Ignite your taste buds with this Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta—a perfect blend of spicy heat, bold garlic flavor, and succulent prawns tossed in a light, flavorful sauce. This dish offers a quick yet impressive meal that balances the warmth of chili with the fresh sweetness of seafood, all served over perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s a recipe that brings a restaurant-quality dish to your home kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta
Bold and Spicy: The chili adds just the right kick without overpowering the delicate prawns.
Garlic-Infused: Rich, aromatic garlic enhances every bite for maximum flavor.
Succulent Prawns: Tender seafood cooked to perfection for a juicy, satisfying texture.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Versatile Meal: Pair with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete dinner.
Ingredients for Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta
A flavor-packed pasta with juicy prawns, fiery chili, and savory garlic notes. Here’s what you’ll need:
Spaghetti or linguine: These pasta types are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Large shrimp: Fresh or frozen, these prawns are the star of the dish, bringing a sweet, briny flavor.
Olive oil: A must-have for sautéing, it adds richness and depth to the dish.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the pasta with a warm, aromatic essence.
Red pepper flakes: Adjust the heat to your liking; they provide that essential kick.
Cherry tomatoes: These juicy gems add a burst of sweetness and color.
Dry white wine or chicken broth: Both options enhance the sauce’s flavor; choose based on your preference.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, they elevate all the flavors.
Lemon juice: A splash of acidity brightens the dish and balances the richness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: For serving, it adds a creamy, salty finish that complements the pasta beautifully.
For those looking to mix things up, consider substituting shrimp with scallops or chicken for a different protein option. You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. This Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar by the end. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add your spaghetti or linguine. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve half a cup of that pasta water before draining. It’s liquid gold for your sauce!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Chili
In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This step is crucial; it sets the flavor foundation for your dish.
Step 3: Cook the Prawns
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. Don’t worry if they look a bit undercooked; they’ll finish cooking later!
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil and toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Then, pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let it cook for about two minutes to meld those flavors.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency. This is where the magic happens; the pasta absorbs all those delicious flavors!
Step 6: Final Touches
Stir in the chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Your Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is ready to impress!
Tips for Success
Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
Use fresh shrimp for maximum flavor, but frozen works in a pinch.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
Reserve that pasta water! It’s perfect for adjusting sauce consistency.
For a creamier sauce, stir in some heavy cream after adding the shrimp.
Equipment Needed
Large pot: For boiling pasta; a Dutch oven works well too.
Skillet: A non-stick skillet is ideal for sautéing; cast iron is a great alternative.
Colander: For draining pasta; a slotted spoon can work in a pinch.
Measuring cups: Handy for precise ingredient portions.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra fiery flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the prawns for sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a delicious meat-free dish.
Creamy Delight: Stir in heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese for a rich, creamy sauce.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme for a unique twist on flavor.
Whole Wheat Pasta: Use whole wheat spaghetti or linguine for a healthier, fiber-rich alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for a delightful pairing.
Salad: A fresh arugula or Caesar salad complements the pasta beautifully.
Wine: Pair with a chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, to enhance the flavors.
Presentation: Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges for a vibrant touch.
FAQs about Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work just fine. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. They’ll still deliver that delicious flavor!
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a great alternative. It adds depth to the sauce without the alcohol.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To amp up the heat, simply add more red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce. Adjust it to your taste!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance. Just reheat it gently and add the cooked pasta and shrimp when you’re ready to serve.
What sides pair well with Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta?
Garlic bread and a fresh salad are perfect companions. They balance the flavors and make for a complete meal!
Final Thoughts
Cooking Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating a moment. The aroma of garlic mingling with the heat of chili fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Each bite is a delightful dance of flavors, making it a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a quiet night in, this pasta brings joy and satisfaction. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and let this recipe transform your dinner into a memorable experience. Your taste buds will thank you for it!
A delicious and easy-to-make Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta that combines the flavors of garlic, chili, and fresh shrimp.
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and bring to a simmer, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it cook for about 2 minutes.
Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream after adding the shrimp back to the skillet.
Substitute shrimp with scallops or chicken for a different protein option.
