🌶️ Chilli Prawn Pasta: Spice Up An Easy and Delicious 6-Step Dinner

A bold twist on a seafood classic

If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick, flavour-packed, and irresistibly spicy, Chilli Prawn Pasta delivers every time. Combining the sweetness of prawns, the heat of fresh chilli, and the richness of olive oil and garlic, this recipe is a true celebration of Mediterranean simplicity with a fiery kick.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight treat or impressing guests, this pasta dish proves that simple ingredients can create restaurant-quality flavour in just minutes.

🦐 What Is Chilli Prawn Pasta?

Chilli Prawn Pasta is a vibrant seafood dish made with juicy prawns, garlic, fresh or dried chillies, and pasta tossed in a light olive oil or tomato-based sauce.

It’s a perfect example of Italian coastal cooking — minimal ingredients, maximum taste. The secret lies in balancing the spice with the natural sweetness of prawns and the acidity of tomatoes or lemon.

🍝 Why You’ll Love This Dish

✅ Ready in under 25 minutes.
✅ Balanced flavour — spicy, garlicky, and fresh.
✅ Light yet satisfying.
✅ Pairs beautifully with wine or crusty bread.
✅ Easy to adapt — go creamy, tomato-based, or lemony depending on your mood.

🌶️ Key Ingredients

For 2 servings:

• 200g pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or tagliatelle)
• 200g raw prawns, peeled and deveined
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1–2 red chillies, finely sliced (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional for extra heat)
• 100ml white wine or seafood stock
• Juice and zest of ½ lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional: a handful of cherry tomatoes for added sweetness or a splash of cream for a softer heat.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Chilli Prawn Pasta (Step-by-Step)

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

1. Cook the pasta:
   Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Infuse the oil:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sliced chillies. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant — don’t let the garlic brown.
3. Cook the prawns:
   Add prawns to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque.
4. Deglaze the pan:
   Pour in white wine or seafood stock. Let it bubble for a minute to enhance flavour.
5. Toss the pasta:
   Add the cooked pasta to the pan with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat evenly.
6. Finish and serve:
   Squeeze in lemon juice, add parsley, and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately, garnished with extra chilli flakes if you dare.

🧠 Chef’s Tips for the Perfect Chilli Prawn Pasta

🔥 Adjust your spice: Use fresh red chilli for fruitier heat or dried flakes for sharper spice.
🍋 Balance flavours: Lemon juice or a touch of white wine keeps it light and zesty.
🦐 Don’t overcook prawns: They’re ready once pink — 2 to 3 minutes is plenty.
🍝 Pasta water is magic: The starch binds the sauce to the pasta, giving it restaurant-quality texture.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or toasted sourdough.
• Add grated parmesan for extra richness.
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a rosé for balance.
• For a complete Italian-style meal, follow with a light salad or a pavlova dessert.

🥂 Variations You’ll Love

• Creamy Chilli Prawn Pasta: Add a splash of cream or mascarpone to soften the heat.
• Chilli Tomato Prawn Pasta: Toss in a handful of cherry tomatoes or a spoon of tomato paste for depth.
• Garlic & Chilli Prawn Linguine: Keep it oil-based and simple — the purest version of the dish.
• Asian Fusion Style: Add a touch of soy sauce, ginger, or lime zest for a Thai-inspired twist.

🍷 Best Wines to Pair With Chilli Prawn Pasta

The heat of chilli pairs best with crisp, aromatic wines that refresh the palate:

• Sauvignon Blanc – zesty and herbal.
• Pinot Grigio – light and citrusy.
• Dry Rosé – complements spice without overpowering.
• Vermentino – ideal for seafood and spice together.

🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~480 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbs: 50g

A balanced, high-protein dish with healthy fats from olive oil and lean seafood protein.

❓ FAQs About Chilli Prawn Pasta

1. Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

2. How spicy is Chilli Prawn Pasta?
You control the heat — use one chilli for mild flavour or two for a fiery kick.

3. Can I make this without wine?
Absolutely. Substitute with seafood stock or a splash of lemon juice.

4. Is Chilli Prawn Pasta healthy?
Yes, it’s high in protein, low in saturated fat, and uses olive oil for heart-healthy fats.

5. What pasta works best?
Linguine or spaghetti are ideal, as they coat evenly with the oil-based sauce.