When life gets hectic and you want something quick yet satisfying, this Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is the answer. Ready in just 20 minutes, it blends tender prawns with a spicy, garlicky tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that feels special without a lot of fuss. You’ll find it’s the kind of dish you want to make again and again, especially when craving a bit of heat with your dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta
This pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The balance of flavors is spot-on — the sweetness of ripe tomatoes contrasts beautifully with the spicy kick of chili flakes, while garlic adds depth without overpowering the dish. You get juicy prawns that burst with flavor in every bite.
Not only does it taste incredible, but it’s also straightforward to prepare. You don’t have to be a professional chef to whip up this dish. With simple ingredients and clear steps, it fits perfectly into your busy schedule without sacrificing flavor.
Plus, it’s versatile. Whether you prefer linguine or spaghetti, fresh tomatoes or canned, this recipe adapts well. It also allows you to control the spice level easily, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone at the table.
Ingredients for Your Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- 300 g (⅔ lb) raw prawns, thawed, peeled, and deveined
- 300 g (⅔ lb) linguine or spaghetti
- 500 g (1 lb) fresh ripe tomatoes, diced (about 4 large)
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tablespoon dried chili flakes (adjust to your taste)
- 1 teaspoon brown or white sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for serving
For seasoning the prawns:
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoky)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional toppings:
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Extra chili flakes
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
How to Make Your Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta
Begin by seasoning the prawns. In a bowl, mix the peeled prawns with minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and olive oil. Set this aside so the flavors meld while you prepare the rest.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions. Aim for al dente — cooked but still firm to the bite. This texture helps the pasta hold onto the sauce better.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large frying pan over high heat. Without adding oil, quickly sear the seasoned prawns for about 1 minute on each side until they turn pink and slightly caramelized. Once done, remove the prawns from the pan and set them aside.
Using the same pan (no need to clean it), add olive oil and gently sauté the minced garlic and tomato paste over medium heat. Stir constantly until the garlic becomes aromatic and slightly golden.
Add the diced fresh tomatoes, chili flakes, and sugar to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer with the lid on for about 10 minutes. This allows the tomatoes to break down into a rich, flavorful sauce.
Once your pasta is ready, drain it but keep about half a cup of the pasta water. Add the prawns and fresh parsley back into the simmering sauce. Toss everything gently over low heat to combine.
Add the drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to the pan. Toss the pasta in the sauce until every strand is coated with that delicious, spicy tomato mixture.
Serve immediately with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, parmesan cheese if you like, and a pinch more chili flakes for extra heat.
How to Serve Your Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta
Serving this pasta fresh and hot is the best way to enjoy it. Plate it generously with the prawns on top to showcase the juicy seafood and vibrant sauce. You can add extra parsley for a fresh green touch and a few more chili flakes if you want an added punch of spice.
Consider pairing it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to keep the meal balanced and light. A side of crusty bread or garlic bread works wonderfully to mop up any leftover sauce on your plate.
This dish is perfect for casual dinners, impressing guests with minimal effort, or even a cozy solo meal. Serve it on your favorite dinnerware to make the experience feel special, even on a busy weekday.
Expert Tips for Making Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta
To get the best results, always use the freshest prawns you can find. If time allows, buying whole prawns and peeling them yourself enhances the flavor and texture, giving your dish a more satisfying bite.
Don’t rush the searing process. High heat and quick cooking lock in juices and create a beautiful caramelized exterior without overcooking the prawns.
When choosing tomatoes, go for ripe and juicy varieties. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, cherry tomatoes or good quality canned tomatoes are excellent substitutes. Avoid underripe tomatoes, as they can make the sauce taste bland.
Adjust chili flakes to match your spice tolerance. If you prefer milder flavors, start with less and add more later. Remember, the heat can always be increased but not easily taken away.
Keep some pasta water handy when combining pasta and sauce. The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the noodles, creating a silky texture and richer flavor.
How to Store Leftovers of Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Seafood dishes are best eaten sooner rather than later because they lose some flavor and texture over time.
Avoid freezing this dish. Since most prawns have already been frozen before purchase, freezing again can affect their quality and safety. It’s better to enjoy this pasta fresh or refrigerated within a couple of days.
When reheating, warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying out. Stir well to bring back the flavors.
Variations to Try with Your Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta
You can easily customize this pasta to fit your taste or what’s available in your kitchen. Swap linguine or spaghetti for fettuccine or penne for a different texture and bite.
Try adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce for added color and nutrition. Simply sauté them along with the garlic before adding tomatoes.
If you want a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking. This softens the chili heat and adds richness.
For a smoky twist, use smoked paprika in the prawn seasoning or finish with a handful of chopped roasted red peppers.
Herbs like basil or oregano can replace parsley if you want a different herbal note. Experiment to find your favorite combination.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta
What pasta works best for chilli garlic prawn pasta?
You can use linguine or spaghetti, as they both hold sauce well. Other pasta types like fettuccine or penne also work great if you want a change.
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure they are properly thawed and drained before cooking. Fresh prawns add more flavor, but good-quality frozen prawns are convenient and still tasty.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on how much chili flakes you add. Start with less if you prefer mild heat, and increase to your taste. The sugar balances the heat nicely.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You could replace prawns with mushrooms or tofu, but it won’t have the same seafood flavor. Adjust the seasoning accordingly for a tasty vegetarian version.
How long can I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers refrigerated and eat within three days for best taste and safety. Avoid freezing to maintain texture and flavor.
Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Frying Pan
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 300 g raw prawns thawed, peeled, and deveined
- 300 g linguine or spaghetti
- 500 g fresh ripe tomatoes diced (about 4 large)
- 1 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ Tbsp. dried chili flakes adjust to taste
- 1 tsp. brown or white sugar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil plus extra for serving
- 1 clove garlic minced (for prawns seasoning)
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. paprika (sweet or smoky)
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil (for prawns seasoning)
- Fresh parsley for topping (optional)
- Extra chili flakes for topping (optional)
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling (optional)
- Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the prawns with minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and olive oil. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Heat a large frying pan over high heat. Sear the seasoned prawns for about 1 minute on each side until pink and caramelized. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic and tomato paste over medium heat until garlic is golden.
- Add diced tomatoes, chili flakes, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer with the lid on for about 10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving half a cup of pasta water. Add prawns and parsley to the sauce, then toss everything together.
- Add the drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce.
- Serve immediately with extra virgin olive oil, fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and more chili flakes if desired.
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