Creamy Prawn and Zucchini Casarecce Pasta
If you’re looking for a seafood pasta that’s fresh, creamy, and packed with flavour, this Creamy Prawn and Zucchini Casarecce Pasta is the perfect choice. Tender prawns, roasted zucchini, tangy goat’s cheese, and fragrant herbs come together to create a comforting meal that’s both elegant and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
The combination of lemon, dill, and chives keeps the dish light and vibrant while the goat’s cheese creates a silky sauce that coats every piece of pasta beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- Packed with protein
- Fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavours
- Creamy without heavy cream
- Perfect for entertaining
- Family-friendly seafood dinner
- Great balance of vegetables and pasta
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 3 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 100ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 500g peeled green prawns
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1/2 cup fresh dill sprigs
- 400g dried casarecce pasta
- 100g goat’s cheese
To Serve
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Why Casarecce Pasta Works Well
Casarecce is a twisted pasta shape designed to hold sauces exceptionally well.
Its benefits include:
- Captures creamy sauces
- Holds herbs and cheese in every bite
- Provides excellent texture
- Pairs perfectly with seafood
If casarecce isn’t available, fusilli, penne, or rigatoni are excellent alternatives.
How to Make Creamy Prawn and Zucchini Casarecce Pasta
Step 1: Roast the Zucchini
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan forced).
Arrange the zucchini slices in a large ovenproof baking dish.
Drizzle with:
- 60ml olive oil
- Half the lemon juice
Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of chopped chives and season generously.
Roast for 20 minutes until the zucchini is tender and lightly caramelised.
Step 2: Prepare the Prawns
In a bowl, combine:
- Prawns
- Garlic
- Lemon zest
- Remaining lemon juice
- Remaining olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chives
- Half the dill
Season well and toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil.
Cook the casarecce pasta according to packet instructions until al dente.
Reserve 1/3 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
Step 4: Combine the Seafood and Vegetables
Remove the zucchini from the oven.
Add the prawn mixture and stir gently.
Place the goat’s cheese in the centre of the dish.
Return to the oven and bake for 7 minutes, or until the prawns turn pink and are just cooked through.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Remove the dish from the oven.
Stir the reserved pasta water into the zucchini and prawn mixture.
As the goat’s cheese melts, it combines with the pasta water to create a creamy, luxurious sauce.
Step 6: Toss with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish.
Sprinkle in half of the remaining dill.
Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Serve
Top with the remaining chives and dill.
Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side.
Why Goat’s Cheese Makes a Great Pasta Sauce
Unlike heavy cream-based sauces, goat’s cheese provides:
- Rich creaminess
- Tangy flavour
- Lower heaviness
- Better balance with seafood
It melts beautifully when combined with hot pasta water, creating a silky sauce without additional cream.
Health Benefits
Prawns
Prawns are:
- High in protein
- Low in saturated fat
- Rich in selenium
- Excellent source of vitamin B12
Zucchini
Zucchini provides:
- Fibre
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Antioxidants
Fresh Herbs
Dill and chives add:
- Bright flavour
- Essential nutrients
- Natural freshness
Tips for Success
Don’t Overcook the Prawns
Prawns only need a few minutes to cook.
Overcooked prawns become rubbery.
Reserve the Pasta Water
The starchy pasta water helps create the creamy sauce.
Use Fresh Lemon
Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavour.
Add Herbs at the End
This keeps their colour vibrant and flavour fresh.
Variations
Add Extra Vegetables
Try:
- Asparagus
- Spinach
- Peas
- Broccoli
Use Different Seafood
Replace some prawns with:
- Scallops
- Crab meat
- Salmon
Add Heat
Include:
- Chilli flakes
- Fresh chilli
- Calabrian chilli paste
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Gently warm in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Freezing
Not recommended, as the prawns and cheese sauce may lose texture after thawing.
Nutritional Information
Per serving:
- Calories: 760
- Protein: 45.1g
- Fat: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 71.2g
This meal offers an excellent balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
What can I substitute for goat’s cheese?
Feta, ricotta, or cream cheese work well, though the flavour will differ slightly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The zucchini can be roasted ahead, but the prawns and pasta are best cooked fresh.
What wine pairs well with this pasta?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemon and seafood beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Prawn and Zucchini Casarecce Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create an impressive meal. With juicy prawns, roasted zucchini, creamy goat’s cheese, and fragrant herbs, it’s a fresh and satisfying seafood pasta that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Elegant, comforting, and packed with flavour, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on regular rotation.