Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta

Introduction

Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is a game-changer for anyone looking for a quick yet flavorful dinner. This dish combines the perfect balance of succulent prawns, al dente pasta, and a bold, spicy sauce made with garlic, chili, and olive oil. It’s one of those recipes where a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something absolutely delicious, and the best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes!

I love making this dish on busy weeknights when I need something fast but still want a meal that feels special. The prawns cook up quickly, absorbing all the rich flavors of the garlic and chili, while the pasta soaks up the sauce, creating the perfect bite every time. The spicy kick from the chili adds an exciting twist, while the garlic gives it that aromatic depth that makes each mouthful so satisfying.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or impressing a date with a restaurant-quality dish, this Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is sure to wow. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy without requiring a ton of time or effort, making it the perfect go-to recipe when you want something easy, delicious, and packed with flavor!

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Romantic date nights
• Seafood lovers
• Quick and easy meals
• Impressing guests

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta will become your go-to pasta dish:

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh garlic, red chilli flakes, and juicy prawns creates an explosion of flavors in every bite.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a fast yet satisfying dinner.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can adjust the spice level or add extra ingredients like veggies or cheese to make it your own.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Save money by skipping the restaurant and enjoy this gourmet dish in the comfort of your kitchen.
• Light Yet Satisfying: With its olive oil-based sauce, this pasta feels indulgent without being overly heavy.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta:

• 300g spaghetti or linguine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
• 300g raw prawns, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup white wine or chicken broth (optional, see substitutions)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Prawns: Fresh or frozen prawns are the star of this dish, providing a delicate sweetness and meaty texture.
• Garlic and Chilli Flakes: These ingredients form the backbone of the sauce, delivering bold and aromatic flavors.
• Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor of the dish and creates a silky sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy freshness that balances the spice and richness of the prawns.
• Parsley: Provides a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness to round out the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta:

Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
3. Add Chilli Flakes: Stir in the chilli flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to release their aroma.

Cook the Prawns

4. Add the Prawns: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the prawns to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the prawns and set aside.

Build the Sauce

5. Deglaze the Pan: If using, pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Add Cherry Tomatoes: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.

Combine and Serve

7. Mix Everything Together: Return the prawns to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Season and Garnish: Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve: Divide the pasta among plates and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

How to Serve

Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta can be served in various ways to suit your occasion:

1. Classic Presentation: Serve it in shallow bowls for a traditional pasta experience.
2. With a Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad or Caesar salad for a complete meal.
3. With Garlic Bread: Complement the dish with warm, buttery garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.
4. As a Main Dish: Serve as the star of the meal with a glass of sparkling water or non-alcoholic spritzer.
5. Family-Style: Present it in a large serving bowl for a family-style meal that’s easy to share.

Additional Tips

Follow these tips to make your Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta even better:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic, parsley, and lemon for the most vibrant flavors.
2. Control the Spice: Adjust the amount of chilli flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
3. Don’t Overcook the Prawns: Prawns cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked, so keep an eye on them.
4. Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and creates a silky texture.
5. Cook Pasta Al Dente: For the best texture, ensure the pasta is cooked just until al dente.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 ways to customize your Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta:

1. Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
2. Vegetable Additions: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and color.
3. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
4. Spicier Kick: Add finely chopped fresh chillies for an extra punch of heat.
5. Herb Swap: Substitute parsley with fresh basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
6. Tomato-Free: Skip the cherry tomatoes for a simpler, garlic-forward version.
7. Seafood Mix: Include scallops or mussels along with prawns for a seafood medley.
8. Cheesy Delight: Stir in grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a sharper, cheesier taste.
9. Whole Wheat Pasta: Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and a nutty flavor.
10. Vegetarian Alternative: Replace prawns with sautéed mushrooms or marinated tofu for a vegetarian option.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked prawns separately. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment

To prepare your Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta effortlessly, consider using the following equipment:

1. Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
2. Large Skillet: A wide, shallow skillet works best for preparing the sauce.
3. Tongs: Ideal for tossing the pasta with the sauce.
4. Garlic Press: Speeds up the process of mincing garlic.
5. Microplane Grater: Perfect for grating Parmesan cheese or zesting lemon.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen prawns?
   Yes, frozen prawns can be used. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
2. What type of pasta works best?
   Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work best for this recipe, but you can use any pasta you have on hand.
3. Can I make this dish non-spicy?
   Yes, simply omit the chilli flakes for a milder garlic prawn pasta.
4. Can I use pre-cooked prawns?
   While fresh prawns are preferred, you can use pre-cooked prawns. Add them at the end of the cooking process to heat through.
5. Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine?
   Yes, chicken broth or vegetable stock can be used as a substitute for white wine.

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Conclusion

Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is a delightful combination of bold flavors and simplicity, making it an ideal dish for both seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts. The juicy prawns, fragrant garlic, and a spicy kick come together in perfect harmony, creating a satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings.

This recipe offers plenty of room for customization—whether you like it extra spicy, prefer a creamier sauce, or want to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes, you can make it your own. Pair it with a fresh salad, a slice of crusty bread, or serve it on its own for a deliciously filling meal.

I’d love to see how your Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta turns out! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram so I can see your tasty creation. Feel free to leave a comment or share any tweaks you made to this dish—I can’t wait to hear about your experience!