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
Scale
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.
