This Easy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is a tasty dish that brings together juicy prawns, spicy garlic, and a hint of heat. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for a busy weeknight!
Who doesn’t love a meal that takes less than 30 minutes? I usually pair it with a simple salad for a nice touch. Trust me, your taste buds will be dancing! 🍤🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using spaghetti or linguine for this dish. They both hold the sauce beautifully. If you’re gluten-free, you can easily swap in gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Prawns: Fresh or frozen prawns work great. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, try using shrimp or even chicken pieces instead. Make sure to adjust cooking times if using chicken!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh, use minced garlic from a jar. Just remember that jarred garlic tends to be a bit milder.
Chillies: Adjust the number of red chillies to your heat preference. If you prefer less spice, consider using red pepper flakes instead, or even omit them for a milder dish.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Prawns Perfectly?
Cooking prawns doesn’t take long, and you want to make sure they’re juicy. The key is to cook them just until they’re pink and opaque. Here’s how:
- Heat your skillet on medium. Once hot, add olive oil and the garlic-chilli mix. Let it sizzle for 1-2 minutes to release those flavors.
- When adding the prawns, cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn a lovely pink and firm up. Take care not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery!
If you’re unsure, just take one out of the pan and cut it in half. If it’s opaque and white inside, they’re ready!
Easy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 250g pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
For the Prawn Mixture:
- 300g raw prawns, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1-2 red chillies, finely sliced (adjust to taste)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, to serve (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook—totalling about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the pasta of your choice. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta but make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside for now.
2. Sauté Garlic and Chillies:
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped garlic and sliced chillies. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until they’re fragrant. Watch closely to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn!
3. Cook the Prawns:
Add the prawns to the skillet with the garlic and chillies. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side until the prawns turn pink and are cooked through. Season them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
4. Add Tomatoes (Optional):
If you’re using cherry tomatoes, toss them into the skillet now and sauté for an additional 2 minutes until they are slightly softened. This step adds a lovely sweetness to your dish!
5. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Toss everything gently to combine, and add reserved pasta water as needed to create a saucy consistency.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Give your dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. It should be bursting with flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out your delicious chilli garlic prawn pasta while it’s hot. Feel free to garnish with extra parsley and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a delightful finish.
Enjoy your flavorful and easy chilli garlic prawn pasta! 🍝✨
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Easy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Prawns for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw them before cooking. You can do this overnight in the refrigerator or quickly thaw them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat them dry before adding to the skillet to avoid excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for the Pasta?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, consider using gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Both options are delicious and will pair well with the prawn and garlic flavors!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier or Milder?
To spice things up, add more sliced red chillies or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of chillies or omit them altogether. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream to balance the heat.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat or the microwave. You may want to add a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta from drying out.
