This dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. With just a few fresh ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. The juicy prawns soak up the creamy, garlicky sauce, while the addition of Parmesan cheese and optional white wine takes the flavor to the next level. Whether you’re cooking for guests or treating yourself, this pasta dish is sure to impress.
Creamy Prawn Pasta Recipe
Recipe by Chef Sadat KhizarCourse: MainCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes15
minutes550
kcalCreamy Prawn Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
200g (7 oz) pasta
200g (7 oz) raw prawns, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
100ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream
50ml (3 tbsp) white wine
30g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon chili flakes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedge
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the prawns and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove prawns from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until soft, then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Season with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes.
- Add the cooked pasta and prawns to the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Recipe Video
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your creamy prawn pasta, serve it with:
- Garlic bread or a warm baguette for dipping into the extra sauce.
- A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- A glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Optional toppings: extra Parmesan, a squeeze of fresh lemon, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a kick.
Saving Suggestions
If you have leftovers or want to meal prep:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Avoid freezing: Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen and reheated, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days.
- Cook pasta fresh: If prepping ahead, store the sauce and pasta separately to maintain the best texture.
1. Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the sauce.
2. What pasta works best with this recipe?
Fettuccine, linguine, spaghetti, or even penne all work well. Choose one that holds the creamy sauce nicely.


