Creamy garlic butter prawn pasta

Treat yourself to a decadent creamy garlic butter prawn pasta that is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish stands out with its rich flavors and comforting textures. Featuring succulent prawns coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, it’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This creamy garlic butter prawn pasta takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Deliciously Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and cream creates a sauce that is irresistibly flavorful.
• Versatile Dish: Pair it with your favorite side salad or bread for a complete meal that fits any occasion.
• Impressive Presentation: Garnished with fresh parsley and lemon zest, this dish looks as good as it tastes.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.

Tools and Preparation

To make this creamy garlic butter prawn pasta, you will need some essential kitchen tools. These will help you prepare the dish efficiently and effectively.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Pot
• Colander
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing the prawns and making the creamy sauce all in one pan.
• Pot: Necessary for boiling the fettuccine to perfection.
• Colander: Makes draining the pasta easy without losing any noodles.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 8 ounces fettuccine pasta

For the Prawns

• 1 pound large prawns, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Prawn Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Prawns

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Season the prawns with salt and pepper.
3. Add prawns to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
4. Remove the prawns from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

1. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Return cooked prawns to skillet and mix well.

Step 5: Toss with Pasta

1. Add cooked fettuccine to skillet.
2. Toss everything together to coat pasta evenly with sauce and prawns.

Step 6: Serve

1. Transfer pasta to a serving dish.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy garlic butter prawn pasta!

How to Serve Creamy garlic butter prawn pasta

Serving creamy garlic butter prawn pasta is all about presentation and pairing for a delightful dining experience. Here are some creative ideas to elevate your dish.

Elegant Plating

• Use a large, shallow bowl for serving to showcase the creamy sauce and prawns beautifully.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color.

Pair with Garlic Bread

• Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side for dipping into the delicious sauce.
• This adds a tasty crunch and complements the richness of the pasta.

Add a Side Salad

• A light green salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the creamy sauce.
• Consider arugula or spinach with cherry tomatoes and a squeeze of lemon.

Wine Pairing

• Pair with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
• The acidity in these wines enhances the flavors of the dish.

Create a Themed Dinner

• Serve alongside other Italian dishes like bruschetta or caprese salad.
• This makes for a complete Italian feast that impresses guests.

How to Perfect Creamy garlic butter prawn pasta

Perfecting your creamy garlic butter prawn pasta takes just a few tips. Follow these to elevate your cooking skills.

• Use fresh prawns: Fresh prawns provide better flavor than frozen ones. Look for prawns that smell like the ocean.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente texture to ensure your pasta holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice based on your preference to achieve balanced flavors.
• Incorporate herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or dill can enhance the dish’s aroma and add freshness.
• Reserve pasta water: Keep some pasta cooking water handy. Adding it can help adjust sauce consistency if it thickens too much.
• Serve immediately: For best results, serve your creamy garlic butter prawn pasta right after mixing, ensuring every bite is creamy and delicious.

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Best Side Dishes for Creamy garlic butter prawn pasta

Pairing side dishes with creamy garlic butter prawn pasta can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: Classic crunchy bread slathered in garlic butter complements the dish perfectly.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing adds freshness and crunch.
3. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a vibrant color and earthy flavor to your meal.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender provides a nutritious contrast.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar offers a refreshing appetizer.
6. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a delightful bite-sized treat.
7. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can add crunch and is an excellent contrast to the creamy texture of the pasta.
8. Fried Zucchini Flowers: Lightly battered and fried zucchini flowers add an elegant touch to your dinner table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making creamy garlic butter prawn pasta, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Underseasoning the prawns: Not adding enough salt and pepper can dull the flavors of your dish. Always season generously before cooking.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking fettuccine too long can make it mushy. Follow the package instructions carefully and taste it a minute before the time is up.
• Adding cold cream: Pouring cold heavy cream into a hot pan can cause the sauce to separate. Let it come to room temperature before adding.
• Skipping the lemon: Omitting lemon juice and zest removes a vital flavor component. Always include these for brightness in your sauce.
• Not using fresh parsley: Using dried parsley instead of fresh can diminish the dish’s appeal. Fresh herbs elevate the flavors significantly.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing Creamy garlic butter prawn pasta

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy garlic butter prawn pasta

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until warm.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is creamy garlic butter prawn pasta?

Creamy garlic butter prawn pasta is a delightful dish featuring succulent prawns cooked in rich garlic butter sauce and tossed with fettuccine.

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, frozen prawns can be used; just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for best results.

How can I customize creamy garlic butter prawn pasta?

You can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes, or substitute other types of seafood based on your preference.

What wine pairs well with creamy garlic butter prawn pasta?

A chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements this dish beautifully.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit cheese for a dairy-free version.

Final Thoughts

Creamy garlic butter prawn pasta is not only incredibly rich and satisfying but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can easily customize it with different proteins or vegetables to suit your tastes. Give this decedent recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that’s sure to impress!