Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a pasta dish that combines rich creaminess with a spicy, garlicky kick and succulent prawns, then this Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Bursting with flavors that dance on your tongue, this dish blends tender prawns, luscious creamy sauce, and al dente pasta to create an irresistible meal that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe brings warmth, zest, and a touch of elegance to your table in one satisfying plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and textures. From the spicy punch of red chili flakes to the buttery smoothness of heavy cream, these components come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s comforting yet exciting.

• 400 grams spaghetti or fettuccine: Choose your favorite pasta shape to soak up that delicious sauce perfectly.
• 300 grams fresh prawns, peeled and deveined: Fresh prawns add a delicate seafood flavor and tender bite.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is the base that gently cooks the garlic and brings everything together.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with its signature aromatic warmth.
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste): Adds just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that rich, velvety texture that coats every strand of pasta.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the creamy sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and amplifying all the flavors.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
• Lemon wedges (for serving): A zesty squeeze right before eating lifts and brightens the entire dish.

How to Make Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt is key because it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook your spaghetti or fettuccine according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it’s tender but still has a little bite. Drain it well and set aside so it’s ready to be tossed in the luscious sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. The smell at this stage is already incredible, as the garlic releases its fragrance without browning and becoming bitter. This step lays down the aromatic foundation for your sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Prawns to Perfection

Turn the heat up to medium-high and add your fresh prawns to the skillet. Stir them around for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and beautifully opaque—this signals that they are cooked through but still tender. Proper cooking here is important so the prawns remain juicy and do not become rubbery.

Step 4: Spice it Up

Sprinkle in the red chili flakes along with salt and pepper to taste. The chili flakes add an inviting heat that complements the richness of the cream, while salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Stir everything together to make sure each prawn is coated with this flavor-packed seasoning.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the sauce thickens slightly, becoming luxuriously creamy and ready to envelop the pasta in a silky embrace.

Step 6: Marry Pasta with the Sauce

Now it’s time for the magic moment — add your cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly so the noodles are evenly coated with the creamy chilli garlic prawn sauce. This step ensures every forkful delivers the perfect balance of sauce and seafood.

Step 7: Melt in the Parmesan

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until it melts completely into the sauce. This cheese adds a subtle salty depth and silky texture that makes the sauce unbelievably rich and comforting. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8: Garnish with Fresh Parsley

Remove the skillet from heat and scatter freshly chopped parsley on top. The green flecks brighten the dish visually and introduce a light herbaceous note that cuts through the creaminess beautifully.

Step 9: Serve with Lemon Wedges

Plate your pasta immediately. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving, as the citrus zing lifts the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast. This little touch makes every bite exciting and balanced.

Step 10: Enjoy Every Bite

Dig in and let the combination of creamy sauce, spicy garlic, and sweet prawns take your taste buds on a delightful adventure. This Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe is pure joy on a plate.

How to Serve Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic, but you can also sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan or a dash of chili flakes if you want to elevate the heat even more. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil before serving adds a silky finish.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, green salads, such as mixed baby greens with a lemon vinaigrette, or some garlic buttered steamed vegetables. Crusty garlic bread is another fantastic companion for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta in shallow bowls for a rustic appeal, or use wide plates to spread out the noodles for a more refined presentation. Garnishing with edible flowers or finely chopped herbs can add an elegant touch that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta keeps nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because the sauce thickens as it cools, you may want to loosen it up with a splash of cream or water when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for this recipe since the cream sauce can separate upon thawing, affecting the texture. If you do freeze leftovers, be sure to thaw them slowly in the fridge and reheat gently with extra cream or broth to help bring back the silky consistency.

Reheating

Warm leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little cream, milk, or pasta water to refresh the sauce so it’s creamy and smooth again. Avoid microwaving as this can lead to uneven heating and a grainy sauce texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking so they sauté nicely without releasing too much water, which can dilute the sauce.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti or fettuccine are perfect because their long, flat shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. However, feel free to experiment with linguine or even penne.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level mainly comes from the red chili flakes, which you can adjust to your preference. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice and add more if you crave a fiery kick.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to create a delicious dairy-free version with a similar creamy texture.

How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?

Keep the heat moderate when simmering the cream and avoid boiling. Stir frequently and add the cheese at the end off heat, which helps maintain a smooth sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe is such a winner because it delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, friends, or family, it’s the kind of dish everyone will rave about. Don’t wait for a special occasion—grab your ingredients and dive into this delicious, creamy, spicy seafood pasta experience tonight!

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