If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and a luxurious, silky sauce, look no further than this Mouthwatering Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent without a fuss, combining plump, juicy prawns with just the right kick of chili and the richness of creamy, garlicky goodness. Every twirl of pasta is steeped in a velvety sauce that’s brightened by a splash of lemon and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by this recipe — its magic lies in a handful of simple ingredients, each one bringing a unique touch to the plate. From the spicy warmth of red chili to the creaminess of Parmesan, every component plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and a perfect balance of texture and color.
- 300g linguine or spaghetti: The ideal pasta shape to soak up the luscious sauce and marry beautifully with the prawns.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity base and helps sauté the aromatics without overpowering them.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with its irresistible, savory aroma that sets the tone for every bite.
- 1 red chilli (finely chopped): Brings just the right amount of heat—adjust it to your personal spice tolerance for the perfect kick.
- 400g raw prawns (peeled and deveined): The star protein of the dish, tender and packed with ocean-fresh flavor.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional): Adds a subtle acidity and depth; if left out, the sauce remains equally delightful.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The luxurious base that gives the pasta its creamy, dreamy texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, bringing in a salty, nutty richness.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Brightens all the flavors with a fresh, tangy finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance each ingredient’s natural taste.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): A vibrant garnish that adds a pop of green and a hint of herbal freshness.
How to Make Mouthwatering Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta has just the right firmness so it doesn’t get mushy when tossed with the sauce later. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining — it’s a secret weapon to adjust your sauce consistency later on.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Chilli
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and finely chopped red chili. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes, just until the garlic releases its intoxicating aroma and the chili softens slightly. This step builds the foundational flavors, so take your time to get that fragrant base right.
Step 3: Cook the Prawns to Perfection
Add your raw prawns to the skillet, laying them out in a single layer. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful pink and are just cooked through. Avoid overcooking here — you want them tender and juicy, not rubbery. This part is where the star ingredient truly shines.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
If you’re using white wine, pour it into the skillet now and let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce and concentrate its flavors. Then pour in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese slowly, letting it melt into the sauce until silky and smooth. This step transforms your dish into that mouthwatering creamy delight everyone will love.
Step 5: Season and Combine
Add salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the juice of half a lemon to the sauce. Those simple touches elevate the dish with balanced seasoning and brightness. Finally, toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing everything together. Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick — this keeps your pasta beautifully coated without being heavy.
How to Serve Mouthwatering Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is your go-to garnish here. Chop it finely and sprinkle generously over the pasta for a burst of color and a touch of vibrant, herbal brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or warm, crusty garlic bread to mop up every last bit of that luscious sauce. Light roasted vegetables also make a lovely accompaniment to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the pasta in large shallow bowls, twirling portions for that perfect nest look. Top each serving with a few whole grilled prawns and an extra sprinkle of chili flakes for a pop of spice and color. Adding a lemon wedge on the side invites guests to add an extra zing if they wish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since the sauce is creamy, it may thicken when chilled, but don’t worry — a quick stir while reheating will bring it back to life.
Freezing
While freezing creamy pasta dishes isn’t usually recommended due to texture changes, you can freeze the cooked prawns and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving directly, as this can cause uneven heating and toughen the prawns.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture. Frozen prawns work well and make this recipe even more accessible year-round.
What pasta works best for this dish?
Linguine or spaghetti are classic choices because their long, flat structure holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully. However, feel free to experiment with fettuccine or tagliatelle if you prefer.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level is adjustable by how much red chili you add. Start with less if you’re sensitive and add more to taste. The creaminess also helps mellow the spiciness so it’s balanced and enjoyable.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream for coconut cream and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The dish remains creamy and flavorful with these simple swaps.
Is white wine necessary for the sauce?
White wine adds depth and acidity, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, simply omit it and the dish will still taste fantastic, relying on the lemon juice and cream for brightness and richness.
Final Thoughts
This Mouthwatering Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser — it’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish promises to deliver big on taste with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor every delectable bite!
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Mouthwatering Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Mouthwatering Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is a delightful Italian-inspired dish featuring succulent prawns cooked in a rich and creamy garlic-chilli sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente linguine. Quick to prepare and full of bold flavors, it’s an ideal main course for seafood lovers seeking a comforting yet spicy pasta meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 300g linguine or spaghetti
Seafood and Protein
- 400g raw prawns, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chilli, finely chopped (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté garlic and chilli: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped red chilli, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic but not browned.
- Cook the prawns: Add the peeled and deveined prawns to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are just cooked through, ensuring they remain tender.
- Deglaze and reduce: If using, pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for approximately 2 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavor.
- Make the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season the sauce: Add salt, freshly ground pepper, and the juice of half a lemon. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat all strands evenly with the creamy chilli garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished generously with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter into the sauce just before serving.
- You can substitute prawns with scallops or chicken if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
