If you’re craving a dish that’s creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavor, then you’re in for a treat! My Creamy Garlic Prawn Pasta recipe brings restaurant vibes straight to your kitchen, and it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner! Get ready to impress your taste buds and your friends with this irresistible pasta that’s ready in just 20 minutes—who wouldn’t want that?
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Prawn Pasta
Let’s talk about the ingredients that will make this Creamy Garlic Prawn Pasta absolutely irresistible! Grab your shopping list because you’ll want to have everything on hand for this delightful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fettuccine or other long pasta: 8 oz (250g) – I love fettuccine,but any long strand pasta works well!
- Butter: 30 g (2 tbsp),divided – This adds a rich flavor to our dish.
- Small peeled prawns (shrimp): 300 g (10 oz) – You can use fresh or frozen; just make sure thay’re thawed if frozen!
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced – The more garlic, the better, right?
- Dry white wine: 1/4 cup (65 ml) – This adds depth to the sauce; any dry white will do.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (250 ml) – This is where the creaminess comes from!
- Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (125 ml) – Low sodium is best for better flavor control.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: 3/4 cup (50 g) – Don’t skimp on this! Freshly grated melts beautifully.
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, finely chopped – A pop of color and freshness to finish it off.
- Black pepper: to taste – For just the right amount of seasoning.
- Extra parmesan: for serving – As who doesn’t want more cheese?
Now that we have our ingredients lined up, let’s just say we’re already halfway to pasta paradise! Picture yourself tossing those prawns in a sizzling pan and inhaling the aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen—it’s pure bliss! So, gather these simple yet delicious ingredients, and get ready for a cooking adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this Creamy Garlic Prawn Pasta is a delightful journey that ends with a delicious meal. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a creamy, flavorful dish on your table in no time!
- cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fettuccine (or pasta of your choice) and cook according to the package instructions but take it off the heat one minute earlier.This way, it’ll perfectly finish cooking in the sauce later!
- Reserve Pasta Water: Just before draining the pasta, scoop out about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside. This starchy water is a secret weapon for thickening the sauce!
- Sauté the Prawns: In a large non-stick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the prawns (shrimp) and cook for about 1.5 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Once it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for around 2 minutes until it mostly reduces.
- Combine Cream and Broth: Now, add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese melts, and let the sauce simmer for about 1.5 minutes until it thickens a bit.
- Toss it All Together: Add the cooked prawns back to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Pour in about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together on the stove for about 30-45 seconds. This step is where the magic happens—the sauce will thicken and cling to the pasta beautifully!
- Season and Serve: sprinkle in the chopped parsley and a bit of black pepper to taste. Serve instantly, garnished with extra parmesan if you like!
And there you have it! A luscious, creamy pasta that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Happy cooking!
Tips for the Best Creamy Sauce
Creating the perfect creamy sauce for your Creamy Garlic Prawn Pasta is all about technique and a few little secrets! Follow these tips, and you’ll have a sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Starting with fresh garlic and freshly grated parmesan cheese can make a world of difference. Fresh ingredients bring out the best flavors, and no store-bought stuff can compete with freshly grated cheese!
- Don’t Overcook the Prawns: When cooking your prawns, aim for a lovely pink color. Overcooking them can lead to a chewy texture. They should only need about 1.5 minutes on each side. Trust me, the prawns will finish cooking once you toss them in the sauce—just make sure to keep an eye on them!
- Thicken Smartly: emulsifying your sauce is key! After adding the pasta to the sauce, use a splash of the reserved pasta water. This starchy water not only helps to thicken your sauce but also helps it cling beautifully to the pasta. It’s like a little trick that every great cook knows!
- Simmer,Don’t Boil: When simmering your sauce,keep the heat medium. A gentle simmer helps meld the flavors together without reducing it too quickly. You want that rich,creamy goodness,not a sauce that evaporates before it gets to your plate!
- Adjust Consistency: If your sauce feels too thick,add a splash more of pasta water or broth to reach your desired creaminess. And if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken up.
- Season with Care: Taste is everything, so don’t forget to season your sauce with black pepper just before serving. A little pepper adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish!
With these tips,you’ll be well on your way to creating a creamy sauce that makes your pasta shine! So get ready to impress your friends and family with a dish that’s not only indulgent but also bursting with flavor! Enjoy every creamy bite!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Once you’ve whipped up your Creamy Garlic Prawn pasta, it’s time to think about how to serve it! The right pairings can elevate your meal and make it even more delightful. Here are some suggestions that I absolutely love!
- Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad is the perfect companion. Try a simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing balances the richness of the pasta beautifully!
- garlic bread: Who can resist some warm, toasty garlic bread? You can never go wrong with this classic pairing. It’s perfect for soaking up that delicious creamy sauce!
- Wine Pairing: For drinks, I recommend a nice glass of dry white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot grigio. The luminous citrus flavors in these wines complement the garlic and cream perfectly.
- Vegetables: If you want to add a pop of color to your plate, consider sautéing some seasonal vegetables, like asparagus or spinach.Just toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper for a quick side that tastes amazing!
- Cheese Options: I love sprinkling some extra parmesan cheese on top of the pasta before serving. It adds a bit more flavor and a lovely presentation!
- Garnish: Don’t forget to finish it off with a sprinkling of fresh parsley or even some chili flakes if you like a little heat.It brings a burst of flavor and makes your dish look restaurant-worthy!
Serving Tips: When you plate the pasta,make sure to twirl it into a nice nest in the center of the plate.Add your prawns on top, drizzle with sauce, and, if you’re feeling fancy, a touch more cheese!
With these serving suggestions, you’re set for a cozy dinner that impresses! Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion, your Creamy Garlic Prawn Pasta is bound to be a hit. Enjoy every delicious bite!