This Spicy Garlic Prawn Pasta is a quick and fiery dish loaded with buttery garlic flavor, plump prawns, and a touch of chili heat. It’s simple, satisfying, and ready in just 15–20 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant weekend meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love bold flavors and easy prep, this pasta is for you. It brings together the richness of butter, the sharpness of garlic, and the subtle heat of chili flakes in a way that complements the tender prawns perfectly. The addition of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon adds brightness, while a dusting of Parmesan gives the dish a savory finish. It’s fast, flavorful, and just fancy enough to feel like a treat.

Spicy Garlic Prawn Pasta

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

150 g spaghetti (about 5.3 oz)
200 g prawns (about 7 oz; king prawns, tiger prawns, or shrimp), peeled and deveined
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2–3 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1 cup reserved pasta water

To Serve:

3–4 tablespoons Parmesan or other hard cheese, finely grated

directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the prawns and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, melt the remaining butter. Add the chopped garlic and sauté briefly over low-medium heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Stir in the chili flakes and cook for a few seconds more.
Add the drained spaghetti and about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss to coat and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Return the prawns to the pan and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Drizzle with olive oil, add chopped parsley, and squeeze in the lemon juice. Toss once more.
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan and extra parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15–20 minutes

Variations

Creamy Option: Add a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese for a richer sauce.
Extra Veggies: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
No Heat: Omit the chili flakes for a garlic butter pasta that’s family-friendly.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
Different Proteins: Substitute prawns with scallops, chicken, or tofu for a different twist.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as prawns can become rubbery when overheated.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns?

Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti is traditional, but linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair also work well with this sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the garlic and prawns in advance for quicker assembly.

Is this dish very spicy?

The chili flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them at the very end to warm through without overcooking.

What’s the best way to avoid overcooking prawns?

Watch for the moment they curl into a “C” shape and turn pink—usually 1–2 minutes per side.

Is fresh lemon juice necessary?

Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free butter substitute and skip the Parmesan or replace it with a vegan alternative.

What should I serve with this?

A crisp green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this pasta.

Conclusion

Spicy Garlic Prawn Pasta is a simple yet luxurious meal packed with bold, fresh flavors. Whether you’re cooking for date night or whipping up a quick lunch, this dish delivers on taste and ease. Serve it hot, topped with a shower of Parmesan, and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal from your own kitchen.

Jessica