Creamy chilli prawn pasta
Summary
Craving a sumptuous pasta dish that’s both spicy and rich? Our Creamy chilli prawn pasta ticks all the right boxes. A delightful mingling of tender prawns, fiery chillies, and a velvety sauce, it’s the perfect dinner for two. Dive into this guide and get ready to wow your taste buds.
Ingredients
- Prawns: 8 oz (227 grams)
- Linguine pasta: 7 oz (200 grams)
- Fresh chillies (red): 2, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves: 2, minced
- Fresh cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Lemon: 1, zest and juice
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves
- Serves 2
Nutritional Facts (Per serving)
(Note: These are approximations, and actual nutritional content can vary based on specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 550mg
how to make the Creamy chilli prawn pasta
- Begin by boiling a large pot of water.
- Once boiling, season with salt and add the linguine.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, roughly 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan.
- Add minced garlic and chopped chillies. Fry until fragrant.
- Introduce the prawns, cooking until they turn pink.
- Pour in the fresh cream and stir.
- Add the lemon zest and juice, blending them into the sauce.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Combine pasta and sauce, adding pasta water as needed to adjust the consistency.
- Season with salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Tips
- For an added crunch, you can sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top.
- Adjust chilli quantities according to heat preference. Remember, it’s easier to add more later than to mitigate excessive heat.
- Always use fresh prawns for the best taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Creamy chilli prawn pasta hot. Complement with a light green salad to balance the richness. A chilled glass of sparkling water with a lemon wedge can be a refreshing accompaniment.
FAQS
1. What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Linguine is recommended for this dish, but you can use other similar pastas like spaghetti or fettuccine if preferred.
2. Can I substitute another protein for the prawns?
While prawns are central to this dish, you can also try it with scallops or chicken strips. However, cooking times and methods might vary.
3. How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Control the heat by adjusting the quantity of fresh chillies. You can use milder chillies or increase/decrease the number based on preference.
4. What kind of cream should I use?
Fresh cream or heavy cream is ideal for a rich, velvety texture. Light cream can be used for a less creamy consistency.
5. Can I skip the lemon?
The lemon adds a zesty flavor that contrasts the richness. If you’re not a fan, you can reduce the amount or omit it, but it might change the overall flavor profile.
6. How do I ensure my prawns aren’t overcooked?
Cook the prawns just until they turn pink. Overcooking can make them rubbery. They typically cook quickly, so keep an eye on them.
7. Can I use pre-cooked prawns?
Yes, but add them later in the cooking process since they only need to be heated through, not cooked.
8. What’s the purpose of the reserved pasta water?
Pasta water is starchy and helps in binding the sauce to the pasta, making it silkier. It’s also useful for adjusting the sauce consistency.
9. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce if needed.
10. What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the spicy, creamy flavors of this pasta.
Creamy chilli prawn pasta
Nutritions
Ingredients
- Prawns: 8 oz 227 grams
- Linguine pasta: 7 oz 200 grams
- Fresh chillies red: 2, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves: 2 minced
- Fresh cream: 1/2 cup 120 ml
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp 30 ml
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup 25 grams grated
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Lemon: 1 zest and juice
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of water.
- Once boiling, season with salt and add the linguine.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, roughly 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan.
- Add minced garlic and chopped chillies. Fry until fragrant.
- Introduce the prawns, cooking until they turn pink.
- Pour in the fresh cream and stir.
- Add the lemon zest and juice, blending them into the sauce.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Combine pasta and sauce, adding pasta water as needed to adjust the consistency.
- Season with salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
Adjust chilli quantities according to heat preference. Remember, it’s easier to add more later than to mitigate excessive heat.
Always use fresh prawns for the best taste and texture. Serve the Creamy chilli prawn pasta hot. Complement with a light green salad to balance the richness. A chilled glass of sparkling water with a lemon wedge can be a refreshing accompaniment.
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