If you are craving something bursting with flavor yet wonderfully simple, this Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe is absolutely perfect for you. It’s a vibrant dish loaded with juicy, tender prawns sautéed in a spicy, garlicky tomato sauce, twirling effortlessly with perfectly cooked linguine. The blend of fresh herbs, a touch of chilli heat, and a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes makes every bite a delightful experience. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe brings restaurant-quality deliciousness right into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image is split into two parts, each showing a round non-stick pan on a white marbled surface. The top part shows the pan with lightly browned garlic bits spread evenly around the oil, and several dollops of thick bright red paste concentrated in the center. A woman's hand holding a black spatula is near the bottom edge, stirring the paste slightly into the oil. The bottom part shows the pan filled with evenly distributed, chopped pieces of reddish-pink tomatoes mixed with the paste and garlic. The woman's hand holds the same black spatula near the lower right side, moving through the tomato mixture. The colors shift from golden and red in the top to deeper reds and orange tones with a juicy texture in the bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this dish. Each item plays a crucial role, from the fresh prawns giving you succulent protein, to the ripe tomatoes that create a rich sauce, and the chilli flakes that add that irresistible kick. Don’t worry, they’re all easy to find and simple to work with!

300 g raw prawns: Peeled and deveined for easy cooking and tender texture.
300 g linguine or spaghetti: Choose your favorite pasta shape for excellent sauce clinging.
500 g fresh tomatoes: Ripe and diced for a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
1 cup fresh parsley: Finely chopped for fresh aroma and a burst of green color.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds depth and richness to your sauce.
2 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with classic, pungent flavor.
½ tablespoon dried chilli flakes: Adjust based on your heat preference to make it just right.
1 teaspoon sugar (brown or white): Balances out the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
Salt and pepper: To season and enhance every flavor component.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and adding silky texture, plus extra for finishing.
Prawn seasoning: Garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and olive oil ready to make your prawns pop with flavor.
Optional to serve: Fresh parsley, extra chilli flakes, olive oil, and parmesan cheese to elevate your pasta.

How to Make Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Prawns

Start by seasoning your prawns with minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika mixed well with olive oil. This simple marinade helps the prawns soak up intense flavors before hitting the pan. Let them sit for about 10 minutes while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine or spaghetti until al dente. This means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining, you’ll use it to bring your sauce together later!

Step 3: Make the Chilli Garlic Tomato Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large pan and gently fry minced garlic and chilli flakes until fragrant but not burnt. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and sprinkle in the sugar with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer and thicken for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s bursting with fresh, slightly sweet flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Prawns

In a separate pan or the same one pushed aside to make room, cook the seasoned prawns on medium-high heat until they turn pink and curl up, about 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook, as they can get rubbery. Once cooked, fold the prawns gently into the tomato sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta into the sauce pan with the prawns and toss everything together. If the sauce feels a bit thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it and help the sauce coat every strand beautifully. Finish by stirring in fresh parsley for brightness.

How to Serve Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with linguine pasta layered with plump shrimp and small pieces of red tomato sauce. The pasta strands are pale yellow and smooth, mixed with the orange-red sauce that lightly coats the shrimp and noodles. Fresh green chopped herbs are scattered unevenly over the dish, adding a fresh texture and bright contrast to the warm colors of the shrimp and pasta. Small red chili flakes are sprinkled on top, adding a hint of spice and color contrast. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your dish visually stunning and taste even better, sprinkle extra fresh parsley on top right before serving. Add a pinch of chilli flakes if you love a spicy punch and drizzle some extra virgin olive oil for that luxurious sheen and smooth finish. A dusting of parmesan cheese adds a wholesome, creamy lift.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or crunchy garlic bread to sop up every drop of that incredible sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini can add a subtly sweet contrast to the spicy prawns.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta on a big, shallow white platter to highlight the vibrant reds and greens. For a fun twist, try dividing the pasta into individual bowls and topping each one with a sprig of parsley and a wedge of lemon for squeezing. It’s perfect for sharing and makes the meal feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate. The pasta will keep well for up to 2 days, but for the best texture and flavor, try to enjoy it as fresh as possible.

Freezing

Freezing cooked pasta with prawns isn’t ideal because the texture can change and the prawns might become rubbery. However, you can freeze the tomato-based sauce separately in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the pasta gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the prawns tender and not overcooked. Stir frequently to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely, peel, and devein before cooking so they absorb all that lovely seasoning and cook evenly.

What if I don’t have fresh tomatoes?

You can substitute with canned diced tomatoes or even tomato passata. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious. Just reduce or omit the tomato paste accordingly.

How spicy is the Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe?

The heat level depends on how much chilli flakes you add. Start with half a tablespoon and adjust to your taste. For a milder flavor, reduce the flakes or leave them out entirely.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Linguine and spaghetti work best because they hold the sauce well, but feel free to try fettuccine, penne, or any pasta you love.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. Just prepare the sauce and prawns separately and cook the pasta fresh if possible. When ready to eat, combine and toss for a quick, flavorful meal.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta Recipe. It’s an effortless way to bring vibrant, fresh flavors to your dinner table with minimal fuss but maximum satisfaction. I hope you give it a try and fall in love with the perfect balance of spicy, garlicky, and tomato-rich goodness. Happy cooking!