If you have a craving for a pasta dish that excites your taste buds with the perfect balance of spice, garlic, and succulent seafood, you have to try this Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe. It’s a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that feels fancy enough for a date night but comes together quickly enough for any weeknight dinner. The tender prawns soaked in a luscious, garlicky chili oil pair beautifully with al dente pasta, creating a luscious, comforting dish you’ll want to make again and again. Let’s dive right into how you can whip up this seafood sensation in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun and success of this recipe. Each component plays a starring role, whether it’s the spicy kick from the chili flakes, the fragrant garlic, or the fresh burst of parsley and lemon juice that elevate the dish to another level.
- 250g pasta (linguine or spaghetti): Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up the delicious sauce perfectly.
- 300g large prawns, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed, these succulent prawns bring that irresistible seafood charm.
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced: Garlic is the soul of this dish, providing a rich, aromatic foundation.
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste): Adds a lively heat that makes this pasta anything but boring.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: A fruity base that carries all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Gives the sauce a silky texture and rich finish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the dish with a fresh, citrusy zing.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional): A juicy, sweet contrast that complements the spicy prawns.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors into harmony.
How to Make Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by peeling and deveining your prawns if that hasn’t been done already, then pat them dry to avoid any excess moisture while cooking. Thinly slice or mince the garlic so it cooks evenly without burning. Chop the fresh parsley and halve your cherry tomatoes if you’re using them. Having everything prepped and ready keeps the cooking smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your pasta. Cooking it al dente is key — you want just the right amount of bite so it holds up well with the sauce. Don’t forget to scoop out about half a cup of pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid is a magical ingredient that helps bind your sauce perfectly to the pasta strands.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Chili Flakes
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up the olive oil and toss in the garlic. Let it cook gently until just golden and fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn as that would turn the flavor bitter. Stir in the chili flakes to release their heat and infuse the oil with a vibrant, spicy warmth.
Step 4: Cook the Prawns and Tomatoes
Next, add your prawns to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Give them a couple of minutes on each side until they turn pink and curl up—signs they’re perfectly cooked. If you’re using cherry tomatoes, toss them in during the final minute to soften them slightly, adding fresh sweetness that balances the spice.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Butter, and Sauce
Add the drained pasta directly into your skillet with the prawns and the garlicky chili oil. Stir in the butter and a splash of that reserved pasta water you saved earlier. This step is what makes the sauce silky and coats every strand of pasta in a glossy, flavorful hug.
Step 6: Finish with Lemon and Parsley
Turn off the heat and add the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Give everything one final toss to distribute the bright citrus and the fresh herb notes evenly. This finishing touch elevates the entire dish, making it feel fresh and irresistible.
How to Serve Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra parsley on top adds a lovely green contrast and fresh aroma. A drizzle of olive oil just before serving can amp up the richness and shine of the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few extra chili flakes can add that punch of fiery excitement that fans of heat will adore.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty ciabatta also complement the flavors while giving a crunchy texture alongside the tender pasta and prawns. For something lighter, steamed or roasted vegetables work perfectly without overpowering the main course.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stylish touch, plate the pasta in neat nests using tongs, then arrange the prawns on top like jewels. Sprinkle some finely grated parmesan or a handful of toasted pine nuts over the top for added texture. Serving the dish in shallow bowls makes it easier to gather every last delicious bite and adds a cozy presentation vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you do have any leftovers from this Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume within 1-2 days to enjoy the best flavor and freshness since seafood dishes are best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Freezing
Freezing pasta with prawns can be tricky as the texture sometimes suffers, especially with seafood. If you want to freeze, it’s better to keep the sauce and cooked pasta separate without the prawns. Thaw and reheat gently, adding freshly cooked prawns later when ready to serve for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat your Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the prawns from becoming rubbery. Add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce and keep everything glossy and delicious. Avoid microwaving if you can – stovetop reheating preserves the dish’s charm best.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture from diluting your sauce. Frozen prawns work just as well and are often more convenient.
How spicy is the Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe?
The heat mainly comes from chili flakes, which you can easily adjust to your preference. Start with less if you’re hesitant and add more as you go for a mild to medium heat level that enhances but doesn’t overpower the flavors.
Can I substitute the prawns with another protein?
Yes, you can swap prawns for scallops, chicken strips, or even firm tofu to suit your taste or dietary needs. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the substitute cooks perfectly.
Is there a gluten-free way to make this pasta?
Definitely! Use gluten-free pasta varieties made from rice, corn, or legumes. They hold up well in this recipe and allow everyone to enjoy the bold flavors without compromising on texture.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the zest and spice of this Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe. The acidity helps cut through the richness while complementing the seafood.
Final Thoughts
This Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels effortlessly luxurious and is packed with comforting, exciting flavors. It’s simple enough to pull together on a busy night but impressive enough to share with guests or a special someone. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and discover just how addictive a perfect blend of chili, garlic, and prawns can be in pasta form!
Print
Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining succulent prawns sautéed with garlic and chili flakes, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine and a hint of fresh lemon juice and parsley. Optional cherry tomatoes add a fresh burst of color and taste, making it a vibrant and satisfying meal ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 250g pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
Prawns and Vegetables
- 300g large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Seasoning and Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Peel and devein the prawns, and pat them dry. Thinly slice or mince the garlic. Chop fresh parsley and halve the cherry tomatoes if you are using them. Measure out all ingredients to have them ready.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook until it turns golden and releases a fragrant aroma, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the chili flakes for heat.
- Cook Prawns and Tomatoes: Add the prawns to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. If using, add cherry tomatoes during the last minute to soften slightly.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet. Stir in butter and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a glossy sauce that coats the pasta and prawns evenly. Toss everything until well combined.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and add fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Toss again to distribute the flavors. Serve hot with extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
- Adjust chili flakes according to your heat preference.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed, enhancing glossiness.
- Use fresh prawns if possible for best flavor and texture.
- If you like, add extra fresh herbs such as basil or oregano for variation.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or light salad for a complete meal.
