Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is a flavor-packed dish that beautifully blends Italian-inspired pasta with the bold, spicy zest of chili and garlic. It’s the perfect meal for seafood lovers looking for something satisfying, easy to prepare, and incredibly delicious. This recipe is all about simplicity and fresh ingredients—juicy prawns, ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a good splash of olive oil. What makes it truly special is how quickly it comes together—ready in just 20 minutes—making it a go-to for busy weeknights or impressive last-minute dinner guests. The subtle sweetness of the tomatoes pairs perfectly with the heat from chili flakes, while the prawns add protein and richness, and fresh parsley brings in a bright, herbal note. Whether you’re craving comfort food or a spicy twist on classic pasta, this dish delivers in every way.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
300g raw prawns (thawed, peeled, deveined)
300g linguine or spaghetti
500g fresh tomatoes (diced)
1 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 cloves garlic (minced)
½ tbsp dried chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tsp sugar (brown or white)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for serving)
Prawn seasoning:
1 clove garlic (minced)
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoky)
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh parsley
Extra virgin olive oil
Parmesan cheese
Directions
Season the prawns by tossing them with garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and olive oil. Let the flavors marinate. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente and drain, saving some pasta water. Sear the prawns in a hot pan for about 1 minute per side, then set aside. In the same pan, sauté garlic and tomato paste in olive oil, followed by diced tomatoes, chilli flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce covered for about 10 minutes. Return prawns to the sauce, stir in parsley, and combine with the cooked pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water for a silky finish. Toss well and serve garnished with olive oil, cheese, and herbs.
Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 511 kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: Moderate
Vitamin C: High (from tomatoes and parsley)
Vitamin A: Moderate
Calcium & Iron: Present in small amounts
The Beauty of Quick, Fresh Cooking
One of the standout features of Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is how quickly and easily it comes together without sacrificing complexity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal in your own kitchen—ideal for both seasoned home cooks and beginners looking to impress. The recipe is built around fresh, real food: prawns, tomatoes, garlic, parsley, and pasta. Nothing fancy, just clean flavors that blend beautifully when treated with a bit of care.
This makes it an excellent option for weeknight dinners when time is tight but the craving for something warm and satisfying is strong. It’s also perfect for impromptu entertaining—you can whip it up without much notice and still deliver something impressive. With little prep and a short cooking time, you’re able to focus more on enjoying your meal and less on fussing in the kitchen.
The Role of Each Ingredient
Prawns are the star of this dish, offering lean protein and a subtly sweet flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sharpness of garlic and chili. When seared properly, they develop a light crust that locks in their juiciness while soaking up all the surrounding spices.
Tomatoes, both fresh and concentrated via paste, provide a rich base that’s sweet, slightly tangy, and layered with natural umami. When simmered with garlic and a touch of sugar, the sauce achieves a depth that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Garlic is the backbone of the flavor here—aromatic, earthy, and slightly nutty when cooked gently in olive oil. It sets the foundation for a savory sauce that holds everything together. Chili flakes then step in to add a controlled heat, giving the dish its signature kick without overpowering the other components.
Parsley offers a much-needed herbal lift, brightening each bite and balancing the richness of the prawns and oil. Finally, olive oil ties it all together, giving the dish a silky, almost luxurious mouthfeel while enhancing the flavors in a distinctly Mediterranean way.
Customization and Versatility
What makes Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta even more appealing is how adaptable it is. You can control the spice level easily by adjusting the amount of chili flakes, or make it heartier by adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers. Want even more protein? Toss in some seared scallops or chunks of white fish. Prefer a richer finish? A touch of cream added at the end creates a luscious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
You can also experiment with different types of pasta. While linguine and spaghetti are traditional choices that allow the sauce to cling nicely, short pastas like penne or fusilli work equally well, especially if you want more sauce in every bite.
For those following gluten-free diets, simply swap out the pasta for a gluten-free version. And if you’re watching your carbs, you can serve the prawns and sauce over spiralized zucchini or hearts of palm noodles for a lighter twist.
Tips for Success
To make the most of this recipe, there are a few key techniques to keep in mind. First, don’t overcook the prawns. They cook quickly—usually just 1 to 2 minutes per side—and continue cooking slightly once added back to the sauce. Overcooked prawns become rubbery and lose their delicate flavor.
Next, make sure you save a bit of the pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is perfect for loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the noodles, creating that silky texture that elevates the dish from good to restaurant-quality.
Finally, finish with quality garnishes. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and even a light dusting of parmesan can all add layers of flavor and visual appeal. While cheese isn’t traditionally paired with seafood pasta in Italy, many home cooks love how the salty, nutty flavor of parmesan complements the spicy tomato base.
Health and Nutrition Benefits
Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is as nutritious as it is tasty. Prawns are a lean source of high-quality protein, low in calories, and rich in important nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and iodine. Tomatoes provide a good dose of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and lycopene—a powerful antioxidant. Garlic, known for its immune-boosting properties, adds both flavor and health benefits. The use of olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats that are heart-friendly and anti-inflammatory.
Although pasta is often considered indulgent, when served in reasonable portions and paired with fresh, whole ingredients like this, it can absolutely be part of a balanced diet. The addition of parsley, a simple yet potent herb, provides vitamin K and antioxidants that further support overall wellness.
Serving Suggestions
Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta can easily stand alone as a complete meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few side dishes. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and acidity that complements the richness of the sauce. A glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the flavors and provides a refreshing contrast. For a more casual meal, garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
This pasta is also delicious the next day. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion
Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is proof that some of the best meals are the simplest. In just 20 minutes, you can go from raw ingredients to a bold, satisfying, and beautifully plated dish that excites the palate and comforts the soul. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers elegance without effort and flavor without compromise.
It’s versatile enough to customize, healthful enough to enjoy regularly, and flavorful enough to crave again and again. With its combination of heat, sweetness, richness, and freshness, Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta truly earns a spot in every cook’s weeknight rotation. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s not just a meal—it’s an experience.