Prawn Pasta

Indulge in a simple yet elegant dish with this Prawn Pasta recipe! Bursting with fresh flavors, this quick and easy meal features succulent prawns sautéed in a fragrant garlic marinade, tossed with al dente spaghetti, and brightened with a splash of lemon juice and fresh parsley.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish combines the delightful taste of seafood with the comforting goodness of pasta. Serve it up with a wedge of lemon for an extra zing, and enjoy a taste of the coast in the comfort of your home!

Prawn Pasta

Ingredients

300 g raw prawns peeled, deveined (Note 1)

250 g dried spaghetti or your favourite pasta

2 tablespoon olive oil

½ cup fresh parsley roughly chopped

juice of ½ lemon about 1 tablespoon

salt & pepper

Prawn marinade

2 cloves garlic minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

salt & pepper

Instructions:

Cook pasta according to packet instructions. Ensure to season the water with salt. About 1 tbsp.
Whilst pasta is cooking, mix prawn marinade with prawns and set aside.

Once pasta is cooked to al dente, drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water.

Saute marinated prawns with 2 tablespoon of olive oil on a large, non-stick pan on medium/high heat. Cook for 1 minute.

Squeeze in lemon juice, stir for 10 seconds then mix in cooked pasta and reserved pasta cooking water. Stir thoroughly for 1 minute. (Note 2)

By now, the pasta cooking water should have been mostly absorbed.

Turn heat off, mix in parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. I like to go heavy on the pepper.

Serve immediately, with a wedge of lemon.

Notes:

Prawn Options: If fresh prawns are unavailable, frozen prawns work well—just ensure they’re fully thawed and drained before marinating.

Pasta Choices: While spaghetti is classic, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as linguine, fettuccine, or penne.

Garlic Lovers: For a stronger garlic flavor, increase the amount of minced garlic in the marinade or add a bit of garlic powder to the pasta while cooking.

Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for added nutrition and color. Sauté them with the prawns for extra flavor.

Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or fresh chili to the prawns while sautéing.

Cooking Time: Be careful not to overcook the prawns; they should turn pink and opaque in just about a minute. Overcooked prawns can become rubbery.

Leftovers: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Serving Suggestions: Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete dining experience.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh prawns instead of raw ones?

Yes, you can use fresh prawns instead of raw ones.

Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh prawns may cook faster than raw ones.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta cooking water?

Yes, reserving pasta cooking water is important as it helps create a silky sauce when combined with the other ingredients.

It contains starch that helps bind the sauce together.

Can I use other herbs instead of parsley?

Absolutely! While parsley adds a fresh flavor to the dish, you can experiment with other herbs such as basil, cilantro, or chives according to your preference.

Is there a substitute for olive oil in the prawn marinade?

Yes, you can use other types of oil such as vegetable oil or canola oil as a substitute for olive oil in the prawn marinade.

However, keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the prawns?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this pasta by omitting the prawns and focusing on the other ingredients.

You can add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

What can I substitute for parsley if I don’t have it?

If you don’t have parsley, you can use other fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or chives for a similar flavor profile.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta such as linguine, fettuccine, or penne instead of spaghetti.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Certainly! You can enhance the dish by adding vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Can I use pre-cooked prawns instead of raw ones?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked prawns if you prefer.

Just add them towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking and ensure they are heated through.

How do I know when the prawns are cooked?

Prawns are cooked when they turn pink and opaque.

Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! You can add chili flakes, chopped chili peppers, or a dash of hot sauce to add a spicy kick to the dish.

Is there a substitute for olive oil in the marinade?

Yes, you can use other oils like vegetable oil or avocado oil as a substitute for olive oil in the prawn marinade.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover prawn pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.