If you’re craving a dinner that’s luscious, full of bold flavors, and feels just a little bit fancy without any of the fuss, look no further than this Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta. Here, sweet, plump prawns mingle with fiery chilli, gentle garlic, and the silkiest Parmesan cream sauce, all twirled around strands of tender pasta. Every bite delivers a gorgeous harmony of spice, richness, and fresh brightness — the perfect solution for both busy weeknights and relaxed evenings when you want to impress someone special (even if that someone is you!).

Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta plays a meaningful part, creating a dish that’s stunningly simple yet bursting with flavor. Choose the freshest items you can, and you’ll be well on your way to restaurant-level results.

Raw prawns (400 g, peeled and deveined): Opt for large, juicy prawns for the best texture and sweetness, making sure they’re cleaned well.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A splash of good olive oil forms the savory base that carries all the flavors into the final sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable here, bringing rich, aromatic warmth to the dish.
Fresh red chillies (1–2, finely chopped): Use these for vibrant color and a customizable kick; adjust the quantity according to your heat preference.
Chilli flakes (1 teaspoon): These add depth and layered heat, giving the sauce its distinctive zing.
Heavy cream (300 ml): This is what gives the sauce its signature silky, decadent finish — don’t skimp on quality!
Grated Parmesan cheese (50 g): Parmesan melts into the sauce to add a salty, nutty dimension; freshly grated is always best.
Linguine or spaghetti (300 g): Long, twirlable pasta works best to soak up every luxurious drop of sauce.
Lemon juice (from ½ lemon): A quick squeeze at the end brightens the whole dish, balancing out the richness.
Chopped parsley (2 tablespoons): A flourish of fresh parsley provides a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every layer — taste as you go for perfection.

How to Make Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil, then cook the linguine or spaghetti until just al dente. Don’t rush this part — you want the pasta to have a slight bite, as it’ll finish in the sauce later. Right before draining, scoop out about half a cup of the cooking water and set it aside. This magical starchy liquid will help transform your sauce into something dreamy and glossy.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

While the pasta is bubbling away, heat the olive oil in a big, deep skillet over medium heat. Tumble in the minced garlic, fresh red chillies, and chilli flakes. Sauté for about a minute, stirring constantly, just until the garlic smells irresistible and the chillies start to soften — be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.

Step 3: Cook the Prawns

Add the cleaned, raw prawns straight into the sizzling skillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat in all those fragrant oils. Cook for 2–3 minutes, flipping once, until the prawns curl up and turn a gorgeous pink. As soon as they’re cooked through, scoop them onto a plate so they stay juicy and plump (they’ll finish up later in the sauce).

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour the heavy cream into the same skillet, scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon — that’s pure flavor! Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt and bubble gently. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it slightly thickens, then squeeze in your lemon juice and taste, adjusting salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked prawns to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Add some of the reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, tossing everything together so the noodles are lusciously coated in sauce. Keep tossing until the sauce is glossy and clings to every strand, adding more water if you need to loosen it up. This is where all the flavors of Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta meld into true magic!

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta, along with an extra shower of Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. Give everything one last toss right before piling onto plates. The result? A bowlful of silky, spicy, seafood-studded perfection that looks every bit as good as it tastes.

How to Serve Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta

Garnishes

You can elevate this pasta even further with a little flair at the table. A few extra fresh chilli slices, a handful of chopped parsley, or a generous grating of Parmesan all make Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta look as inviting as it tastes. If you love some crunch, try a twist of cracked black pepper or even scatter over buttery toasted breadcrumbs for texture.

Side Dishes

While this pasta is absolutely stunning on its own, it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Consider a crisp green salad drizzled with lemony vinaigrette, a basket of warm, crusty bread for swooping up sauce, or tender roasted vegetables. These keep the spotlight on the Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta, adding a fresh counterpart with every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special touch, you can serve Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta in shallow pasta bowls, twirling the noodles high and nestling the prawns on top for a chef’s-kiss presentation. Or, plate individual portions with a sprinkle of red chilli and a bright lemon wedge for each guest. For a summery al fresco vibe, pile it onto a large platter in the center of the table, encouraging everyone to dig in family style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta (lucky you!), let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge and enjoy within two days for best flavor and texture. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but that can be easily remedied when reheating.

Freezing

While prawns are best enjoyed freshly cooked, you can freeze leftovers in a pinch. Portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers and seal tightly. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind, dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, so a gentle stir as it warms up will help bring it back together.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to the pan and warm gently over low heat, stirring constantly. This brings the sauce back to its creamy brilliance without overcooking the prawns. Avoid high temperatures, which can make the prawns tough and the sauce grainy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw your frozen prawns thoroughly before using — pat them dry to prevent extra water in the sauce. They’ll work beautifully and still deliver fantastic flavor in your Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta.

What pasta shape is best for this recipe?

Linguine or spaghetti are classics for this dish because they soak up the creamy sauce and wrap around the prawns perfectly. However, other long pasta like fettuccine or even tagliatelle are delicious swaps if that’s what you have on hand.

How spicy will the pasta be with both fresh chillies and chilli flakes?

The delightful heat in Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is very customizable. Using both types of chilli layers the spice, but you control the intensity by adding more or less to suit your preference. Start with a little and taste as you go — you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a thick plant-based cream in place of the heavy cream and a vegan Parmesan-style cheese. The result will be slightly different in flavor, but still luxuriously creamy and satisfying.

What wine would pair well with Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta?

A crisp, chilled white wine is a dreamy match for this dish. Try a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even a sparkling wine to complement the richness and highlight the prawns and chilli heat.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta is a plateful of pure comfort and style — an easy recipe brimming with bold flavors and creamy indulgence. I hope you give it a try soon and share it with the people who make your table feel like home!

Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and flavorful Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta, a delightful combination of succulent prawns, spicy chilli, and creamy sauce over perfectly cooked pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

For the pasta:

400 g raw prawns, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 fresh red chillies, finely chopped
1 teaspoon chilli flakes

For the sauce:

300 ml heavy cream
50 g grated Parmesan cheese

For serving:

300 g linguine or spaghetti
Juice of ½ lemon
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Prepare the prawns: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, fresh chilli, and chilli flakes; sauté for 1 minute. Add prawns, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink. Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce: Pour cream into the skillet, stir in Parmesan cheese, and simmer until slightly thickened. Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning.
Combine and serve: Return prawns to the pan along with drained pasta, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.