In the world of culinary delights, nothing quite sings the song of the sea like a plate of Prawn Pasta with Tomato Sauce. Bursting with flavors, this dish combines the succulence of prawns, the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, and the comfort of pasta into one scrumptious meal. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking to paminate a special evening, this recipe promises to be a showstopper. Let's dive into the art of crafting the perfect Prawn Pasta with Tomato Sauce.
Ingredients ๐ฝ๏ธ
For the pasta:
- 400g of spaghetti or linguine
- Salt for pasta water
For the sauce:
- 450g of prawns, peeled and deveined
- 4-5 large tomatoes, diced or 1 can (400g) of quality peeled tomatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red chili (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of white wine (optional)
- Fresh Parmesan for grating
- Lemon zest for garnish (optional)
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Prawn Pasta Ingredients" alt="Prawn Pasta Ingredients"> </div>
Preparation ๐ณ
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. When boiling, add your pasta and cook to al dente (check package for time). Remember to keep some of the pasta water for later.
Step 2: Preparing the Tomato Sauce
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In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they turn translucent.
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Toss in the garlic and chili, if using, and sautรฉ until aromatic, but careful not to burn the garlic.
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Add the prawns to the pan, cooking until they just start to turn pink (about 1-2 minutes per side). Remove the prawns and set aside.
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Pro Tip: To add more depth, deglaze the pan with white wine, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes.
<p class="pro-note">๐ท Note: If you're using wine, make sure you cook it off long enough to let the alcohol evaporate.</p>
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Stir in the tomatoes and let them cook down. If using fresh tomatoes, they'll need about 10-15 minutes until they break down and the sauce thickens.
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Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and some of the chopped basil.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Prawn Pasta Tomato Sauce Preparation" alt="Prawn Pasta Tomato Sauce Preparation"> </div>
Step 3: Combining Everything
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When the pasta is ready, drain it, reserving about a cup of the pasta water.
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Add the pasta directly to the sauce, along with a splash of pasta water. This helps to thicken the sauce and ensure the pasta is well-coated.
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Return the cooked prawns to the pan, mixing everything together over low heat. The heat from the pasta will reheat the prawns without overcooking them.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
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Plate the pasta, ensuring you have a good distribution of prawns and sauce.
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Garnish with remaining fresh basil, a zest of lemon if you like, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Finished Prawn Pasta Dish" alt="Finished Prawn Pasta Dish"> </div>
Tips for Perfection ๐
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Pasta Choice: Linguine or spaghetti work best as they hold the sauce well.
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Fresh Tomatoes vs. Canned: While fresh tomatoes are divine in summer, quality canned tomatoes can give a robust flavor year-round.
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Basil: Always use fresh basil; it brightens the dish significantly.
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Prawn Quality: Go for wild-caught or sustainably farmed prawns for the best flavor.
<p class="pro-note">๐ Note: If your tomatoes aren't ripe or if you're using canned, a pinch of sugar can balance the acidity.</p>
Pairing Suggestions ๐ท
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, enhancing the flavors of the prawns and tomatoes without overpowering them.
Variations ๐
- Creamy: Add a splash of cream at the end for a luxurious twist.
- Seafood Medley: Include other seafood like clams or mussels.
- Spicy: Increase the chili content or add chili flakes for extra heat.
In essence, the Prawn Pasta with Tomato Sauce is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine, where fresh, high-quality ingredients shine through with minimal fuss. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also brings people together around the table to savor the bounty of the sea and land.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; whether you're craving a hearty meal or seeking a light and fresh dish, the ingredients can be adjusted to suit the occasion. Remember, cooking is as much about love and enjoyment as it is about technique, so pour your heart into this dish, and the results will speak for themselves.
So the next time you're contemplating what to cook for dinner or a special event, consider this Prawn Pasta with Tomato Sauce. It's not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors, a tribute to the sea's bounty, and an ode to the joy of cooking.
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can use frozen prawns, but make sure to thaw them properly under cold water or in the refrigerator to avoid them becoming mushy.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I thicken my tomato sauce?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Reduce the sauce by cooking it longer, or add a bit of pasta water, which contains starch that helps to thicken.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is there a vegetarian alternative?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely! Skip the prawns or use mushrooms or tofu for a similar texture and umami flavor.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>