Creamy Chili Garlic Prawn Pasta With Roasted Red Pepper Cream Swirl

Looking for a pasta dish that’s both comforting and exciting? This Creamy Chili Garlic Prawn Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Swirl is exactly what you need! Succulent prawns are tossed in a vibrant, spicy sauce, all swirled with a beautiful roasted red pepper cream. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home. The combination of the chili’s heat, garlic’s aroma, and the sweetness of the roasted red pepper is simply irresistible. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this stunning and flavorful pasta creation!

What You’ll Need

• 250g (8oz) Linguine Pasta: We’re using linguine for its ability to beautifully coat with the creamy sauce, but feel free to substitute with your favorite long pasta shape like spaghetti or fettuccine. Cooking it ‘al dente’ ensures a pleasant bite.
• 300g (10½oz) Peeled Raw Prawns (Deveined): Large or jumbo prawns work best here, providing a substantial bite. Ensure they are fully deveined for the best texture and flavor. You can use fresh or frozen prawns – if using frozen, thaw them completely before cooking.
• 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for that pungent, aromatic flavor. Avoid using pre-minced garlic, as it lacks the same intensity.
• 1 tsp (5g) Red Chili Flakes: These add a delightful kick! Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. For a milder dish, use ½ tsp, or for extra heat, increase to 1 ½ tsp.
• 200ml (⅔ cup) Heavy Cream: Heavy cream (also known as whipping cream) provides the richness and luxurious texture of the sauce. It’s essential for achieving that perfect creamy consistency.
• 1 Large Roasted Red Bell Pepper (about 150g), Skin Removed: Roasting the red pepper brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth of flavor. You can roast it yourself or purchase pre-roasted peppers in a jar. Removing the skin ensures a smooth and creamy sauce.
• 1 tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor, but any good quality olive oil will work. It’s used for sautéing the garlic and prawns.
• 1 tbsp (14g) Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and helps emulsify the sauce, creating a glossy finish.
• ½ tsp Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the roasted red pepper beautifully.
• Zest of 1 Lemon: Lemon zest brightens the sauce and adds a fresh, citrusy note. Be sure to only zest the yellow part of the peel, avoiding the white pith which can be bitter.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to Taste: Seasoning is key! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
• 2 tbsp (30g) Pine Nuts, Toasted: Toasted pine nuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting them enhances their flavor and texture.
• 2 tbsp (8g) Fresh Parsley, Finely Chopped: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Substitutions & Variations

Don’t have an ingredient? No problem! Here are a few easy substitutions:

• Prawns: You can substitute prawns with shrimp or even cooked chicken or Italian sausage.
• Linguine: Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne will work well in this recipe.
• Heavy Cream: In a pinch, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
• Roasted Red Pepper: Jarred roasted red peppers are a convenient substitute for roasting your own.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Chili Garlic Prawn Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions indicate. This ensures the pasta remains al dente, providing a pleasant bite. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining – this starchy water is liquid gold for creating a silky sauce! Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Toast the Pine Nuts: While the pasta is cooking, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Keep the pan moving constantly to prevent burning. They are ready when they turn golden brown and release a fragrant aroma, usually around 3 minutes. Immediately transfer them to a small bowl to stop the cooking process.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Chili Flakes: Heat the olive oil in a wide sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Sauté for just 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic, as it will become bitter. This quick sauté infuses the oil with the aromatic flavors that form the base of the sauce.
4. Cook the Prawns: Add the peeled and deveined prawns to the pan in a single layer. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the prawns turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the prawns instead of searing them. Remove the prawns from the pan and set aside. Keep the pan on low heat.
5. Prepare the Roasted Red Pepper Cream: In a blender, combine the roasted red pepper (skin removed!), 100ml of heavy cream, smoked paprika, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. This vibrant sauce adds a beautiful color and subtle sweetness to the dish.
6. Create the Cream Sauce: Return the sauté pan to medium heat. Add the butter and the remaining 100ml of heavy cream, stirring until the butter is melted and the cream is warmed through. Pour in the blended red pepper cream mixture and whisk continuously to combine. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually whisk in the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a silky, coating consistency.
7. Combine and Toss: Add the cooked linguine and the cooked prawns back to the pan with the sauce. Gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta and prawns are evenly coated. Allow the pasta to cook in the sauce for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to cling to the noodles.
8. Plate and Garnish: Plate each serving by twirling a nest of pasta into a shallow bowl. Drizzle a generous swirl of the extra red pepper cream around the edge of the pasta for a visually appealing effect. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and freshly chopped parsley for added texture and freshness.

Why Roasting the Red Pepper Matters

Roasting the red pepper is a crucial step in this recipe. Roasting, unlike boiling or steaming, caramelizes the natural sugars in the pepper, resulting in a much deeper, sweeter, and smokier flavor. This intensified flavor is what elevates the cream sauce from ordinary to extraordinary, complementing the spicy chili and succulent prawns perfectly. Removing the skin after roasting is also important for a smooth sauce texture.

Adjusting the Spice Level

The amount of red chili flakes can be adjusted to suit your preference. If you enjoy a milder dish, start with ½ teaspoon and taste as you go. For those who prefer a fiery kick, you can increase the amount to 1 ½ teaspoons or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it’s difficult to remove it!

Prawn Preparation Tips

Using high-quality, fresh prawns is key to the success of this dish. Ensure they are properly peeled and deveined. To devein prawns, make a shallow cut along the back of the prawn and remove the dark vein with a small knife or toothpick. Pat the prawns dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t steam.

Wine Pairing Suggestions

This Creamy Chili Garlic Prawn Pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp, dry white wine. A Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Vermentino would all be excellent choices. The acidity of the wine will cut through the richness of the cream sauce and complement the spicy flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while linguine is recommended, you can substitute it with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.

Can I make the red pepper cream ahead of time?

Yes, the red pepper cream can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What if I don’t have pine nuts?

Toasted slivered almonds or chopped walnuts can be used as a substitute for pine nuts.

Enjoy Your Delicious Pasta!

This Creamy Chili Garlic Prawn Pasta is a delightful dish that’s sure to impress. The combination of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for easy access later! [Pinterest Save Button Image/Link]

Print