Spaghetti with Prawns – A Perfect Seafood Pasta for Any Occasion
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a light yet flavorful seafood pasta, this Spaghetti with Prawns recipe is the answer. Juicy prawns, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs come together with perfectly cooked spaghetti for a dish that feels gourmet yet is simple enough for a busy weeknight.
The magic lies in its minimal ingredients and quick cooking time—you can have this beautiful Italian-inspired meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; you can keep it classic with olive oil and garlic or elevate it with chili flakes, white wine, or fresh lemon zest.
By the end of this post, you’ll know how to choose the best prawns, cook them to perfection, and balance flavors like a pro.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
- Spaghetti (250g) – The classic pasta choice. Use linguine or tagliatelle for variety. For gluten-free, swap with rice pasta.
- Prawns (300g, peeled and deveined) – Fresh or frozen both work. Look for firm, translucent flesh.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic adds depth and aroma. Avoid pre-minced for best flavor.
- Olive Oil (3 tbsp) – Use extra virgin for richness and a peppery note.
- Chili Flakes (½ tsp) – Optional, for a touch of heat.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped) – Brightens the dish and balances seafood flavors.
- Lemon Juice (2 tbsp) – Adds freshness and cuts through richness.
- Salt & Pepper – For seasoning both pasta water and the sauce.
Substitutions:
- Swap prawns with scallops, mussels, or squid.
- Use butter instead of olive oil for a richer taste.
- Add cherry tomatoes for sweetness and color.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Prep the Prawns
- Pat prawns dry, season with salt and pepper. This helps them sear better and prevents excess moisture.
- Cook the Garlic
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (avoid browning).
- Sear the Prawns
- Add prawns to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss with the garlic oil, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
- Finish the Dish
- Return prawns to the pan, sprinkle with parsley, and drizzle with lemon juice. Toss well to combine.
- Serve Immediately
- Plate up, garnish with extra parsley or lemon zest, and serve hot.
4. Tips and Variations
- Don’t Overcook Prawns – They turn rubbery if cooked too long.
- Make it Creamy – Stir in ¼ cup cream or mascarpone cheese before serving.
- Boost Flavor – Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking prawns.
- Add Veggies – Spinach, zucchini ribbons, or asparagus pair beautifully.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Sides: Garlic bread, fresh garden salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Drinks: Crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) or sparkling water with lemon.
- Presentation: Serve in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a wedge of lemon.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for prawns, as texture changes after thawing.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent rubbery prawns.
7. Recipe Notes
- Best made fresh and served immediately.
- Can be prepped ahead by cooking pasta and cleaning prawns in advance.
- Works great with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Protein | 22g |
| Sodium | 640mg |
| Cholesterol | 150mg |
| Calcium | 65mg |
| Iron | 2.5mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 250g spaghetti
- 300g prawns (peeled, deveined)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- 2 tbsp parsley (chopped)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve pasta water.
- Season prawns with salt and pepper.
- Sauté garlic and chili flakes in olive oil.
- Add prawns, cook 2–3 minutes each side, set aside.
- Toss spaghetti in garlic oil with pasta water.
- Return prawns, add parsley and lemon juice.
- Serve immediately.
Notes:
- Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for variety.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Nutrition: (see table above)
🏷️ Diet Tags: Pescatarian, Dairy-Free Option, High Protein
🌿 Health Benefits: Rich in lean protein, contains omega-3s, supports heart health, low in saturated fat.
10. Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a romantic date-night meal, Spaghetti with Prawns is a dish that always impresses. The combination of garlic, lemon, and fresh seafood creates a light yet satisfying pasta you’ll want to make again and again.
If you try this recipe, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out for you. Buon appetito!