This creamy garlic prawn linguine is a stunning example of how simple ingredients can create a dish worthy of any restaurant menu. The tender prawns are bathed in a luscious cream sauce infused with garlic and a hint of chili, clinging perfectly to every strand of linguine. Garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon, it offers a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich sauce.
Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive yet effortless meal for guests, this prawn linguine strikes the ideal balance between elegance and comfort. It’s quick to prepare but delivers layers of flavor that will keep everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a seafood lover or looking for a special pasta dish to add to your repertoire, this recipe is a must-try.
Full Recipe:
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300g linguine pasta
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300g raw prawns, peeled and deveined
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
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1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
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120ml dry white wine
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120ml cream
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Grated Parmesan cheese, to serve
Directions:
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Cook the linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water.
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Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and chili flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
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Add the prawns to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and just cooked through. Remove prawns from the pan and set aside.
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Pour the white wine into the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
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Lower heat and stir in the cream and lemon juice. Let simmer gently until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.
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Return the prawns to the pan, then add the drained linguine. Toss well to coat the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
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Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 550 kcal per serving | Servings: 2-3 servings
Introduction to Creamy Garlic Prawn Linguine
Creamy garlic prawn linguine is a dish that perfectly balances elegance and simplicity. It combines fresh, succulent prawns with a rich and flavorful creamy sauce infused with garlic and a subtle hint of chili for a gentle kick. Linguine, a type of pasta that is slightly thicker than spaghetti, is the ideal base for this dish, as its flat shape holds the luscious sauce beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flair straight to your kitchen without requiring hours of preparation.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
What makes this prawn linguine truly special is its ability to deliver complex flavors through a surprisingly simple cooking process. The sauce’s creamy texture contrasts perfectly with the tender, juicy prawns, while the garlic provides an aromatic backbone that elevates the entire dish. The addition of white wine introduces a subtle acidity that cuts through the richness, balancing the flavors and adding depth. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and complements the seafood beautifully.
Unlike some seafood pasta recipes that can feel heavy or overwhelming, this one hits the perfect harmony between indulgence and freshness. It’s rich but not cloying, flavorful but not overpowering. This makes it accessible for a wide range of palates and occasions.
The Ingredients That Make the Difference
While the list of ingredients is relatively short, each component plays a vital role in creating the final flavor profile. Fresh prawns are, of course, the star of the dish. Their sweet, briny flavor combined with their tender texture forms the base. Using peeled and deveined prawns ensures a clean, easy-to-eat experience, allowing the sauce to cling evenly around each bite.
Garlic is the key aromatics here and must be used fresh. Its sharpness mellows during cooking, releasing a sweet and savory fragrance that enhances the creaminess. The chili flakes add just enough heat to keep the dish lively without overwhelming those who prefer milder flavors.
Olive oil and white wine bring another layer of sophistication. The olive oil gently sautés the garlic and prawns, creating a subtle richness, while the wine adds a complexity and brightness that lifts the dish beyond basic cream sauces.
Finally, the cream and lemon juice work in tandem to create a smooth, velvety sauce with a fresh finish. The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and herbaceous note, while a dusting of Parmesan cheese rounds everything out with a salty, nutty flavor.
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Results
The success of this dish hinges on timing and technique. Overcooked prawns can become rubbery, and over-reduced sauces risk becoming too thick or losing balance. The key is to cook the prawns just until they turn pink and opaque, then quickly remove them to avoid drying out.
The garlic must be gently sautéed to avoid bitterness; a light golden color is ideal. When deglazing the pan with white wine, it’s important to simmer the liquid enough to reduce the alcohol taste while concentrating the flavor.
When combining the cream and lemon juice, adding them slowly and gently allows the sauce to thicken naturally without curdling. Tossing the pasta in the sauce while it’s still warm helps the linguine soak up the flavors fully.
Adding a small amount of reserved pasta water is a classic trick to loosen the sauce, helping it cling perfectly to each strand while maintaining a silky texture.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is versatile and can be tailored to suit personal preferences and dietary needs. For example, you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili flakes, or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. To make it even more vibrant, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
If you want to add more depth of flavor, a splash of fish sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika can introduce an umami element that pairs wonderfully with the prawns.
For those who prefer other seafood, scallops or lobster can be used in place of prawns, adapting the same creamy garlic sauce to a luxurious new protein.
Pairing Suggestions
Creamy garlic prawn linguine is rich and flavorful, so it pairs well with lighter sides and drinks that complement without overpowering. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the creaminess and adds freshness.
Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up the luscious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans, add color and texture balance to the meal.
For beverages, a chilled dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the seafood and creaminess beautifully. Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon is a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
Health Considerations
While this dish is indulgent due to the cream and cheese, it also offers nutritional benefits from the prawns, which are an excellent source of protein, low in fat, and rich in important nutrients such as vitamin B12, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids.
To make the dish a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor, you can reduce the amount of cream or substitute it with lighter dairy options. Using whole grain or legume-based pasta can add fiber and make it more filling and nutritious.
Balancing the meal with plenty of fresh vegetables is also recommended to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner.
Tips for Hosting and Presentation
If you’re serving this dish to guests, timing is key since it’s best enjoyed hot and fresh. Prepare your mise en place — chopping garlic, peeling prawns, measuring liquids — before starting so you can move smoothly from step to step.
Serve the linguine on warm plates, sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan just before bringing it to the table for a professional touch. Garnish with lemon wedges on the side for those who want an extra citrus kick.
Pair the meal with soft background music and dimmed lighting to create an inviting atmosphere that matches the elegance of the dish.
Why This Dish is Perfect for Home Cooking
Many people shy away from seafood recipes fearing complexity, but this creamy garlic prawn linguine breaks that stereotype. It’s straightforward, quick to prepare, and requires minimal ingredients, yet the result is undeniably impressive and restaurant-worthy.
It’s also highly adaptable, catering to different tastes and dietary needs, making it an excellent go-to recipe for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it provides comfort, flavor, and style all in one plate.
Conclusion
Creamy garlic prawn linguine is a timeless dish that embodies the best of both worlds: the luxurious creaminess and bold flavors of a restaurant meal, combined with the ease and comfort of home cooking. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want to impress without stress, delivering a beautiful balance of textures and tastes that satisfy every craving.
With simple techniques, fresh ingredients, and thoughtful additions like wine and lemon, this dish elevates humble pasta into an extraordinary seafood experience. Whether you’re new to cooking seafood or a seasoned kitchen enthusiast, this recipe offers a reliable, delicious option that’s sure to become a favorite.
Incorporate this dish into your weekly meal rotation or save it for special occasions — either way, creamy garlic prawn linguine promises a feast for the senses that will leave everyone asking for seconds.