Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta with a rich, creamy sauce is the ultimate one-pot meal that your entire family will adore. This dish features perfectly tender shrimp and perfectly cooked noodles, all coated in our incredible homemade Bang Bang Shrimp sauce, delivering a creamy, spicy, and utterly delicious experience directly from your pressure cooker.
This Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp recipe has quickly become a new favorite in many households. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: everything cooks in a single pressure cooker pot, allowing you to whip up a complete and satisfying meal in record time. It’s one of over a hundred easy Instant Pot recipes we proudly share on the blog.
Mastering Bang Bang Shrimp in Your Ninja Foodi or Other Pressure Cooker
Whether you own a Ninja Foodi or another brand of pressure cooker, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. The magic truly happens with the homemade Bang Bang sauce, which is so irresistible you’ll undoubtedly find yourself reaching for second, and perhaps even third, servings. For this pressure cooker method, you’ll use the non-attached lid and the pressure cook function on your appliance.
If you’re craving a crispy version of Bang Bang Shrimp, perhaps one that mimics the Bonefish Grill classic, you’ll want to explore our air fryer Bang Bang Shrimp recipe. That method utilizes the air fryer lid for a delightful crunch. While both recipes feature the same amazing sauce, this Instant Pot version uniquely incorporates tender noodles, making it a complete meal in itself.
For those new to the world of pressure cooking, we’ve curated a wealth of easy one-pot meal recipes. To help you get started, here are a few fundamental tips for success:
- Make it a habit to bookmark our dedicated Instant Pot recipes page. We regularly update it with exciting new dishes each week!
- Consider printing this essential Instant Pot cooking times cheat sheet. It’s an invaluable resource that helps you understand the ideal cooking durations for various ingredients like meats, vegetables, and beans in your pressure cooker.
- We highly recommend investing in a non-stick inner pot for your Instant Pot.
- While it’s good to know how to deglaze a pressure cooker after sautéing, a non-stick liner significantly reduces the chances of food sticking and burning, making cleanup a breeze.
For your reference, the model we use for all our recipe creations is a 6-quart Instant Pot, chosen for its versatility and consistent performance.
Over the years, we’ve delighted in sharing a variety of Instant Pot shrimp recipes. What makes this dish truly special is the inclusion of pasta, transforming it into a complete, satisfying meal that requires only one pot to clean and less than 20 minutes to cook. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a flavorful dinner fast.
What Are the Key Ingredients in Bang Bang Sauce?
At its heart, classic Bang Bang sauce is a harmonious blend of creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of heat from hot sauce. The beauty of making it at home is the ability to adjust the spice level precisely to your liking. In the pressure cooker, this sauce permeates the pasta and shrimp beautifully, creating an incredibly flavorful and cohesive dish.
The Intriguing Origin of the “Bang Bang Shrimp” Name
The name “Bang Bang Shrimp” itself is quite fun and evocative, instantly bringing to mind an explosion of flavor. To us, it signifies a dish that delivers a delightful “WOW” factor with every bite. The addition of a kick from Sriracha further amplifies the heat, truly making it a dish that could “knock your socks off.” The popular restaurant chain Bonefish Grill is credited with originating this catchy and memorable name.
Can This Recipe Be Made Without Pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe celebrates the convenience of a one-pot shrimp and pasta dish, you certainly don’t have to include noodles if they’re not what you’re looking for. You can prepare plain Instant Pot shrimp on its own, which makes an excellent gluten-free meal option or a straightforward protein source. However, we are big fans of bold flavors here, and this incredible sauce truly delivers on that front, whether with or without pasta! If omitting pasta, consider serving the Bang Bang shrimp over rice, with steamed vegetables, or as a vibrant appetizer.
This recipe also offers a fantastic method for cooking frozen shrimp (deveined and tail-off) to perfect tenderness. There’s nothing worse than overcooked, rubbery seafood. Starting with larger frozen shrimp provides a slightly longer cooking window, making it easier to achieve that ideal, succulent texture without overdoing it.
A smart tip for efficiency is to prepare your creamy Bang Bang sauce while the pasta and shrimp are cooking in the Instant Pot. The sauce comes together in just a few minutes, allowing you to set it aside and have it ready to stir in as soon as the main components are done.
Essential Ingredients for Your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Crafting the perfect Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta starts with selecting quality ingredients:
- Mayonnaise: We highly recommend using a full-fat, good quality mayonnaise as the foundation for your sauce. Brands like Best Foods or Hellmann’s offer the best flavor and creamy texture. Avoid reduced-fat or fat-free versions, and certainly skip Miracle Whip, as they will compromise the richness of the sauce.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This ingredient is a true flavor booster! Its sweet and tangy profile is indispensable for Bang Bang sauce. It’s also incredibly versatile, perfect for dipping egg rolls or even enhancing dishes like our popular grape jelly meatballs.
- Sriracha: For that signature spicy kick, Sriracha is key. The measurements provided in the recipe yield a mild to medium heat level, but you have complete control. Feel free to add more, one teaspoon at a time, to achieve your desired intensity. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely.
- Frozen Large Shrimp: For optimal results, we personally recommend using large, frozen shrimp that are already deveined and have their tails removed. Starting with frozen shrimp helps prevent overcooking and ensures they remain tender and juicy, rather than becoming dry or rubbery, due to the rapid cooking process of the Instant Pot.
- Spaghetti Noodles: While some may object, breaking spaghetti noodles into three equal parts is often necessary for them to fully submerge in the liquid and cook evenly in a pressure cooker. If breaking spaghetti feels “against your religion,” consider using a shorter pasta shape like medium-sized shells or penne, which don’t require breaking.
- Minced Garlic: Our obsession with garlic is well-documented! While technically optional, adding a tablespoon of jarred minced garlic significantly enhances the flavor profile of this dish, making it a must-have for us.
- Broth: You can use any type of broth you have on hand, whether chicken or vegetable. For this specific recipe, vegetable broth is an excellent choice as it complements the seafood flavors beautifully. Water can also be used in a pinch, though broth adds more depth.
Exciting Variations to Customize Your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
The beauty of homemade Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta lies in its adaptability. You can easily tweak the flavors to suit your palate:
- Spice Level: If you prefer a purely sweet and tangy sauce without any heat, simply omit the Sriracha or hot sauce entirely. For those who love a fiery kick, add Sriracha one teaspoon at a time, stirring and tasting until it reaches your perfect level of spice. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also be added for an extra layer of heat and visual appeal.
- Citrus Brightness: Many enthusiasts enjoy a refreshing squeeze of lime juice in their Bang Bang sauce. If you haven’t tried this addition, we encourage you to experiment with it. Add 1 teaspoon at a time to a small portion of the sauce, taste, and then incorporate it into the main batch if you enjoy the bright, zesty contrast it provides.
Detailed Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe
To successfully prepare this delightful pasta dish, follow these steps:
Begin by pouring your vegetable broth over the broken spaghetti noodles in the Instant Pot. Next, evenly distribute the frozen shrimp and all your desired seasonings on top. Secure the lid and set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 4 minutes. While it cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha in a medium bowl to create your Bang Bang sauce. Once the cooking cycle is complete and the pressure has been released, carefully open the lid. Stir the contents to ensure the noodles are separated and then pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over everything. Stir thoroughly until all the shrimp and pasta are beautifully coated in the creamy, spicy sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Achieving the best results with this recipe is easy with a few key techniques:
- Sauce Perfection: Simply combine your mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha (and lime juice, if using) in a bowl and whisk until it forms a smooth, creamy sauce. This base is what gives the dish its signature flavor. Our secret ingredient, of course, is generous amounts of jarred minced garlic – it’s a personal must-have for us and adds incredible depth to almost anything we cook.
- Shrimp Selection: For optimum tenderness, we always recommend using large, frozen shrimp that have been deveined and have their tails removed. Defrosted shrimp tend to cook faster and can easily become overdone, resulting in a tough, unappetizing texture. Starting with frozen gives you a bit more leeway for that perfect cook.
- The Noodle Trick: This is where some traditionalists might raise an eyebrow, but it’s crucial for Instant Pot pasta recipes. You absolutely need to break the spaghetti noodles into thirds. Don’t worry, Italian friends, this isn’t sacrilege in the pressure cooking world! Shorter noodles are essential for them to be fully submerged in the cooking liquid, ensuring they cook evenly and become tender. After breaking, add them to the pot along with the broth, garlic, shrimp, salt, and pepper.
- Preventing Sticking: When adding the broken spaghetti noodles, make sure to sprinkle them into the pot in different directions rather than dumping them in a clump. This simple step helps prevent them from sticking together during the pressure cooking process. If you’re truly opposed to breaking spaghetti, alternative pasta shapes like medium-sized shells or penne work wonderfully and don’t require pre-breaking.
Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
15 mins
4 mins
6
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Equipment
-
1 pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, frozen, deveined and tail off
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
- 3.5 cup broth, chicken or vegetable, or use water
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp Sriracha (add 1 tsp at a time into your sauce, blend, and taste until you reach the heat level you desire, or omit)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Break spaghetti noodles into thirds and put into the pot, sprinkling them in so they’re in different directions to avoid sticking together.
- Pour broth over noodles, add shrimp, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper on top.
- Seal pressure cooker lid and steam valve. Set to high pressure for 4 minutes with a quick release when done.
- While cooking, whisk together the sauce with mayo and chili sauce in a bowl. When noodles are done, open lid, stir to separate noodles, pour mayo sauce on and stir together to coat everything in the pot nicely.
- Serve with some shredded Parmesan cheese on top.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Years ago, when we first shared this method of breaking noodles for Instant Pot pasta, it generated quite a bit of discussion. Many culinary purists felt it was sacrilegious to break spaghetti. However, when you’re preparing almost any of our Instant Pot pasta recipes, this technique becomes a necessity for evenly cooked, tender results. It ensures that every strand of pasta can be fully submerged in the cooking liquid.
Once your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is ready, simply top it with fresh green onions for a burst of color and a hint of extra flavor, then serve it hot in bowls. This dish is so complete and satisfying that you truly don’t need a side – it beautifully combines your carbohydrates and protein. However, if you’re looking to add a vegetable, a simple side of steamed broccoli would complement it wonderfully.
If you happen to have leftovers, this dish stores quite well. The key is to keep all the delicious sauce with the pasta in the pot. Allow the meal to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, move a single serving to a microwave-safe bowl and warm for about 1 minute, or until heated through. Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp during reheating, as it can quickly become rubbery. If reheating larger portions, you might add a splash of broth or a little extra Bang Bang sauce to restore moisture.
For best results with a pasta dish like this, freezing individual servings in “souper cubes” or similar freezer-safe containers is an excellent option. This allows you to reheat just one portion at a time, preventing waste and ensuring better quality. When ready to enjoy, simply transfer the frozen portion to a microwave-safe dish and reheat slowly, adding a touch more sauce if needed, to prevent the pasta from drying out.
It’s common for creamy sauces to thicken and dry out slightly in the refrigerator. Ideally, for optimal flavor and texture, we recommend making a little extra Bang Bang sauce when you prepare the original meal. If your leftovers seem a bit dry, simply toss them with a fresh spoonful or two of the extra sauce before reheating. This will help moisten the dish and revitalize its creamy, spicy goodness.
If you’re preparing a shrimp dish that doesn’t include pasta, like our air fryer fried shrimp using this same phenomenal sauce, it’s generally best enjoyed fresh for that ultimate crunch. However, that version can be reheated effectively in an air fryer at 400°F. For this pasta-inclusive recipe, the freezer-safe “souper cubes” method is a fantastic way to store and reheat single servings, ensuring you always have a quick, flavorful meal ready.
Looking to try another fantastic shrimp recipe this week? Give our creamy and delicious Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo a try – it’s another family favorite!
Where Can You Find Bang Bang Shrimp?
If you prefer not to make Bang Bang Shrimp at home, or if you’re curious about trying a restaurant rendition, the popular Bonefish Grill chain is renowned for its original Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer. They have locations nationwide; for example, there’s one in Boise, Idaho, and you can easily search their website to find a restaurant near you. However, with the rising popularity of homemade versions, creating a delicious copycat recipe right in your own kitchen has become increasingly easy and satisfying. By using the right ingredients, you can effortlessly adjust the spiciness to your exact preference and enjoy a fantastic dinner with your loved ones for significantly less money. We encourage you to try this recipe and let us know what you think!
