This Easy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is a quick and tasty dish! With juicy prawns, garlic, and a hint of chili, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Honestly, who can resist that combination? I love how the garlic makes everything smell amazing while it cooks! Just boil pasta, sauté, and you’re ready to eat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti and linguine are both great choices. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try rice noodles or chickpea pasta for a different texture and flavor.
Prawns: Fresh prawns are ideal, but you can use frozen prawns if they’re more convenient. Just make sure to thaw them beforehand for even cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for its strong aroma, but in a pinch, garlic powder can work. Use about 1/4 tsp for each clove if you’re substituting.
Chillies: Adjust the heat to your liking! You can substitute fresh red chillies with red pepper flakes or even omit them for a milder dish.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds freshness, but you can easily substitute it with basil or cilantro if you prefer. Both will give a unique twist!
How Do You Make Sure the Prawns are Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking prawns can be tricky, but here’s how to get it right. The key is to look for their color change. You want a nice pink without overcooking them, which can make them tough.
- Heat the oil before adding garlic and chillies for full flavor.
- Cook prawns for 2-3 minutes on each side; they’ll turn pink when ready.
- Remove them from the heat as soon as they are cooked to avoid overcooking.
By following these steps, you’ll enjoy perfectly cooked prawns in your pasta!
Easy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 200g pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
For the Prawn Sauce:
- 250g 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
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes of preparation and cooking time. Just boil the pasta, sauté the prawns with garlic and chillies, toss everything together, and you’re ready to serve a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside while reserving a little bit of the pasta water.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Chillies:
In a large pan, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the finely chopped garlic and sliced red chillies. Sauté this mixture for about 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until you can smell the delicious garlic aroma. Just be careful not to let the garlic burn!
3. Cook the Prawns:
Now it’s time to add the prawns to the pan. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked through. This will add a wonderful flavor to the dish!
4. Add Cherry Tomatoes (Optional):
If you’re using cherry tomatoes, add them to the pan now and cook for another 2 minutes until they’re slightly softened. They add a nice burst of sweetness to the dish!
5. Combine with the Pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the pan with the cooked prawns and garlic chili oil. Toss everything together well. If the mixture seems a bit dry, pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a nice saucy consistency.
6. Season and Finish:
Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Finally, squeeze the lemon juice over the top to brighten up the flavors. Mix everything together gently.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the pasta. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Enjoy your easy, flavorful chilli garlic prawn pasta!
FAQ for Easy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Prawns for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen prawns, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging them in cold water for a quick thaw.
Can I Make This Pasta Dish Ahead of Time?
While the pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just cook the prawns and sauce, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop and then toss with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.
What Other Ingredients Can I Add?
This recipe is quite versatile! Consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients. You can also include capers or olives for a brinier flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed for any added ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil or water to prevent it from drying out.
