Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta: Quick Flavor-Packed Dinner

Description

Ingredients

Serves 2–3

• 300g raw prawns (thawed, peeled and deveined)
• 300g linguine or spaghetti
• 500g fresh tomatoes (diced)
• 1 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ tbsp dried chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp sugar (brown or white)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for serving)

Prawn seasoning:

• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Optional garnishes:

• Fresh parsley
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Season the prawns: In a bowl, combine prawns with the minced garlic, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, paprika and 1 tbsp olive oil. Toss to coat and let rest for 5–10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine or spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
3. Sear the prawns: Heat a skillet over high heat. Sear the prawns for about 1 minute per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to avoid overcooking.
4. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil (or a little if the pan is dry) and sauté the minced garlic and tomato paste until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, chilli flakes, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well.
5. Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer the sauce, partially covered, for about 8–10 minutes until it reduces slightly and the tomatoes break down into a chunky sauce.
6. Combine: Return the prawns to the pan and stir in most of the chopped parsley. Add the drained pasta and toss with a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen and help the sauce cling to the noodles.
7. Serve: Plate the pasta, finish with remaining parsley, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Chef’s Notes & Tips

• For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh tomatoes or a high-quality canned tomato if out of season.
• Adjust the chilli flakes to your heat tolerance—start with less and add more at the end if needed.
• Reserve pasta water and add it a little at a time; the starch helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
• Sear prawns quickly over high heat to keep them tender and juicy. Overcooking will make them rubbery.
• To make a creamier version, stir in a tablespoon of cream or mascarpone at the end for a richer texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chilli garlic prawn pasta with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad or a simple green salad for contrast. A chilled glass of white wine complements the garlic and seafood flavors, while crusty bread helps mop up the tomato sauce.

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

• Calories: 511 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Vitamins: Vitamin C and A from tomatoes and parsley

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture. Prawns are best eaten soon after cooking; avoid reheating multiple times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen prawns? Yes—thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

What pasta can I substitute? Spaghetti, bucatini, or any long pasta you prefer will work well.

How spicy is the dish? It’s moderately spicy by default; reduce or increase chilli flakes to match your preference.

Can I add vegetables? Absolutely. Spinach, bell peppers or zucchini work nicely added to the sauce.

Related Recipes

• Spicy Garlic Shrimp Linguine
• Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Conclusion

This chilli garlic prawn pasta is quick to make, full of bright tomato and garlic flavors, and ideal for anyone who enjoys a slightly spicy seafood pasta. It’s easy to adapt—scale up the quantities, change the pasta shape, or add a splash of cream for a richer finish. Try it tonight and enjoy a flavorful, comforting meal.