Creamy Tomato Prawn Pasta 20Minute Weeknight Wonder
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a Creamy Prawn Pasta Recipe?
Ever had one of those days? You know, when cooking feels like climbing Everest. But you're craving something tasty and comforting.
That’s where this Creamy tomato prawn pasta comes in. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
A Taste of Italy, Made Easy
This dish is inspired by classic Italian flavours. Think sunshine ripened tomatoes and succulent prawns. Tomato prawn pasta is surprisingly quick to make.
We're talking 20 minutes from start to finish. It comfortably feeds four hungry bellies.
Why You'll Love This Easy Prawn Pasta
Honestly, the best thing is how simple it is. This recipe uses readily available ingredients. The prawns provide a good source of protein.
Quick prawn pasta dinner is perfect for busy weeknights. It feels a bit special without loads of effort. It’s a delicious, satisfying, and healthy ish meal.
A great reason to crack open that bottle of Pinot Grigio!
Let's Talk Ingredients
We start with pasta, of course. Penne works great, but use whatever you fancy. You can use rigatoni or even spaghetti, if that's your bag, baby!.
Then we need some aromatics to build the flavour. An onion, a red pepper, and loads of garlic, because, well, garlic!.
The sauce base is passata, which is basically strained tomatoes. And, of course, the star of the show: prawns. I prefer king prawns .
And let’s not forget a splash of double cream . This creamy tomato sauce for pasta is what makes it so decadent.
This Italian prawn pasta is truly one of my favourite seafood pasta recipes .
Tips from My Kitchen
Don't overcook the prawns. Nobody likes rubbery prawns. And remember to season well. Salt and pepper are your friends! This prawn pasta recipe is a winner.
The 20 minute pasta recipes always are. Get ready for flavour!
Ingredients & Equipment: Ready, Steady, Cook!
Right, let's talk about what you'll actually need to whip up this Creamy Tomato Prawn Pasta . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward.
I promise this easy prawn pasta recipe won't have you running to the shops for obscure ingredients. This 20 minute pasta recipes are a lifesaver!
Main Ingredients: The Starry Line-Up
Here's the breakdown for our tomato prawn pasta . Don't worry, I've included both US and metric because, you know, gotta cater to everyone!
- Pasta: 300g (10.5 oz) penne. I like penne, but feel free to use rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti. You do you!
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp – Just regular olive oil will do.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, finely diced. Make sure it is fresh!
- Red bell pepper: 1 diced. Gives a great sweetness and a touch of colour.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, crushed or grated. You can never have too much garlic!
- Chilli flakes: ½ tsp (optional). For a bit of a kick.
- Passata (or crushed tomatoes): 400ml (13.5 fl oz). The base of our lovely sauce.
- Cooked king prawns: 450g (1 lb). Make sure they are plump and juicy! Fresh or frozen, just make sure they are good quality. This is key for great Italian prawn pasta .
- Double cream (heavy cream): 75ml (1/3 cup). Don't skimp on the cream. This gives it that creamy tomato sauce for pasta .
- Fresh basil: 10g (1/3 oz), chopped or ripped. Adds a lovely freshness.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Boosters
Let's talk flavour!
- Garlic and chilli are a killer combo. They give warmth and a gentle heat.
- Basil is essential! Fresh basil is like sunshine in a dish.
- Salt and pepper are your best mates. Season to taste.
For a spicy prawn pasta recipe you can add more chilli flakes to your preference.
Quick substitution: If you don't have fresh basil, use 1 tsp of dried basil, but fresh is always best if you can get it.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
No need for fancy gadgets here. This quick prawn pasta dinner only needs:
- Large pot for pasta.
- Large frying pan or skillet.
- Colander or strainer.
- Chopping board.
- Knife.
- Garlic press (optional).
Honestly, you probably have all this already! This prawn pasta recipe is all about simplicity.
Thinking of creating content and sharing cooking experiences and knowledge is one of the most satisfying things I've done. It's amazing!
Let's Get Saucy: Creamy Tomato Prawn Pasta Magic
Honestly, sometimes you just need comfort food. That's why I adore a good creamy tomato prawn pasta . It's my go-to when I want something quick, satisfying, and packed with flavour.
This recipe is a total breeze to make, perfect for a weeknight meal when you're knackered after work. I'm talking a 20 minute pasta recipes , mate.
Prep Like a Pro
- Essential mise en place: Chop your onion, red pepper, garlic and basil before anything else. Getting it all prepped makes things so much smoother. I also always measure out my cream and passata.
- Time saving organization tips: Use pre-cooked king prawn pasta recipes from the supermarket. It saves loads of time and hassle.
- Safety reminders: Be careful when handling hot pans and boiling water! We want a delicious dinner, not a trip to A&E.
From Zero to Hero: Creamy Prawn Pasta Recipe step-by-step
- Get your pasta on! Cook 300g (10.5 oz) pasta 'til al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain!
- Sauté 1 diced onion , 1 diced red pepper in 1 tbsp olive oil until soft (about 6 minutes ). Add 4 cloves crushed garlic , ½ tsp chilli flakes for the last minute.
- Stir in 400ml (13.5 fl oz) passata . Simmer for 5 minutes .
- Add 450g (1 lb) cooked prawns and 75ml (1/3 cup) double cream . Simmer for 3 minutes , until prawns are heated through.
- Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adding pasta water if needed.
- Stir in chopped basil just before serving.
Pro Tips for Pasta Perfection
- Don't overcook the prawns. Honestly, they'll turn rubbery!
- Season, season, season! Salt and pepper is your best mate. Taste as you go.
- For an even richer sauce, stir in a knob of butter at the end. Oh my gosh! It makes all the difference. You can create various seafood pasta recipes from the above recipe!
So, there you have it! My easy prawn pasta recipe. It's a guaranteed crowd pleaser, and a fantastic way to get a taste of Italy without leaving your kitchen.
And seriously, who can say no to Italian prawn pasta ? Next time you're stuck for dinner, give it a whirl.
You won't regret it! This tomato prawn pasta is very easy to make!
Recipe Notes for Creamy Tomato Prawn Pasta
Right then, let's talk about some bits and bobs for this creamy prawn pasta recipe ! Honestly, this tomato prawn pasta is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things I've learned along the way that I reckon you'll find helpful.
It really is an easy prawn pasta to whip up!
Serving Suggestions - Get That Instagram Shot!
Okay, so presentation is key, right? When I'm feeling fancy, I like to twirl the prawn pasta into a nest on the plate.
Then, I spoon over the creamy tomato sauce for pasta , making sure there are plenty of king prawn pasta recipes visible.
A sprinkle of fresh basil always makes it look posh.
Side wise, you can’t go wrong with some crusty garlic bread to mop up all that glorious sauce. A simple green salad balances the richness perfectly.
And for drinks? A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio is my go-to. It really brings out the flavours of the seafood pasta recipes .
Storage Tips - For the Leftovers (If There Are Any!)
Refrigeration is your best bet for leftovers. Pop that easy prawn pasta into an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Just make sure it's properly cooled down before you stash it away.
Freezing? You can , but the cream sauce might split a bit when you reheat it. If you're going down that road, freeze it in individual portions.
To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, gently heat it in a pan on the hob, stirring occasionally.
You might need to add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
Variations - Make It Your Own, Mate!
Fancy a bit of a kick? Throw in a pinch of extra chilli flakes for a spicy Italian prawn pasta .
Or, if you're trying to be healthy, you could swap the double cream for a lighter cream alternative. Oat cream works wonders!
Got some seasonal veggies knocking about? Chuck them in! Roasted courgette or peppers would be lush. Honestly, this recipe is pretty adaptable, so just use what you've got.
If you are looking for something that you can make in no time, then you should also check our other 20 minute pasta recipes .
Nutrition Basics - Goodness in Every Bite!
Each serving of this quick prawn pasta dinner clocks in at approximately 518 calories. It's packed with protein (28g), thanks to the prawns, and offers a decent dose of healthy fats (13g).
You'll also get a good hit of carbohydrates (73g) for energy, and some fibre (6g) to keep things moving. Remember this is an estimate of this delicious tomato prawn pasta .
The prawns are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. These are brilliant for your heart and brain. I reckon it’s a win-win.
So there you have it, the creamy tomato prawn pasta deconstructed! Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. Cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen prawns for this Creamy Tomato Prawn Pasta recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen prawns are a great, convenient option. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the sauce, and pat them dry with kitchen paper to avoid a watery sauce. Nobody wants a soggy bottom!
What's the best way to store leftover Creamy Tomato Prawn Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for up to 2 days, but be aware that the pasta might absorb some of the sauce. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. A microwave works a treat for a quick reheat.
I'm not a fan of prawns. What else can I put in this creamy tomato pasta dish?
No worries, mate! This recipe is super versatile. You could easily swap the prawns for cooked chicken, chorizo, or even some roasted vegetables like courgette (zucchini) and peppers for a veggie option. Get creative and make it your own - that's what cooking's all about!
How can I make this Creamy Tomato Prawn Pasta spicier?
If you're feeling brave, there are several ways to kick up the heat! Add an extra pinch of chilli flakes to the aromatic base, or even finely chop a fresh red chilli and throw it in.
You could also drizzle a bit of chilli oil over the finished dish for an extra fiery kick just go easy at first, unless you're a seasoned spice fiend!
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream in this prawn pasta recipe?
Yep, you can easily make this dish dairy-free! Simply substitute the double cream with a plant based alternative such as oat cream, cashew cream, or even coconut cream (although that will add a slight coconut flavour). Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Can I prepare the sauce for this Creamy Tomato Prawn Pasta in advance?
You certainly can! The sauce itself can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just hold off on adding the prawns and cream until you're ready to serve, otherwise the prawns might become rubbery and the sauce could split. Heat the sauce through, then add the prawns and cream as per the recipe.
Creamy Tomato Prawn Pasta 20minute Weeknight Won
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 518 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 13g |
| Fiber | 6g |
