Mouthwatering Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe
If you love the combination of zingy spice, rich creaminess, and succulent seafood tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, then you are in for a treat with this Mouthwatering Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe. It’s a dish that delivers big flavors with fresh, simple ingredients that come together quickly to create a dinner that feels special yet incredibly satisfying. The gentle heat from red pepper flakes and smoky paprika perfectly balances the luscious cream and garlic, while the juicy prawns add that wonderful seafood sweetness that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will become a fast favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients – each one plays an essential role in crafting this vibrant, creamy, and flavorful pasta. From the aromatic garlic and spicy chili flakes to the creamy Parmesan and fresh lemon juice, every component contributes to a perfectly balanced dish full of color and zest.
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti: Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity base and helps cook the garlic gently without burning.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings richness and silky texture to the sauce.
- 1 pound large prawns or shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that brings ocean-fresh flavor and tender bite.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Packs an aromatic and savory punch central to this dish.
- ½–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adjust to your preferred heat level for that perfect chilli kick.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Adds subtle smoky warmth complementing the spice.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor and balances the creaminess.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked for an extra layer of spice.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The creamy base that makes this pasta indulgent and luscious.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: A savory, nutty finish that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- Juice of ½ lemon: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness with natural acidity.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional): A fragrant pop of citrus aroma to elevate the dish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish: A fresh, herbaceous note to finish with color and flavor.
How to Make Mouthwatering Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your linguine or spaghetti in salted water until al dente, which usually takes just the right amount of time to keep the pasta firm but tender. Be sure to reserve about ¼ cup of that starchy pasta water before draining — this little trick helps loosen your sauce later for the perfect silky consistency.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spices
Heat olive oil and butter together over medium heat, creating a rich and flavorful base. Toss in minced garlic along with red pepper flakes and let them cook for just 30 seconds. This releases fragrant oils and infuses the base with the spicy aroma that will carry through the whole dish without overwhelming the delicate seafood.
Step 3: Cook the Prawns
Next, add your large prawns to the pan along with a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky touch, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Sauté each side for 2 to 3 minutes until the prawns turn a vibrant pink and are just cooked through. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on timing. Once ready, remove them temporarily from the skillet to keep their texture intact.
Step 4: Craft the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream into the same pan. Give it a gentle simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to let the cream thicken slightly while soaking up all those wonderful flavors left behind by the prawns. Stir in the Parmesan cheese patiently until it melts completely, creating a luxuriously smooth sauce. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and the optional lemon zest for that zesty lift.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the prawns to the creamy sauce, letting them warm up again for a minute. Then add your cooked pasta straight into the pan and toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water to reach that perfect creamy texture that clings lovingly to every strand of linguine—pure comfort food bliss!
How to Serve Mouthwatering Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brings a refreshing herbaceous note and vibrant green color, instantly lifting the dish visually and on the palate. If you want to amp up the cheesy goodness, an extra dusting of Parmesan right before serving is always a winner.
Side Dishes
Pair this indulgent pasta with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crunchy baguette makes a fantastic side too, perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve your pasta in shallow bowls and top with a few whole prawns arranged neatly alongside bright parsley sprigs. Adding a lemon wedge on the side invites guests to add an extra splash of zesty freshness and makes it feel restaurant-quality at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy chilli garlic prawn pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors meld beautifully, but since seafood is delicate, it’s best enjoyed within this timeframe for freshness and safety.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not recommended because the heavy cream sauce can separate and turn grainy when thawed, and the prawns’ texture may become rubbery. It’s best to freeze cooked prawns separately if needed, but fresh is always best for this recipe.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftover pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve the creamy texture and avoid chewy prawns.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can dilute the sauce. Fresh or frozen, the key is to cook them quickly for the best texture.
Can I make this pasta dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy flavor. It’s a delightful twist that keeps the dish creamy and satisfying.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is adjustable thanks to the red pepper flakes. Start with ½ teaspoon for a gentle kick and increase to 1 teaspoon or more if you love it fiery. The creamy sauce also mellows out the spice nicely.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Definitely! Baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted bell peppers all work wonderfully and add extra color and nutrients. Just toss them in during the sauce-making step to soften slightly.
What pasta type works best?
Long strands like linguine or spaghetti are ideal because they twirl perfectly with the creamy sauce. However, feel free to experiment with fettuccine or even penne – the flavors remain just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Mouthwatering Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it brings together a beautiful harmony of spice, creaminess, and fresh seafood that’s hard to resist. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the joy of making a restaurant-worthy meal that’s truly made at home. Trust me, your taste buds are going to thank you!
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Mouthwatering Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Mouthwatering Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is a deliciously spicy and creamy seafood dish featuring succulent prawns sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes, tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with a hint of lemon. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this Italian-inspired recipe combines bold flavors with simple ingredients to create a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) linguine or spaghetti
Seafood and Seasonings
- 1 pound (450g) large prawns or shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- juice of ½ lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter together. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Prawns: Add the prawns to the skillet along with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the prawns turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the prawns from the skillet and set them aside temporarily.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour the heavy cream into the same skillet. Allow it to simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Add Lemon and Combine: Stir in the lemon juice and optional lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavor. Return the cooked prawns to the skillet and toss to coat them in the creamy sauce.
- Mix Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the prawns and sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it as desired.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if you like.
Notes
- Add a handful of baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce option.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
