Spaghetti with Prawns is a delightful dish that marries the simplicity of Italian pasta with the succulent flavors of fresh seafood. This recipe begins by boiling spaghetti in salted water until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, giving the pasta a firm yet tender bite. Once drained, the spaghetti awaits its flavorful companions.
In a large pan, olive oil is heated to medium, releasing the aromatic essence of minced garlic sautéed until fragrant. The star of the dish, prawns, are then introduced, turning a vibrant pink as they cook to perfection in just a few minutes, absorbing the rich garlic flavor.
Temporarily removing the prawns, the pan welcomes a touch of heat from red pepper flakes and the sweetness of cherry tomatoes. As the tomatoes begin to soften, a splash of white wine is added, simmering until it reduces slightly, infusing the mixture with a subtle, tangy complexity.
The magic happens when the spaghetti, prawns, freshly grated lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice join the pan. Tossed together, these ingredients create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, brightened by the citrus and balanced by the richness of the prawns and olive oil.
Seasoned with salt and pepper, and garnished with vibrant, chopped parsley, Spaghetti with Prawns is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight. This dish is a testament to the elegance of simplicity in Italian cuisine, where fresh, quality ingredients shine, making it a perfect choice for a sophisticated yet straightforward meal.
Ingredients
300g spaghetti
400g prawns, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup white wine
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the prawns to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the prawns from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the red pepper flakes and cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 2 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
5. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.
6. Add the cooked spaghetti, prawns, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the pan. Toss everything together until well combined.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.