Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a flavorful, healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Then look no further! This recipe for prawns with spaghetti is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It’s a simple, yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to elevate your mid-week meal game!
Ingredients:
- 250g spaghetti
- 250g raw prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Cook the Prawns
Add the prawns to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. If using, add the red pepper flakes at this stage for extra flavor.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan (Optional)
If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to meld. If substituting with chicken broth, add it now.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the prawns. Toss everything together, adding a little pasta water if needed to create a light sauce. Stir in the lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Prawns with Spaghetti:
- Don't overcook the prawns! Overcooked prawns become tough and rubbery. Aim for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they're pink and opaque.
- Use high-quality ingredients. The flavor of this dish relies heavily on the quality of the prawns and the olive oil.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Feel free to add more red pepper flakes for extra heat, or more lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Fresh parsley makes a difference! The fresh parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and flavor. Don't skip it!
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Enhance the dish with cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini. Add them to the skillet with the garlic.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Creamy version: Stir in a dollop of cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
This easy prawns with spaghetti recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. It's a healthy and flavorful meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!