Creamy garlic prawns with spaghetti: ready in 15 minutes

A weekday, little time, but still in the mood for something decadent? These creamy garlic prawns with spaghetti are on the table in just fifteen minutes and still feel like dinner at a good Italian restaurant. With just a handful of ingredients, which you may already have at home, you can put a creamy, flavourful pasta on the table in no time. And yes, a glass of chilled  white wine makes it absolutely perfect.

Why garlic prawns with spaghetti are always a good idea

Garlic prawns and spaghetti are a culinary match made in heaven. The juicy, tender prawns absorb all the flavours of the garlic and cream, while the spaghetti holds on to the creamy sauce beautifully. Besides, it is a dish that never gets boring: quick, simple and luxurious all at once.

The charm of quick cooking

In just 15 minutes, you can serve a plate of spaghetti with creamy garlic prawns. Ideal for busy evenings or when you simply do not feel like spending hours in the kitchen. Thanks to its rich flavour, it looks as though you have gone all out, but you know better: you have simply cooked smart.

Frozen prawns? Perfectly fine!

There is no need to make a fuss about fresh seafood; good frozen prawns work perfectly. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge, pat them dry and fry them until they are beautifully pink and cooked through. No one will taste the difference, promise.

How to make creamy garlic prawns with spaghetti

• Cook the spaghetti in plenty of salted water until al dente.

• Season the prawns with salt and pepper and fry them in a large, deep frying pan or sauté pan over medium heat in a little oil until pink and curled. Remove them from the pan.

• Briefly fry the garlic in the same pan (1–2 minutes, until fragrant but not brown), add the cream and season generously with pepper and salt.
• Turn the heat to low and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce is thick enough to cling slightly to the back of a spoon without sliding off all at once.

• Turn off the heat, add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

• Return the prawns to the pan, add the spaghetti, toss well and serve with parsley.

Extra tips for perfect garlic prawns

• Timing is everything: Never fry prawns for too long, or they will become tough.

• Do not brown it too much: Garlic burns quickly; fry it over medium heat.

• Mix in the spaghetti immediately: This allows the sauce to soak into the pasta and gives you that wonderfully creamy bite.

Perfect wine with garlic prawns and spaghetti

A slightly fuller-bodied Chardonnay that is fresh and tropical, or crowd-pleaser Pinot Grigio, is a top choice. The acidity cuts through the creaminess of the sauce, while the fruity notes complement the prawns beautifully.

Variations on garlic prawns with spaghetti

Do you love pasta with prawns, but want to try something different? Swap the spaghetti for linguine or tagliatelle; those broad ribbons hold on to the creamy garlic sauce even better. For extra luxury, add some seafood, such as mussels or scallops, and you will have seafood spaghetti on the table in no time. Also delicious: a splash of white wine in the sauce for extra depth, or some chilli flakes for a spicy kick. This way, this garlic cream sauce pasta with prawns is just a little different every time.

Also delicious: garlic prawns from the Airfryer. No pasta, just as easy to make and delicious with crusty bread.

Also read:

• Common mistakes when preparing prawns
• Pad Thai with prawns & tofu
• Vietnamese spring rolls with Dutch prawns