Spicy Chilli Prawn Pasta

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Spicy Chilli Prawn Pasta! It’s such a fantastic dish that just bursts with flavor. Picture it: tender prawns sautéed with garlic, a kick of chili, and all enveloped in wonderfully al dente pasta. It’s honestly one of those meals that makes you feel cozy on a weeknight, or fancy enough for a date night in. The aromas, oh, the aromas will have you salivating before it even hits the table! And trust me, once you’ve tasted it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.

Why You’ll Crave It

• This dish is packed with vibrant flavors that really come to life with each bite.
• You can whip it up in about half an hour—perfect for busy days!
• The combination of spice and seafood is just addictively good.
• It’s super versatile—you can adjust the heat level to suit your taste.
• Leftovers? Not likely! But if there are any, they taste even better the next day.

The first time I made this for my friends, they went back for thirds… I just about died from happiness!

What You’ll Need

• Pasta: 300g spaghetti or linguine – your choice, but I say go for the spaghetti for that twirl factor!
• Prawns: 400g large raw prawns, peeled and deveined – fresh is definitely best, but I’ve used frozen in a pinch.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced – because garlic makes everything better, right?
• Red chili: 1 large red chili, finely chopped – tweak this to your spice tolerance!
• Olive oil: 3 tablespoons – adds richness and helps everything come together.
• Cherry tomatoes: 200g, halved – they bring a lovely sweetness to balance the heat.
• White wine: 100ml (optional) – but oh so good for depth of flavor!
• Parmesan cheese: for serving – because pasta and cheese… need I say more?
• Fresh parsley: a small bunch, chopped – adds freshness and a pop of color.
• Salt and pepper: to taste – seasoning is key!

Easy How-To

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

So, first up, get a big pot of salted boiling water going. Toss in your spaghetti or linguine and cook it until it’s al dente. You know, just firm enough to give a little bite when you chew… yum! Don’t forget to save a cup of the pasta water before you drain it—that starchy goodness is golden when you mix it all together later.

Step 2: Sauté Those Prawns

In a big skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your minced garlic and chopped chili—oh, that sizzle! It’s heavenly. Wait until it’s fragrant, like maybe 30 seconds or so—be careful not to burn it… then toss in those prawns. They cook super quick; just keep an eye until they turn that lovely pink color. Once they’re good, take them out and set aside. You want to keep the oil and flavors in the pan!

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Now, in that same skillet, if it looks a bit dry, feel free to drizzle a bit more olive oil. Toss in the cherry tomatoes, and let them soften for a minute or two. If you’re using wine, add it now and scrape up any little bits sticking to the pan—those are flavor nuggets!

Step 4: Mix it All Together

Alright, here’s the fun part! Add the drained pasta, reserved pasta water, and those beautiful prawns back into the skillet. Give it a good toss to make sure everything is coated in that delicious sauce. If it looks a little dry, splash in more pasta water as needed. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding salt and pepper until it’s just right.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Plate it up hot, and don’t forget to sprinkle extra parsley and perhaps a bit of chili flakes on top for an extra kick! This dish just begs to be savored.

Good to Know

• You can swap the prawns for chicken or even veggies if you want a different take! Totally adaptable.
• Storing leftovers? They can be kept in an airtight container for a couple of days, but keep in mind that the pasta might soak up the sauce.

Serving Ideas

• Pair this with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for the ultimate meal!

Top Tricks

• If you want a fresh pop, squeeze some lemon juice over the dish right before serving—it brightens everything up!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta works best for spicy chili prawn pasta?

Spaghetti, linguine, or really, any pasta you like that holds sauce well. Just remember, it’s about personal taste here!

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Absolutely, just remember to thaw them beforehand. They can work just fine and save you some prep time!

How can I adjust the spice level in this dish?

Oh, easy! Use more or less chili according to what you can handle. Or you might even try a milder chili if you prefer a gentler touch.

Can this dish be prepared in advance?

Components can totally be prepped ahead, just remember to combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh and the pasta tender.

What can I serve with spicy chili prawn pasta?

A classic garlic bread or a refreshing side salad goes perfectly, just balance out those spicy, rich flavors!