Festive Flavours 2023_Flavourful and Spicy Garlic Prawn Pasta

Prawns/Shrimp – Peel and devein the prawns before cooking. If you are using frozen prawns, make sure they are thawed perfectly. I love to use medium king prawns for this dish. Unpeeled prawns can also be used for this recipe.

Pasta – I used spaghetti noodles here. It matches perfectly with the garlic and chilli flakes.

Garlic cloves – We love to add generous amounts of chopped garlic for the aromatic garlicky flavour. But you can adjust the amount of garlic to your liking.

Butter – For the cooking process, use unsalted butter instead of olive oil or any other cooking oil. Add good amount of butter for the buttery, rich flavour.

Lemon juice - Add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of lemon zest for a kick of zesty flavour.

Parsley – Freshly chopped parsley is an undeniable companion for a garlicky shrimp pasta. Add right before serving and also sprinkle some as a garnish.

Chilli flakes - Dry chilli flakes bring a kick and enhance the flavour of the pasta. If you are making a kid-friendly or mild version, you can omit chilli flakes.

Grated Cheese – I always love to add grated parmesan over my pasta for extra creamy rich, umami flavour.

Pasta Water – I add this in the ingredients list since it is very essential in cooking pasta. It is a starchy salted pasta cooking water that remains after the pasta is boiled and removed from the pot.

Step 1: Prepare the pasta noodles
Bring the water to boil, add 2 portions of pasta, and season the water with good amount of salt. Add spaghetti noodles into the boiling water and follow packet instructions for the cooking time. Once the noodles are at the right texture, drain the water. Reserve a cup or a bowl of pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Cook the prawns
While the pasta is boiling, prepare the prawns. Heat the large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and cook the prawns. Once the prawns turn pink or cooked through, remove from pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Toss everything together
In the remaining pan, add more butter and sauté the chopped garlic with low-medium heat for a few seconds. Follow with the dried chilli flakes. Place the cooked spaghetti noodles and pour half cup of reserved pasta water in. Season with salt and black pepper. Add the cooked prawns back in the pan, and add lemon juice. Toss everything evenly. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and chopped parsley.

Step 4: Dish up
Transfer to serving plate and garnish with grated parmesan cheese and parsley.