This Spicy Chilli Prawn Pasta is a bold, flavorful dish that brings together the sweetness of prawns and the kick of chilli. The heat from the red chilli and red pepper flakes is perfectly balanced by the light and citrusy zing of lemon.
The combination of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs creates a rich, aromatic sauce that clings to every strand of pasta, making every bite an explosion of flavor. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that is ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Full Recipe:
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200g (7 oz) spaghetti
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300g (10 oz) prawns, peeled and deveined
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 red chilli, sliced
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1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Zest of 1 lemon
Directions:
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Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
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Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sliced chilli, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the prawns and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque.
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Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, and pour in white wine (or chicken broth). Stir well and let the sauce reduce by half, about 3-5 minutes.
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Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing well to coat in the sauce. If necessary, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
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Stir in fresh parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
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Serve with extra parsley or red chilli for garnish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Introduction to Spicy Chilli Prawn Pasta
Spicy Chilli Prawn Pasta is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines succulent prawns with a rich tomato-based sauce, spiced to perfection. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish offers a satisfying combination of bold, spicy flavors and hearty pasta, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight meal or even a special dinner for guests. The simplicity of the dish is part of its charm, with the heat from red chilli flakes and the savory depth added by a surprising ingredient—anchovies. While it may sound unconventional, anchovies dissolve into the sauce and elevate its umami, providing a complexity that’s hard to achieve in such a short amount of time.
This recipe doesn’t require a lot of complicated ingredients or long prep times. Instead, it focuses on a handful of simple components that are likely already in your kitchen, making it both easy and affordable. With fresh prawns, a good quality tomato passata, and some pantry staples, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly satisfying. The inclusion of a squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the sauce and helps cut through the richness, making each bite a well-rounded experience.
Why This Pasta Is a Winner
One of the reasons Spicy Chilli Prawn Pasta stands out is its balance of flavors. The prawns themselves are naturally sweet and tender, providing a delicate contrast to the bold spiciness from the red pepper flakes. The heat is adjustable based on personal preferences, so you can ramp up the spice for those who enjoy a little more heat or keep it milder for those who prefer less of a kick. The addition of anchovies might seem unusual, but they dissolve completely into the sauce, enhancing the overall savory depth without any trace of fishiness. This umami-rich secret ingredient is what transforms the dish from a simple prawn pasta to something truly spectacular.
The other unique aspect of this recipe is its speed. Unlike many seafood pasta dishes that involve simmering a sauce for hours, this one is quick and easy, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending all evening in the kitchen. The secret to this speed is in the preparation and the use of anchovies and parmesan, which infuse the sauce with a depth of flavor that would otherwise take hours of slow cooking. This means you get all the rich, savory goodness of a traditional prawn pasta without the long cooking time.
How to Serve Spicy Chilli Prawn Pasta
Spicy Chilli Prawn Pasta is perfect for serving as a stand-alone main dish, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides to make it a more filling meal. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Alternatively, a side of garlic bread or crusty baguette would help scoop up any remaining sauce. If you want to go the extra mile, you could serve it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, both of which pair wonderfully with seafood.
The dish also works well for gatherings and family dinners. Its bold flavors and beautiful presentation make it a showstopper, yet it’s easy enough to prepare without a lot of fuss. And because it only takes 15 minutes, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the company of your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Customizing the Dish
While the recipe is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of red pepper flakes, or even leave them out entirely for a more subdued heat. You can also switch out the prawns for another protein, like chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. The dish is also very flexible in terms of pasta choice—though the recipe suggests fettuccine, you can use any pasta you like, from spaghetti to penne or even gluten-free alternatives.
For a little extra richness, you could add a spoonful of cream to the sauce, turning it into a creamy prawn pasta. Alternatively, adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano could bring in a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the heat of the chilli. The beauty of Spicy Chilli Prawn Pasta is that it can be easily customized, and the end result will still be incredibly flavorful.
Health Considerations
Prawns are a lean source of protein, low in fat but high in essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium. They are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart-health benefits. Paired with the antioxidants found in the tomatoes and the light olive oil used in the sauce, this dish is relatively healthy, especially when compared to heavier pasta dishes that are loaded with cream or cheese.
While the dish is packed with flavor, it’s important to be mindful of the salt content, particularly if you’re using store-bought tomato passata, which can sometimes be high in sodium. Opting for a low-sodium variety or adjusting the salt levels to your taste can help make the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Recipe
Spicy Chilli Prawn Pasta is the ultimate quick dinner for anyone who loves bold flavors and seafood. With its easy preparation and minimal ingredients, it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, last-minute dinner parties, or whenever you crave something that’s both comforting and exciting. The combination of prawns, tomato sauce, and spicy heat is a crowd-pleaser that works year-round, no matter the season.
What truly sets this dish apart is its balance of flavors—spicy, savory, and slightly tangy—thanks to the use of anchovies and parmesan, which add that special umami. This is not your typical prawn pasta; it’s a quick, easy, and thoroughly satisfying meal that tastes like it’s been cooking for hours. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, Spicy Chilli Prawn Pasta is sure to impress. Give it a try and see why it’s become such a favorite in kitchens around the world!