Picture this: you’re sitting at a candlelit table, a glass of crisp white wine in hand, and a steaming bowl of Prawn, Garlic & Chili Linguini in front of you.
The aroma of buttery garlic, spicy red chili, and sweet prawns dances in the air, promising a meal that’s equal parts comfort and adventure. If you’re searching for the best prawn pasta recipe, this one will transport you straight to a sun-kissed Italian coastline.
This isn’t just pasta—it’s an Italian classic with a seafood twist that feels like a warm hug from the Mediterranean. The beauty of chili garlic prawn pasta lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor, where each ingredient shines brightly on its own while harmonizing with the others.
Whether you’re cooking for a date night or treating yourself to a gourmet solo dinner, this dish brings bold flavors and effortless elegance to the table. Nothing compares to a bowl of prawn chili garlic linguine or spicy linguini when you crave something comforting yet exciting. This prawn pasta is a must-try for any lover of seafood and spice.
Prawn, Garlic & Chili Linguini
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan Medium-sized, for sautéing and simmering
- 1 Pasta Pot To cook linguini
- 1 Slotted Spoon For handling prawns
- 1 Tongs For mixing pasta with sauce
- 1 Grater For Grana Padano cheese
Ingredients
- 180 g Linguini Pasta (Cooked) Use durum wheat for better texture
- 170 g Napoli Sauce Homemade preferred
- 40 ml Vegetable Stock Low sodium if possible
- 5.6 g Red Chili Finely chopped
- 5 ml Garlic Oil Infused, not raw garlic
- 2 g Salt Or to taste
- 1 ml Black Pepper (Ground) Freshly cracked
- 3.4 ml Grana Padano Cheese (12-Month) Shaved
- 2 g Garlic Butter Croutons Toasted for crunch
- 3.4 g Basil (Fresh) Torn by hand
- 10 g Butter Replacement (Low-Fat) Or real butter for richer version
- 90 g Peeled Prawns (16/20 Tail On ) Net weight after 25% waste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add 5ml garlic oil and bring to medium heat. Season 90g prawns with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until lightly golden and opaque.
- Add 5.6g red chili and more garlic oil if needed. Let it sizzle gently for fragrance. When golden, add 10g butter replacement and reduce to medium-low heat to create a glossy base.
- Pour in 170g Napoli sauce and bring to a light boil. Add 40ml vegetable stock to adjust consistency. Toss in 180g cooked linguini and coat evenly.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Plate the pasta in a warm bowl. Top with 3.4g fresh basil, 3.4ml shaved Grana Padano, and 2g garlic butter croutons for crunch.
Notes
- Creamy Variation: Add a splash of cream for a velvety tomato base.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace prawns with grilled eggplant or mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free linguini and GF-compliant croutons.
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Pro Tips:
- Pat prawns dry before searing.
- Don’t overcook prawns – just until opaque.
- Reserve a bit of pasta water to adjust sauce texture.
🌿 Why This Dish Is Good for You
Every bite of this linguini is a little gift to your body. Here’s the breakdown:
Prawns: These little guys are protein powerhouses, low in fat but high in omega-3s, selenium, and vitamin B12. They’re like the superheroes of seafood, fighting for your heart and brain health.
Linguini Pasta: Cooked al dente, it’s a slow-burning carb that keeps you energized without spiking your blood sugar. Plus, it’s got iron and folic acid for extra credit.
Napoli Sauce: Tomatoes are the MVPs here, delivering lycopene to lower heart disease risk and vitamin C for a radiant you.
Garlic Oil: Not just delicious—garlic’s antibacterial properties and heart-healthy fats make it a kitchen essential.
Red Chili: That spicy kick comes from capsaicin, which revs your metabolism and soothes inflammation.
Grana Padano: Aged to perfection, this cheese is packed with bone-building calcium and is easier on lactose-sensitive tummies.
🛍️ Smart Shopping & Storage Tips
To make this dish sing, start with the best ingredients and treat them right:
Prawns: Go for sustainably sourced, deveined prawns. If frozen, thaw them in cold water and pat dry. Store in the fridge’s coldest spot and cook within 1–2 days.
Linguini: Choose durum wheat for that perfect al dente bite. Keep it in an airtight container and cook it fresh.
Napoli Sauce: Make your own by simmering San Marzano tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, onion, and basil. Store in a jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Grana Padano: Buy a block, not pre-grated, for maximum flavor. Wrap it in wax paper and stash it in the cheese drawer.
Basil: Treat it like a bouquet—keep stems in a glass of water at room temp, loosely covered. Fridges can turn those leaves black.
🍷 Sip the Perfect Pairing
The right drink can elevate this dish from great to unforgettable. Here’s what to pour:
🥂 With Alcohol
- White Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Vermentino plays beautifully with the prawns’ sweetness and the chili’s heat.
- Rosé: A dry rosé balances the spice and complements the tomato’s acidity.
- Sparkling Wine: A light Prosecco adds bubbly joy that cuts through the sauce’s richness.
🧃 Without Alcohol
- Citrus-Infused Sparkling Water: Bright and refreshing, it cleanses the palate between bites.
- Cold Hibiscus Tea with Mint: Cooling and slightly tart, it tames the chili’s fire.
- Tomato Juice with Lemon and Tabasco: A bold, umami-packed match for the sauce.
🕰️ When to Dig In
This dish is made for moments that call for a little indulgence:
- Dinner: Hearty and soul-warming, it’s the ultimate evening treat.
- Late Lunch: Perfect for a leisurely weekend or when you’re hosting friends.
- Date Night: Looks fancy, tastes incredible, and is secretly easy to pull off.
Save it for later in the day—its bold flavors and richness deserve to be savored, not rushed through a quick breakfast.
🍽️ Serving Ideas & Fun Twists
Make this dish your own with these tips and variations:
🍴 Plating Hacks
- Use a wide pasta bowl to keep the heat and show off those vibrant colors.
- Garnish with microgreens or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a pop of brightness.
- Drizzle with chili oil for extra heat if you’re feeling bold.
🔄 Recipe Riffs
- Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a splash of cream for a luscious tomato-chili hybrid.
- Veggie Vibes: Swap prawns for grilled eggplant or meaty mushrooms.
- Green Boost: Wilt in some spinach or kale for a nutrient-packed twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use GF linguini and check that your stock and croutons are gluten-free.
💡 Pro Tips for Pasta Perfection
- Dry Those Prawns: A quick pat with a paper towel ensures they sear, not steam.
- Butter Basting: Spoon that melted butter replacement over the prawns for a silky, restaurant-quality finish.
- Save Some Pasta Water: It’s liquid gold for loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the linguini.
- Don’t Overcook the Prawns: They’re done when they’re just opaque and slightly curled. Overdo it, and they’ll turn rubbery.
✍️ Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Dish
Prawn, Garlic & Chili Linguini isn’t just dinner—it’s a vibe. It’s the al dente twirl of pasta, the fiery kick of chili, the buttery sweetness of prawns, and the satisfying crunch of garlicky croutons all coming together in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down, savor every bite, and maybe even sneak a second helping.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a quiet night in, this dish is your ticket to feeling like a culinary rockstar. It’s simple enough for a Tuesday but special enough for a celebration. One bite, and you’ll be hooked—trust me, this one’s going straight to your recipe hall of fame.
