Prawn pasta is a timeless dish that effortlessly combines the delicate sweetness of prawns with the comforting embrace of pasta. This dish is a celebration of flavors that transports you to a seaside restaurant, your plate adorned with fresh, vibrant ingredients.
Why We Love This Prawn Pasta Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this prawn pasta recipe. Firstly, its simplicity takes center stage; even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, you can achieve fantastic results without feeling overwhelmed. Secondly, the flavor profile is undeniably charming: the freshness of the prawns dances delightfully with the zesty kick of lemon and the warm notes of garlic. This recipe strikes a balance between freshness and richness, providing a satisfying dish that leaves you craving more.
The versatility of this recipe is also a big win. You can customize it based on your preferences, whether you want a kick of spice from the birds eye chili or a milder flavor profile. Plus, it makes for a great dish to impress your family and friends, showcasing your culinary skills without requiring hours of work. Whether you choose to serve this at a gathering or enjoy a quiet meal at home, prawn pasta is a dish that brings people together.
Ingredients for Prawn Pasta
To prepare your delicious prawn pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- 700 grams raw peeled prawns
- 2 teaspoons chili flakes
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- Salt, to taste
- 2-3 birds eye chilies (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon cake wheat flour
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Few drops of vegetable oil
- 1 and 1/2 cups fresh cream or milk
- 150 grams tagliatelle or pasta of your choice
- 1/2 tablespoon parsley, chopped
These ingredients come together to create a dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also warms your heart.
How to Make Prawn Pasta Directions
Creating prawn pasta, while seemingly daunting, is simpler than it looks. Follow these steps to achieve a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen:
Prepare the Prawns: Start by peeling the prawns and removing their shells. Rinse them thoroughly with coarse salt to remove any excess grit and seafood smell. Once cleaned, marinate the prawns with 2 teaspoons of chili flakes, minced garlic, zest, and juice of the lemon, and a sprinkle of salt. Allow this mix to sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step amplifies the flavors, ensuring that the prawns will have depth when cooked.
Cook the Pasta: While your prawns marinate, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the packet instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve about a cup of the pasta water for later use. Return the drained pasta to the pot to keep warm.
Flash Fry the Prawns: In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of butter with a few drops of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add half of the marinated prawns and fry for 30 seconds on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set aside. Repeat this process with the remaining prawns to ensure they are cooked perfectly.
Create the Sauce: With the skillet still on medium heat, add another tablespoon of butter to the pan. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and cook it for about a minute, stirring continuously to avoid burning. Slowly pour in the cream, whisking it as it simmers. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly. If it appears too thick, gradually add in more cream or milk as needed until you reach the desired consistency.
Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked prawns back into the sauce and heat them through. Gradually mix in some of the reserved pasta water to achieve the sauce’s perfect texture. At this stage, you can drizzle in some additional lemon juice for brightness and flavor.
Finish and Serve: Finally, divide the freshly cooked pasta among your serving bowls and generously top it with the prawn sauce. For an added touch of flavor and a pop of color, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. If desired, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan on top to enhance the dish further.
Your prawn pasta is now ready to be enjoyed, with each bite promising a delightful combination of flavors.
How to Serve Prawn Pasta
Serving your prawn pasta in an appealing manner can elevate the entire dining experience. Here are some pointers to make your presentation stand out:
- Plating: Use a larger, shallow bowl for individual servings. Twirl your pasta elegantly in the center and ensure the succulently cooked prawns are posed prominently on top. The contrast of the bright herbs against the creamy sauce will make a beautiful visual impact.
- Garnishing: Fresh herbs, like parsley or even basil, can add a touch of color and freshness. Consider adding lemon wedges on the side to allow your guests to brighten up their own plates.
- Accompaniments: Pair your prawn pasta with a light side salad. A simple salad with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette beautifully complements the richness of the pasta. Some crusty bread is also a lovely addition to soak up any delicious sauce left on the plate.
- Wine Pairing: If you enjoy sharing a drink with your meal, consider a chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon, which brings a refreshing balance to the dish.
Expert Tips for Prawn Pasta
Creating the perfect prawn pasta requires attention to detail and a few expert tips to take your dish to the next level:
- Quality of Prawns: Fresh or high-quality frozen prawns will impact the dish’s flavor and texture. Look for prawns that are firm and smell clean. Thaw frozen prawns in the refrigerator for optimal results—this prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Don’t Overcook the Prawns: Prawns cook quickly; overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Flash frying ensures they stay juicy inside while achieving a lovely sear.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the birds eye chilies. The balance of spices should cater to your personal taste.
- Experiment with Cream: If you prefer a lighter dish, feel free to substitute part of the cream with low-fat milk or even a dairy-free alternative. The sauce will still be delicious while being more accommodating to dietary preferences.
- Utilize Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is a magic ingredient when it comes to achieving the right sauce consistency. The starch in the water helps bind the sauce to the pasta seamlessly, enhancing the overall dish while ensuring it won’t be too runny.
How to Store Prawn Pasta
If you happen to have any leftover prawn pasta (a rare occurrence given its deliciousness!), proper storage is essential to maintain its integrity:
- Refrigeration: Allow your pasta to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. When stored in the refrigerator, it can last for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, add the pasta to a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of cream or pasta water to ensure it doesn’t dry out during reheating.
Variation of Prawn Pasta
The beauty of prawn pasta is in its versatility. Here are some delightful variations to try when you want to switch things up:
- Spicy Cajun Prawn Pasta: Add a mix of Cajun seasoning along with the garlic. The spice blend enhances the dish with a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with prawns.
- Lemon Garlic Butter Prawns: Instead of a cream sauce, simply sauté the prawns in a mixture of butter, garlic, and fresh lemon juice for a lighter option.
- Mediterranean Prawn Pasta: Introduce ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to create a Mediterranean twist. These additions bring a whole new dimension to the dish.
- Prawn Pasta Primavera: Enrich your pasta by incorporating seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus, lightly sautéed, for a vibrant and healthy dish.
- Thai-inspired Prawn Pasta: Incorporate coconut milk and lime juice along with fresh herbs like cilantro for a fusion dish that takes inspiration from Southeast Asian flavors, adding an exotic touch.
Frequently Asked Questions about Prawn Pasta
What kind of pasta is best for prawn pasta?
Tagliatelle or any long, thin pasta like linguine work best as they capture the sauce beautifully. However, feel free to experiment with shapes you prefer!
Can I make prawn pasta without cream?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream with low-fat milk, vegetable broth, or even a blended cashew sauce for a creamier texture without dairy.
How spice-friendly is this dish?
You have control over the heat level. Adjust the quantity of chili flakes and birds eye chilies according to your preference for spiciness.
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Yes! Just ensure to thaw them completely before use, preferably overnight in the refrigerator, for the best texture.
Prawn Pasta
Ingredients
For the Prawns
- 700 grams raw peeled prawns Fresh or high-quality frozen prawns are recommended.
- 2 teaspoons chili flakes Adjust to taste for heat preference.
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium lemon, zest and juice Adds freshness to the dish.
- Salt, to taste
- 2-3 birds eye chilies (optional, for extra heat)
For the Sauce and Pasta
- 1 tablespoon cake wheat flour Used to thicken the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons butter For flavor and sauce richness.
- Few drops vegetable oil To prevent butter from burning.
- 1.5 cups fresh cream or milk Adjust for a lighter sauce if desired.
- 150 grams tagliatelle or pasta of your choice Long pasta works best for sauce adherence.
- 0.5 tablespoon parsley, chopped For garnishing.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by peeling the prawns and rinsing them with coarse salt to remove any grit. Marinate prawns with chili flakes, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, and a sprinkle of salt; refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water, drain, and return to pot to keep warm.
Cooking the Prawns
- In a skillet, heat butter and vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Flash fry half of the marinated prawns for 30 seconds on each side until pink and opaque. Set aside and repeat with remaining prawns.
Making the Sauce
- Add another tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, sprinkle flour and cook for about a minute, stirring continuously. Slowly add cream, whisking as it simmers until thickened. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
Combining Ingredients
- Add cooked prawns back into the sauce, mix in reserved pasta water for desired texture. Optionally, drizzle in more lemon juice.
Serving
- Serve the pasta in bowls topped with prawns and sauce. Garnish with parsley and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.