Chilli Prawn Spaghetti for Two
Few dishes deliver restaurant-quality flavour with as little effort as Chilli Prawn Spaghetti. Combining juicy prawns, fragrant garlic, a touch of chilli and fresh tomatoes, this simple pasta recipe creates a light yet satisfying meal that comes together in under 20 minutes.
Perfect for a romantic dinner, a quick weeknight meal or a relaxed weekend lunch, this seafood pasta showcases how a handful of quality ingredients can create something truly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Simple ingredients
- High in protein
- Light and fresh flavour
- Perfect for date nights
- Easy enough for beginners
- Restaurant-quality results at home
Ingredients
- 200g dried spaghetti
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- Pinch of dried chilli flakes
- 10 medium green prawns, peeled and deveined
- 3 medium tomatoes, deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh continental parsley, chopped
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity.
Each ingredient has a purpose:
- Garlic creates depth of flavour
- Chilli adds gentle heat
- Tomatoes provide freshness and acidity
- Prawns bring sweetness and protein
- Parsley adds brightness
- Pasta ties everything together
The result is a balanced and satisfying meal without the need for heavy sauces.
How to Make Chilli Prawn Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the spaghetti in a large saucepan of salted boiling water until al dente.
Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining.
The starchy water helps create a silky sauce.
Step 2: Build the Flavour Base
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan.
Add:
- Garlic
- Chilli flakes
Cook briefly until fragrant.
Take care not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Cook the Prawns
Add the prawns and cook until:
- Pink
- Firm
- Just cooked through
Overcooked prawns can become tough, so keep a close eye on them.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add:
- Cooked spaghetti
- Chopped tomatoes
- Reserved pasta water
Toss together until well combined and heated through.
Step 5: Finish with Herbs
Stir through fresh parsley and season to taste.
Serve immediately.
Nutritional Benefits
Prawns
Prawns are an excellent source of:
- Lean protein
- Selenium
- Vitamin B12
- Iodine
Tomatoes
Tomatoes provide:
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Lycopene
- Antioxidants
Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil contributes:
- Healthy monounsaturated fats
- Anti-inflammatory compounds
- Rich flavour
Garlic
Garlic adds:
- Natural antioxidants
- Aromatic flavour
- Potential heart-health benefits
Tips for the Best Results
Use Fresh Prawns
Fresh or high-quality thawed prawns provide the best texture and flavour.
Cook Pasta Al Dente
Slightly firm pasta holds its shape and texture better when tossed through the sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Tomatoes
The tomatoes should remain fresh and vibrant rather than turning into a heavy sauce.
Save the Pasta Water
The reserved cooking liquid helps create a smooth, glossy finish.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with:
- Garlic bread
- Mixed green salad
- Rocket and parmesan salad
- Roasted vegetables
For entertaining, serve alongside a simple antipasto platter.
Variations
Add More Seafood
Try adding:
- Squid
- Mussels
- Scallops
- Crab meat
Increase the Heat
For a spicier version, add:
- Extra chilli flakes
- Fresh red chilli
- Chilli oil
Add Vegetables
Include:
- Baby spinach
- Zucchini ribbons
- Cherry tomatoes
- Asparagus
Add Lemon
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and enhances the seafood flavours.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Warm gently in a frying pan with a splash of water.
Freezing
Not recommended, as prawns can become rubbery after thawing.
Nutritional Information
Per serving:
- Calories: 490
- Protein: 33.7g
- Fat: 6.5g
- Carbohydrates: 69g
A balanced meal with plenty of protein and satisfying carbohydrates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes. Fully thaw and pat dry before cooking.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Absolutely. Linguine, fettuccine or angel hair pasta work well.
How spicy is this dish?
The chilli is mild. Add more or less according to your taste.
Can I make this for four people?
Yes. Simply double all ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Chilli Prawn Spaghetti for Two proves that delicious meals don’t need complicated ingredients or lengthy preparation. With juicy prawns, fresh tomatoes, garlic and a touch of chilli, it’s a simple seafood pasta that delivers maximum flavour with minimal effort.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favourite.