How To Cook Prawn Pasta? In 7 Easy Steps!
Are you craving pasta? Here is a guide on how to cook prawn pasta in just seven easy steps!
Who needs a fancy restaurant if you can do it in your kitchen. In 25 minutes, you can enjoy a bowl of delicious goodness.
Make one for yourself at home, and do not forget to pair it with your finest wine available!
Ingredients Needed
Here’s the list of ingredients you will need in making this pasta dish:
- 250 g long strand pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, tagliatelle, etc.)
- 300 g prawns (you can also use shrimp)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Three cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup thickened or heavy cream
- ½ cup broth (chicken, vegetable, or fish)
- ¼ cup dry white wine (not too fruity or sweet)
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- Black pepper
Tips To Bear In Mind To Cook Prawn Pasta
Before anything else, below is a list of things you have to take note of in this recipe:
Tip #1. Use small prawns
Compared to large-sized prawns, small ones disperse on pasta dishes much better. If those are not available, you can use 400 g of medium or large ones.
When using giant prawns, cut them into pieces to evenly distribute them in the sauce. Other than that, you can also use shrimp.
Tip #2. Use frozen prawns
It is quite a struggle to clean and remove prawn shells. Using frozen ones make the preparation process much more convenient!
If you plan to follow this tip, thaw the prawns thoroughly and dry them with a paper towel before you start cooking. please read here how to cook pasta with a hob.
Do not throw the thawing liquid! You can use it as part of the sauce; incorporate it when you add the broth.
Tip #3. No to fruity and sweet wines
You can use any dry white wine you have available, but do not use those which are too fruity or sweet. It is not ideal for the prawn pasta dish!
If you don’t have any available, you can use vegetable or chicken broth as a substitute.
Tip #4. It is better to use thickened or heavy cream
The ideal cream to use for this dish is either thickened or heavy.
Using light cream will still turn out okay, but the sauce’s consistency will be much thinner.
If you plan to use full-fat cream, it will also work fine; however, the sauce will thicken much faster. Read more here how to thicken pasta sauce.
Tip #5. Use freshly grated parmesan cheese
If you’re wondering, is there a significant difference in using freshly grated parmesan cheese on your pasta dish? Well, a lot.
A store-bought one will not melt and incorporate smoothly with the sauce.
An additional tip, since you will measure by a cup, make sure to tap it as you grate.
Steps To Cook Prawn Pasta
Now, prepare to get cookin’! Here is the step by step instructions on how to make prawn pasta:
Step #1. Boil water in a large pot
Get a large pot, add enough water and bring it to a boil.
Check the packet for the pasta’s cooking time and subtract one minute.
The purpose of reducing the time is that for it not to overcook because you will finish cooking the pasta in the sauce later.
If you were to ask me, I recommend a 100% organic pasta. Make sure that if you opt for a certain brand, you have the best. Perhaps, this pasta from Torre&Olive is an excellent choice!
Step #2. Get pasta water
Before you drain the pasta, take your measuring cup and scoop up 1 cup of pasta water. Set it aside afterward.
Drain the remaining water in your pot before proceeding to the next step.
Step #3. Cook the prawns
In a large non-stick skillet, add one tbsp of butter and melt it over medium-high heat.
Be careful not to burn the butter!
Add the prawns and cook each side for 1 ½ minute to ensure it cooks thoroughly. Once done, remove the prawns and set them aside.
Step #4. Make the sauce
Add another tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. After it has melted, add your minced garlic cloves. please read here how to make pasta bake with mince.
For about 20 seconds, the garlic will omit a fragrant smell. Stir until then.
Take your ¼ cup of dry white wine and pour it on the skillet. Stir thoroughly.
Simmer this for two minutes until most of the wine you’ve added reduces.
Once done, add your broth of choice, cream, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir the sauce until the cheese has melted.
Simmer the sauce for 1 ½ minute until it starts to thicken slightly. Add the prawns and stir afterward.
Step #5. Cook pasta in the sauce
Take your pasta and add it with the sauce on the skillet. Next, put in about ¼ cup of pasta water.
While the skillet is still on the stove, toss the pasta. In 30 to 45 seconds, the sauce will start to cling and thicken more.
By doing this step, the pasta will absorb more of the sauce. Delicious goodness in every bite!
Step #6. Off the stove
Remove the skillet off the stove just about when the sauce becomes as thick as you desire it to be. It will thicken even more later!
Step #7. Season and final touches
Add parsley and sprinkle black pepper. Toss the dish again and add more according to your taste.
If you want the consistency to be more liquid and saucy, you can add pasta water to adjust it to your preference.
Serve the prawn pasta immediately. Since you are cooking at home, you can add more garnish such as parsley and parmesan as you wish.
Final Words
Who knew that you learned how to cook prawn pasta in seven easy steps!
Now that you have made the dish for yourself, you can prepare it for various occasions: movie night, date night, and even family dinners!
Take your time and indulge in the savory pasta goodness you just created.
Until the next one!