Introduction
Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with this quick and enticing pasta dish featuring succulent prawns and a rich tomato sauce. Perfectly balanced with garlic, a hint of heat from chili flakes, and the umami of anchovies, this recipe brings together an array of flavors in just a few simple steps. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, let’s dive into the details of the ingredients and method that will make this dish shine.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
180 g (6 oz) fettuccine or other pasta of choice
1½ tbsp olive oil
150–180 g (5–6 oz) medium prawns/shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 anchovies, whole (or ½ tsp anchovy paste)
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ cup white wine
1 tsp+ chili flakes/red pepper flakes
1 cup (250 ml) tomato passata
2 tsp finely grated Parmesan
½ lemon
¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more to serve
Prep Time
Preparation time for this dish is approximately 10 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are ready to go before you begin cooking.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is around 15 minutes, yielding a delicious meal for 2 servings. In total, you can enjoy this delightful pasta dish in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Ensure all ingredients are prepared and ready for use as the recipe progresses quickly.
Boil Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, reducing the cooking time by 1 minute. Before draining, reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water.
Cook Prawns
Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the prawns and cook for 30 seconds, until their surface just turns from translucent to opaque.
Add Flavorings
Add chili flakes and anchovies to the skillet. Stir briefly, then add the white wine and minced garlic.
Evaporate Wine
Cook for 30 seconds until the wine has mostly evaporated.
Make Sauce
Add the tomato passata, a squeeze of lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium, and cook the sauce for 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid overcooking the prawns.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta, about ½ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water, and chopped parsley to the skillet. Toss gently for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
Adjust Seasoning
Adjust seasoning and spiciness to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley.
Notes
Pasta Cooking Time
Make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times, but remember to reduce it by 1 minute for optimal texture.
Reserved Pasta Water
The reserved pasta cooking water helps to create a smooth sauce and can be adjusted based on your desired consistency.
Prawn Cooking
Be careful not to overcook the prawns; they should just turn opaque to ensure they remain tender.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Storage
Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth.
Cook techniques
Preparing Ingredients
Prep all ingredients beforehand to ensure a smooth cooking process, as this recipe moves quickly.
Cooking Pasta
Bring water to a rolling boil, add salt, and cook the pasta according to package instructions, reducing the time by 1 minute. Reserve some cooking water before draining.
Sautéing Prawns
Heat olive oil in a skillet on high heat, and cook the prawns for about 30 seconds until they turn opaque.
Building the Flavor
Add chili flakes and anchovies to the skillet, stir briefly, then introduce white wine and minced garlic. Cook until the wine mostly evaporates.
Simmering the Sauce
Incorporate tomato passata, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and seasoning. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat, stirring frequently.
Tossing the Pasta
Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, using reserved water to achieve desired consistency. Toss gently to coat.
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with any pasta of your choice.
What if I can’t find anchovies?
You can use anchovy paste as a substitute.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes, frozen prawns can be used; ensure they are fully thawed and drained before cooking.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can omit the prawns and use vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms instead.
Conclusion
Cooking this pasta with prawns offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that are sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of succulent shrimp, a hint of spice from the chili flakes, and the savory depth from anchovies creates a dish that is both satisfying and memorable. Enjoy this recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Garlic Shrimp Tacos
Use the same spicy shrimp mixture, but serve it in taco shells with fresh cilantro and avocado.
Pasta Primavera
Substitute the shrimp with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus for a vegetarian-friendly option, keeping the sauce the same.
Seafood Risotto
Replace fettuccine with Arborio rice and slowly cook it with the same ingredients, adding broth gradually to achieve a creamy texture.
Chili Prawn Salad
Toss cooked prawns with mixed greens, a light lemon-olive oil dressing, and avocado for a refreshing salad.
Prawn and Chorizo Pasta
Add diced chorizo to the dish for a smoky flavor that complements the prawns.
Tomato and Basil Bruschetta
Use the tomato passata as a base for a bruschetta topping, adding fresh basil and serving on toasted bread.
Pasta Primavera with Anchovy Dressing
Use a combination of vegetables and an anchovy oil dressing to create a unique pasta salad.
