The richness of this Creamy Garlic Prawn Pasta is matched only by its simplicity. Made with a touch of white wine, heavy cream, and plenty of parmesan, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes but feels like a restaurant-quality treat. Plump prawns are seared to perfection and tossed with fettuccine in a silky garlic cream sauce that clings beautifully to each strand.
This recipe is ideal for those nights when you’re craving something indulgent yet not overly heavy. Using pasta water to emulsify and thicken the sauce is a true Italian trick that makes this dish creamy without needing tons of cream. Pair it with a crisp glass of sauvignon blanc and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for the perfect finish. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight pick-me-up, this pasta won’t disappoint.
Full Recipe:
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8 oz (250g) fettuccine or pasta of choice
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2 tbsp (30g) butter, divided
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10 oz (300g) small raw peeled prawns (shrimp)
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1/4 cup (65ml) dry white wine
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1 cup (250ml) heavy cream
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1/2 cup (125ml) chicken broth (or fish/veg broth)
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3/4 cup (50g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp chopped parsley
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Freshly cracked black pepper
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Additional parmesan for garnish
Directions:
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Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to packet instructions minus 1 minute. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
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In a large non-stick skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add prawns and cook for 1.5 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove prawns and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté for 20 seconds until fragrant.
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Add wine, simmer 2 minutes until mostly evaporated.
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Stir in cream, broth, and parmesan. Cook for 1.5 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Add prawns back, followed by the pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water.
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Toss over heat for 30–45 seconds until sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
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Remove from heat, season with black pepper, sprinkle most of the parsley, and toss.
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Add a splash more pasta water if needed. Serve with remaining parsley and parmesan.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 514 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Creamy Garlic Prawn Pasta That Feels Gourmet at Home
Creamy Garlic Prawn Pasta is a standout dish that brings the elegance of restaurant-style seafood into your home kitchen. With its luscious, velvety sauce, tender prawns, and perfectly cooked pasta, it captures the balance between comfort food and fine dining. This recipe is a celebration of simplicity and richness, blending bold garlic, delicate cream, and the unmistakable taste of prawns into a dish that feels both special and accessible.
What sets this pasta apart is its smart use of ingredients and traditional techniques to develop depth without overcomplicating the process. In less than 30 minutes, you can prepare something that tastes like you’ve spent hours perfecting it — ideal for weeknights or when entertaining guests. Let’s dive into what makes this creamy garlic prawn pasta so beloved and why it deserves a spot on your dinner table.
The Magic Behind the Creamy Garlic Sauce
The foundation of this recipe lies in the garlic-infused cream sauce. Garlic is sautéed just enough to release its sweet, aromatic flavor without becoming bitter or overpowering. This step alone begins to build a base that’s both fragrant and full-bodied.
The sauce isn’t just rich — it’s thoughtfully constructed. Instead of relying on an excessive amount of cream, it leverages the emulsion technique. A bit of reserved starchy pasta water is added during the final toss, which emulsifies the sauce and makes it cling beautifully to each strand of pasta. This is a hallmark of proper Italian pasta-making and elevates the whole dish. Add in grated parmesan for a salty, nutty complexity, and the result is a perfectly balanced sauce that feels indulgent without being too heavy.
Why Prawns Are the Star of This Dish
Prawns, or shrimp, are naturally sweet and tender, making them a wonderful counterpart to the rich cream sauce. When seared quickly in butter, they develop a delicate golden crust and retain their juicy bite. They cook incredibly fast, which means they stay tender and don’t risk overcooking, especially since they’re added back into the sauce only in the final few moments.
The choice of prawn size matters too. Small to medium prawns are typically used in this dish because they integrate more evenly throughout the pasta. Each bite delivers a consistent blend of seafood and sauce. While fresh prawns are ideal, high-quality frozen prawns (thawed and dried) are completely acceptable and often more practical, especially for busy weeknight cooking.
Wine and Broth: The Secret Flavor Enhancers
Dry white wine is added to the skillet after the garlic is sautéed, creating a quick deglaze that lifts the flavor from the bottom of the pan. The alcohol cooks off quickly, leaving behind a bright, slightly acidic note that cuts through the richness of the cream.
To deepen the flavor without making the sauce feel heavier, a splash of chicken, fish, or vegetable broth is used. This adds body and a savory undertone to the sauce without relying on more dairy or fat. It’s one of the smart swaps that help balance indulgence with approachability.
The Role of Parmesan in Perfecting the Texture
Parmesan cheese isn’t just there for taste — though its sharp, nutty flavor does enhance the dish dramatically. It also plays a key role in thickening the sauce. When added while the cream and broth are simmering, the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a luxurious texture that coats the pasta evenly.
It’s important to use freshly grated parmesan here. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting smoothly, which could result in a grainy sauce. Grating it fresh ensures a silky consistency and superior flavor.
Pasta Choice Matters More Than You Think
Fettuccine is often the go-to pasta for this dish, and for good reason. Its flat, wide shape holds onto the creamy sauce well, delivering flavor with every bite. However, you can use other long-strand pastas like linguine, spaghetti, or tagliatelle with similar results.
Short pastas can work too, but they don’t offer the same dramatic presentation or sauce-to-bite ratio. If using an alternative pasta, the key is still in the finishing technique — tossing the pasta in the sauce directly in the skillet over low heat, allowing the sauce to cling and thicken naturally.
Making It Lighter Without Losing Flavor
Despite its creamy nature, this pasta doesn’t sit heavy in the stomach — and that’s intentional. With only one cup of cream spread across four servings, it’s rich but not overwhelming. The addition of broth and a careful emulsification process allows the dish to feel luxurious without going overboard on calories or fat.
If you’re looking to lighten it further, you could substitute with a light cream or half-and-half, although the sauce may be thinner. You can also add vegetables like spinach, zucchini ribbons, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients and color.
Perfect Pairings for a Well-Rounded Meal
To complete the meal, consider serving the creamy garlic prawn pasta with a side of crusty garlic bread or a light green salad. The brightness of a lemon vinaigrette contrasts nicely with the creamy pasta, refreshing the palate between bites.
For drinks, a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the garlic and seafood notes beautifully. If you’re not a wine drinker, sparkling water with lemon or a mild citrus soda can offer a similar refreshing contrast.
How to Elevate the Dish Even More
Want to impress guests or turn this into a date night masterpiece? Finish the dish with a drizzle of truffle oil, some lemon zest, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
You can even turn this into a baked version by topping it with breadcrumbs and a bit more cheese, then broiling it for a few minutes. That adds a crispy topping that plays well with the creamy base.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the cream sauce can thicken significantly when refrigerated. However, if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
To reheat, do so gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can cause the sauce to separate. If you must use a microwave, do it in short intervals and stir often.
A Comfort Food Classic Worth Mastering
Creamy Garlic Prawn Pasta is more than just a recipe — it’s a timeless dish that brings warmth, comfort, and elegance to the dinner table. It takes familiar, simple ingredients and transforms them into something memorable through technique and balance. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just learning your way around the kitchen, this dish is foolproof and endlessly rewarding.
It’s also flexible: perfect for special occasions, casual family dinners, or even meal-prep if you’re willing to tweak it a bit. And while the rich, creamy texture is what draws people in, it’s the subtle layering of garlic, parmesan, broth, and seafood that truly makes it unforgettable.
Conclusion: Why This Dish Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
In a world of overcomplicated recipes and intimidating culinary trends, Creamy Garlic Prawn Pasta proves that elegance lies in simplicity. It’s a reminder that you don’t need an expensive dinner out to experience something extraordinary — you just need the right ingredients and a little love in your pan.
From its garlic-kissed cream sauce to its tender prawns and perfectly coated pasta, every element works in harmony to create a meal that’s indulgent without excess. It’s fast, versatile, and sure to please just about anyone who takes a bite. Add this dish to your weekly rotation, and you’ll always have a reliable, crowd-pleasing option when you need a little extra comfort or celebration at the table.