Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta

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This Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is an explosion of bold flavors, perfect for anyone who loves a little heat with their comfort food. Succulent prawns are sautéed in a fragrant blend of garlic and red chilli flakes, then tossed with al dente linguine and a rich, lightly spiced tomato sauce. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, every bite is savory, fiery, and satisfying.

Ideal for both quick weeknight dinners and special occasions, this pasta dish strikes the perfect balance between elegance and ease. The combination of garlic, chilli, and seafood creates a Mediterranean vibe that’s fresh, vibrant, and incredibly addictive. It’s one of those meals that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta

• It’s bursting with bold, spicy flavors.
• Ready in less than 30 minutes — ideal for busy weeknights.
• Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
• A restaurant-style dish you can easily make at home.
• Customizable: adjust spice level or add veggies.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this dish smoothly and efficiently, here are the key tools you’ll need:

• Large pot: For boiling the pasta evenly.
• Large skillet or sauté pan: Essential for cooking prawns and combining the sauce and pasta.
• Tongs or pasta fork: Useful for mixing pasta into the sauce without breaking the noodles.
• Microplane or garlic press: For finely grating or pressing garlic to intensify the flavor.
• Colander: To drain the pasta quickly and prevent overcooking.

These tools not only speed up your prep time but also help maintain the integrity and texture of the dish.

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Preparation Tips

Start by bringing your pasta water to a boil before doing anything else—this saves time. While the pasta cooks, focus on building the flavor in your pan by sautéing garlic gently to avoid burning. Use raw, deveined prawns for the freshest taste, and don’t overcook them—2 to 3 minutes per side is usually enough. Lastly, reserve a bit of pasta water before draining; it helps emulsify the sauce and gives it a silky texture when tossed with the pasta.

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Ingredients for this Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta

• 250g linguine or spaghetti
• 300g raw prawns, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or crushed
• 1 tsp red chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 200g cherry tomatoes or 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
• Optional: grated parmesan cheese, for serving

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.

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Step 2: Prepare the Prawns

Pat the prawns dry using a paper towel. Season lightly with salt and pepper. This helps them sear nicely and keeps them juicy inside.

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Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Chilli

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and red chilli flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is golden and fragrant — do not let it burn.

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Step 4: Cook the Prawns

Add the prawns to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside to avoid overcooking.

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Step 5: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes. Stir and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes to reduce slightly. Add lemon zest and juice for a burst of freshness.

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Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the prawns to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together. Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and help it coat the noodles evenly.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Add optional grated parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot, with extra lemon wedges on the side.

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Notes

This Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta thrives on balance — the key is not to overpower the prawns with too much heat. Always taste as you go, especially when adding chilli flakes and lemon juice. Fresh parsley brightens the final dish, and a splash of reserved pasta water creates a silky, restaurant-quality finish. You can swap linguine for any long pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine or spaghetti. If using frozen prawns, be sure to thaw and pat them dry completely before cooking.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the prawns: They cook very fast; leaving them on too long makes them rubbery.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic should be golden, not brown — burnt garlic turns bitter.
• Skipping pasta water: It’s essential for emulsifying the sauce and binding it to the pasta.
• Not seasoning the pasta water: Unsalted water results in bland pasta.
• Crowding the pan: Sear prawns in a single layer to get proper color and texture.
• Using pre-cooked prawns: They won’t absorb the flavor or texture as effectively as raw ones.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the sauce. It’s best enjoyed fresh, as reheating prawns repeatedly can affect their texture.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 2 servings)

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 180mg
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of prawns should I use?

Use raw, peeled, and deveined prawns — they cook quickly and absorb flavor better than pre-cooked ones.

Can I make it less spicy?

Absolutely. Just reduce the amount of chilli flakes to your taste, or omit them entirely.

Can I use frozen prawns?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What pasta works best?

Linguine and spaghetti are ideal, but you can use fettuccine or tagliatelle too.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini can be great additions to bulk up the dish.

Is it okay to use jarred garlic?

Fresh garlic is strongly recommended for the best flavor, but jarred garlic will work in a pinch.

How can I make it creamy?

Add a splash of heavy cream or stir in a spoon of cream cheese at the end for a richer texture.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

It’s best eaten fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead and cook everything in under 15 minutes.

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Conclusion

Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is the perfect harmony of spicy, garlicky, and zesty notes that deliver bold flavor without much fuss. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s a fantastic go-to recipe whether you’re cooking for one or entertaining guests. Once you try it, this dish will likely earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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