One-Pot Sweet Chilli Prawn Pasta

When you’re short on time but still want a meal packed with flavor, this One-Pot Sweet Chilli Prawn Pasta is the perfect solution. Combining succulent prawns, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and spaghetti in a light sweet chilli sauce, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort and washing up.

Cooking everything in one pot allows the pasta to absorb the rich flavors of the stock, tomatoes, and sweet chilli sauce, creating a silky, delicious sauce that coats every strand.

Whether you’re cooking for the family or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to become a regular favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pot means easy cleanup
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Packed with protein
• Budget-friendly seafood dinner
• Perfect for busy weeknights
• Family-friendly flavors
• Simple pantry ingredients

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 40g butter
• 3 green shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 400g can cherry tomatoes
• 500ml chicken stock
• 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
• 350g dried spaghetti
• 300g peeled green prawns
• Extra virgin olive oil, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Why One-Pot Pasta Works So Well

Unlike traditional pasta dishes where the pasta is cooked separately, one-pot pasta allows the starch released from the spaghetti to naturally thicken the sauce.

Benefits include:

• Less washing up
• More flavor absorption
• Richer sauce texture
• Faster cooking time
• Better ingredient integration

The result is a creamy, cohesive dish without the need for additional cream or cheese.

How to Make One-Pot Sweet Chilli Prawn Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Aromatics

Melt the butter in a large heavy-based saucepan over medium heat.

Add:

• Green shallots
• Garlic

Cook for approximately 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Add to the pan:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Chicken stock
• Sweet chilli sauce
• 1 cup water

Season lightly with salt.

Add the spaghetti and increase the heat to high.

Cook for approximately 12 minutes, stirring regularly to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together.

The liquid will gradually reduce and form a light sauce.

Step 3: Add the Prawns

Once the pasta is almost cooked, add the prawns.

Using tongs, toss everything together to combine.

Cover the pan and cook for approximately 3 minutes until the prawns:

• Turn pink
• Become opaque
• Are cooked through

Avoid overcooking, as prawns can become rubbery.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.

Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley.

Season with freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

This recipe combines several complementary flavors:

Sweet

Sweet chilli sauce provides gentle sweetness and a mild kick.

Savory

Chicken stock and garlic create depth and richness.

Fresh

Parsley and tomatoes add freshness and brightness.

Seafood

Prawns contribute natural sweetness and delicate flavor.

Together, these ingredients create a perfectly balanced pasta dish.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta works beautifully alongside:

• Garlic bread
• Green salad
• Steamed vegetables
• Roasted asparagus
• Lemon wedges

For extra heat, sprinkle over chilli flakes before serving.

Tips for Success

Stir Frequently

One-pot pasta requires regular stirring to ensure even cooking.

Use Raw Prawns

Raw prawns provide the best flavor and texture.

Don’t Overcook the Seafood

Add the prawns only toward the end of cooking.

Adjust the Spice

Add extra sweet chilli sauce or fresh chilli if you prefer more heat.

Variations

Chicken Version

Replace the prawns with:

• 300g shredded barbecue chicken

Add during the final cooking stage and heat through for 2 minutes.

Extra Vegetables

Try adding:

• Spinach
• Zucchini
• Capsicum
• Mushrooms
• Broccoli

Creamy Version

Stir through a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese before serving.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a frying pan with a splash of water or stock.

Freezing

Not recommended, as the prawns may lose texture.

Nutritional Information

Per serving:

• Calories: 541
• Protein: 28.9g
• Fat: 14.9g
• Carbohydrates: 69.6g

This meal provides a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen prawns?

Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before adding to the pasta.

Can I use another pasta shape?

Absolutely. Linguine, fettuccine, or penne work well.

Is the dish spicy?

The sweet chilli sauce provides mild heat. Increase or decrease according to preference.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Replace the butter with olive oil.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Sweet Chilli Prawn Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. With juicy prawns, garlic, tomatoes, and sweet chilli sauce all cooked together in one pot, it’s a stress-free dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or seafood lovers looking for a quick and satisfying recipe, this pasta dish is sure to earn a permanent place in your meal rotation.