Spicy Tomato and Prawn Pasta Recipe

If you crave a dish that bursts with bold flavors, warmth, and a little kick, this Spicy Tomato and Prawn Pasta Recipe is going to be your new kitchen hero. Each bite delivers succulent prawns enveloped in a vibrant, tangy tomato sauce with just the right amount of heat, making it a complete meal that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply indulging yourself after a long day, this dish embodies simplicity and brilliance in equal measure.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Spicy Tomato and Prawn Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this meal unforgettable without overwhelming your pantry.

• 300 grams Pasta (spaghetti or linguine): Pick your favorite type to set the foundation for the dish’s hearty texture.
• 400 grams Prawns (deveined and peeled): Fresh or frozen work well, bringing a delicate sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spicy sauce.
• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil: Use a quality olive oil to enrich the sautéed onions and garlic, tying the sauce together.
• 3-4 cloves Garlic (minced): Adds an aromatic depth that’s essential for any good pasta sauce.
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped): It softens to a perfect sweetness that balances the spice.
• 400 grams Canned diced tomatoes or fresh ripe tomatoes (chopped): This is the tangy, rich heart of the sauce providing luscious color and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Red chili flakes: This ingredient kicks up the heat; adjust to your personal spice preference.
• 1 handful Fresh basil leaves (torn): Added at the end for a fragrant, herbal freshness.
• Salt: To taste, to help balance all the flavors perfectly.
• Freshly ground black pepper: To taste, bringing a subtle sharpness.
• 1/2 lemon Lemon juice: A bright note of acidity that enhances the prawns and tomato sauce.

How to Make Spicy Tomato and Prawn Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Saving about a cup of the pasta water before draining helps you finish the sauce with a silky texture that clings beautifully to the noodles in later steps.

Step 2: Sauté Onions to Sweetness

While your pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and gently sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re translucent and slightly sweet, creating a fantastic base for your sauce.

Step 3: Infuse with Garlic

Add minced garlic to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds — the moment garlic hits hot oil and releases its aroma is when your kitchen starts smelling like heaven. Be careful not to let it burn, as that would add bitterness.

Step 4: Simmer the Tomatoes

Pour in your diced tomatoes and let everything simmer together for 5 to 7 minutes. This simmering softens the tomatoes, allowing their natural sweetness to blend perfectly with the onion and garlic.

Step 5: Add the Heat with Chili Flakes

Sprinkle in the red chili flakes, stirring to spread that gentle heat throughout the sauce. You can adjust the amount here depending on whether you want a subtle warmth or a more fiery bite.

Step 6: Cook the Prawns to Perfection

Introduce the prawns to the sauce, cooking them just long enough—about 3 to 4 minutes—until they turn pink and opaque. This keeps them juicy and tender, a must for any great seafood pasta.

Step 7: Season and Brighten

Now it’s time to season your sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The lemon juice lifts the dish, cutting through the richness and brightening all the flavors.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your drained pasta right into the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring each strand is thoroughly coated in the flavorful tomato and prawn sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to create a smooth, glossy finish.

Step 9: Fold in Fresh Basil

Turn off the heat and stir in the torn fresh basil leaves. Their herbal, slightly sweet aroma adds a fresh final layer of flavor that makes all the difference in this Spicy Tomato and Prawn Pasta Recipe.

Step 10: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Dish your pasta onto warm plates and, if you like, garnish with extra basil leaves for a pop of green. Serve immediately to savor the full vibrant flavors at their peak.

How to Serve Spicy Tomato and Prawn Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil can elevate the dish beautifully. A few fresh basil leaves not only enhance the presentation but also add a burst of herbal freshness that complements the spices.

Side Dishes

Light, crisp salads such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple mixed greens salad provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy pasta. Garlic bread or crusty sourdough also makes a fantastic side, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, serve your Spicy Tomato and Prawn Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls and garnish each with a sprig of basil and a wedge of lemon on the side. Alternatively, plate the pasta with a colorful side like roasted cherry tomatoes or grilled vegetables to enhance the visual appeal and flavor variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Spicy Tomato and Prawn Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a wonderful second-day meal, though the pasta may absorb some sauce and thicken slightly.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, especially without the pasta. You can freeze the sauce and prawns separately in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and toss with freshly cooked pasta for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving at high temperatures to keep the prawns tender and maintain the sauce’s vibrant flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen prawns are a convenient option and work perfectly in this Spicy Tomato and Prawn Pasta Recipe. Just be sure to thaw them fully before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

How can I adjust the spice level?

If you prefer less heat, simply reduce the amount of red chili flakes or omit them altogether. For more spice, increase the flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while it’s simmering.

What pasta works best in this dish?

Spaghetti or linguine both pair wonderfully with the sauce, as their long strands hold onto the rich tomato blend nicely. However, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli if you like.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

By default, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the pasta. To make it gluten-free, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative. The sauce and prawns remain naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

To keep the spirit of this recipe but cater to vegetarian or vegan diets, substitute the prawns with grilled tofu or sautéed mushrooms. Use olive oil and vegan pasta without eggs for a delicious plant-based version.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Tomato and Prawn Pasta Recipe is a true celebration of simple ingredients coming together to make something spectacular. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a little heat, fresh seafood, and a vibrant sauce that’s bursting with flavor. I promise once you try it, this recipe will be a regular in your dinner rotation — and sharing it with friends will only make it more special.

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