Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Chilli Prawn Pasta! Imagine succulent prawns, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a fiery kick of chili that will transport you straight to the vibrant coastal kitchens of Italy. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a sensory experience that combines the delicate sweetness of prawns with the bold warmth of garlic, ginger, and red chili – guaranteed to impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti
- 300g prawns, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 red chili, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Peel and devein the prawns if not already done. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and slice the red chili. Set these aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Add the sliced red chili to the skillet and continue to sauté for another minute to infuse the oil with the chili's flavor.
- Next, add the peeled and deveined prawns to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the prawns turn pink and are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and add it directly to the skillet with the prawns and sauce.
- Gently toss the spaghetti with the prawns, garlic, ginger, and chili mixture. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the chilli prawn pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality prawns for the best flavor and texture. If possible, buy them on the day of cooking.
- Don't overcook the prawns! They should turn pink and slightly curled, which typically takes 3-4 minutes. Overcooked prawns become rubbery and tough.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps the ingredients bind together perfectly.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for maximum flavor. Pre-minced versions can lack the vibrant taste of freshly prepared ingredients.
- Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red chili. For a milder version, remove the seeds, or for extra spice, add an extra chili.
- Finish with fresh parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh note to the dish.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture – this pasta is best enjoyed hot and fresh!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 216kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 105mg
