
- 1 pound dried spaghetti: Breaking it in half helps it cook perfectly in the Instant Pot without sticking together.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant and savory base to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: Keeps the pasta from clumping and adds subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and enhancing all the flavors.
- 4 1/4 cups water: Needed to properly cook the pasta under pressure.
- 1 pound cooked jumbo shrimp: Juicy, tender, and ready to absorb that irresistible bang bang sauce.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Provides a creamy, smooth base for the spicy sauce.
- 1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a touch of heat that’s signature to bang bang sauce.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings warmth and smoky depth to the dish.
- Juice from 1/2 a lime: Brightens the sauce with fresh acidity and balance.
- Salt and pepper: For final seasoning adjustments to suit your taste.
- 1 plus tablespoon sriracha sauce: Customize the spice level easily by adjusting this ingredient.
- Dried green onions or chives: Adds a pop of color and subtle onion flavor, fresh if you have it on hand.
How to Make Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by breaking the spaghetti noodles in half and placing them into the Instant Pot. Next, add the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and water. Close and lock the lid, then set your Instant Pot to cook on HIGH pressure for 4 minutes. Once the timer goes off, perform a quick release carefully to avoid overcooking. This method gives you perfectly tender pasta that’s ready to soak up all that flavorful sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While the pasta cooks, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, lime juice, smoked paprika, and sriracha in a medium bowl. Start with 1 tablespoon of sriracha for a milder kick, and adjust according to your spice preference. This sauce is where the magic happens, perfectly balancing creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
Step 3: Combine Sauce and Pasta
Stir the prepared bang bang sauce into the cooked pasta right in the Instant Pot. Toss in about half a tablespoon of dried green onions or chives to add some fresh herbaceous flavor. Make sure each strand of pasta gets evenly coated to ensure every bite bursts with that signature bang bang goodness.
Step 4: Add Shrimp and Finish Cooking
Next, add the cooked jumbo shrimp directly into the pot and mix well to combine. Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and let the shrimp warm through for about 3 to 4 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. This final step melds all the flavors and gives the shrimp a chance to soak in that luscious sauce.
How to Serve Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and flavor, sprinkle dried green onions or fresh chives over the top just before serving. For an extra burst of freshness, a few lime wedges on the side are perfect for squeezing over the pasta. If you like a little crunch, toasted sesame seeds make a delightful addition.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides that complement its creamy spice. A simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus fit the bill perfectly. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices also work wonderfully to mop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the bang bang shrimp pasta in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of sriracha. If you’re hosting, placing it in a large shallow dish family-style invites everyone to dig in. For a low-carb variation, swap the spaghetti for spiralized zucchini noodles and follow the same sauce and shrimp steps.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify over time, making it just as delightful the next day. Be sure to give it a good stir before reheating as the sauce may settle.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the creamy sauce and pasta texture may change slightly after thawing. If you want to freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover pasta over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid high heat to keep the shrimp from getting rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use raw shrimp instead of cooked shrimp in this recipe?
Yes, you can use raw shrimp, but you should add it during the sauté step and cook until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Keep in mind the cooking time may increase slightly.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce?
If you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free option, Greek yogurt or vegan mayo are great alternatives that still provide creaminess while keeping the flavor vibrant.
Can I make this pasta recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the dried spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cook times may vary, so adjust the Instant Pot timing accordingly.
How spicy is the Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
The spice level is totally customizable thanks to the sriracha. Start with 1 tablespoon for a mild heat and add more if you love your dishes with an extra kick.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking together in the Instant Pot?
Breaking the noodles in half, stirring them into the water and oil before cooking, and using enough liquid all help prevent clumping. Quick-release pressure also keeps the pasta perfectly cooked without becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a delightful mix of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors that comes together quickly for maximum satisfaction. It’s such a fun dish to make and enjoy whether you’re a busy home cook or feeding a crowd. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with your new go-to pasta dinner!
Print
Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American with Asian influence
Description
This Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful one-pot meal combining perfectly cooked spaghetti with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce and juicy jumbo shrimp. Ready in just 14 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner packed with a tangy, sweet, and spicy kick.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cooking Base
- 1 pound dried spaghetti
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/4 cups water
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound cooked jumbo shrimp
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice from 1/2 a lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- Dried green onions or chives (optional, about 1/2 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Break the spaghetti noodles in half and place them into the Instant Pot. Add minced garlic, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 4 1/4 cups water. Securely close and lock the Instant Pot lid.
- Pressure Cook Pasta: Set the Instant Pot to HIGH pressure for 4 minutes. Once the cooking time finishes, turn off the cooker and perform a quick release to safely release the pressure.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, lime juice, smoked paprika, and sriracha sauce. Adjust the sriracha quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Combine Sauce with Pasta: Stir the prepared sauce and optional dried green onions into the cooked pasta inside the Instant Pot, making sure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add Shrimp and Finish Cooking: Fold in the cooked jumbo shrimp. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and cook for 3-4 minutes while stirring occasionally until the shrimp are heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use cooked shrimp to reduce cooking time; if using raw, slightly increase sauté time to ensure shrimp are fully cooked.
- Break the spaghetti in half to fit better into the Instant Pot and help even cooking.
- Adjust sriracha sauce to control the heat level of the dish.
- If you prefer fresh green onions instead of dried, sprinkle them on top as garnish after cooking.
- For a dairy-free version, use mayonnaise made without dairy ingredients.
