Creamy Garlic Prawn Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
514 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Creamy Garlic Prawn Pasta
Description
Creamy Garlic Prawn Pasta features small peeled raw prawns cooked briefly in butter before forming a sauce with garlic, white wine, heavy cream, chicken broth, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The long strand pasta, such as fettuccine, is cooked just shy of done then finished in the rich sauce, which thickens as it simmers. The prawns contribute a delicate seafood flavor, while the garlic and Parmesan add depth. Finely chopped parsley brings a fresh note to the dish. The sauce gently clings to the pasta, creating a velvety texture.
The preparation involves cooking the prawns separately to prevent overcooking, then making the sauce in the same pan to incorporate all flavors. Wine reduction enhances the base before the cream and broth are added. Lastly, the pasta and prawns are combined with a splash of reserved pasta water, adjusting the sauce consistency.
This dish is served best immediately to enjoy the tender prawns and creamy sauce. It pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread for soaking up any remaining sauce. Using freshly grated Parmesan is important as it melts smoothly and enriches the sauce without graininess.
Note that smaller prawns are preferred for even distribution throughout the pasta; if using larger prawns, adjustments in size or quantity may be necessary. The recipe accommodates substitution of white wine with broth if desired.
Ingredients
- 8 oz / 250g Fettuccine pasta or other long strand pasta of choice
- 30 g / 2 tbsp butter , separated
- 300 g / 10 oz Shrimp Note 1, small, peeled, raw
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- 1/4 cup / 65 ml white wine Note 2 for sub, dry
- 1 cup / 250 ml heavy cream Note 3, thickened cream
- 1/2 cup / 125 ml chicken broth (or fish or vegetable broth), preferably low sodium
- 3/4 cup / 50 g Parmesan Cheese freshly grated) (Note 4, finely grated, 1.5 oz
- 2 tbsp parsley finely chopped
- black pepper
- parmesan , for serving
Instructions
- Bring to boil a large pot of water. Add pasta and cook per packet MINUS 1 minute. (Note 5).
- Just before draining, scoop out 1 cup of pasta cooking water and set aside. Drain pasta.
- Meanwhile, melt 1 tbsp of butter in a large non stick skillet over medium high heat. Add prawns and cook for 1 1/2 minutes on each side until just cooked through. Remove prawns.
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter. Once melted, add garlic. Stir for 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Add wine and stir. Simmer for 2 minutes until wine mostly reduces (see video).
- Add cream, broth and parmesan. Stir until the parmesan is melted, then leave to simmer for 1 1/2 minutes until it thickens slightly (will thicken more in next step).
- Add prawns, stir, then add pasta plus about 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water. Toss pasta (still on stove) and the sauce will thicken in about 30 - 45 seconds and start clinging to the pasta.
- Take it off the stove before the sauce is as thick as you want - it will thicken more.
- Sprinkle with most of the parsley and black pepper, check salt (I don't need more). Toss again until the sauce consistency is to your taste. Add a tiny splash of pasta water if it gets too gluggy.
- Serve immediately, garnished with remaining parsley and parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use small peeled prawns for better distribution in the pasta; larger prawns can be halved or cut into pieces.
- Thoroughly thaw frozen prawns and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
- Reserve pasta cooking water to adjust sauce thickness when combining with pasta and prawns.
- Freshly grated Parmesan is essential for a smooth, properly melted sauce; pre-grated cheese will not yield the same texture.
- White wine can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.
- Cook pasta time slightly reduced so it finishes cooking in the sauce, allowing flavors to meld effectively.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 514 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 286g | |
| Calories | 514cal | 26% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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