If you're a seafood lover with a penchant for pasta, you're in for a treat. Prawns and tomatoes make a match made in heaven when it comes to flavor, texture, and color, elevating any dish they're part of. Today, we're diving deep into the world of Italian cuisine to explore 5 Delicious Prawn and Tomato Pasta Dishes that you absolutely must try. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with some of the most delightful combinations known to pasta lovers everywhere.
Classic Prawn Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 🌶️🍅
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Nothing beats the simplicity of Italian cuisine where few ingredients come together to create magic. This dish showcases the sweetness of cherry tomatoes paired with succulent prawns.
Ingredients:
- 400g spaghetti or linguine
- 300g prawns (peeled and deveined)
- 250g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Preparation:
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
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Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, sautéing until golden. Toss in the cherry tomatoes, cook until they start to blister and release their juices.
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Add Prawns: Introduce the prawns to the pan, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the prawns turn pink, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
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Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta to the pan with the prawns and tomatoes. Mix well, using a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
<p class="pro-note">🍝 Note: The key to this dish's success is the freshness of the ingredients; do not skimp on the quality of your olive oil or tomatoes!</p>
Spicy Prawn Linguine in Tomato Sauce 🌶️🍝
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For those who crave a bit of heat with their meal, this spicy prawn linguine is perfect. The fiery sauce, enriched by tomatoes and chili, complements the prawns, creating a dish that's both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients:
- 400g linguine
- 300g prawns
- 1 can (400g) of diced tomatoes
- 2-3 red chili peppers, chopped (adjust based on your heat preference)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation:
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Pasta Preparation: Cook the linguine to al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
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Sauce Making: In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and chili peppers. Add tomato paste, stir, then pour in the canned tomatoes. Season, let simmer.
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Prawns: Add the prawns to the sauce, cooking until they're just done.
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Assemble: Toss pasta into the sauce, add pasta water if needed. Garnish with parsley.
<p class="pro-note">🔥 Note: The spiciness can be adjusted by the number of chili peppers or by removing the seeds.</p>
Creamy Tomato Prawn Pasta 🍲🧀
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This luxurious dish melds the richness of cream with the tangy sweetness of tomatoes, making it an indulgent treat for seafood pasta lovers.
Ingredients:
- 400g of pasta (fettuccine or tagliatelle work well)
- 300g prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, pepper, and fresh basil
Preparation:
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Cook Pasta: Follow package instructions for al dente pasta.
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Sauce: Heat oil, cook garlic until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, cook until thickened. Stir in cream and cheese.
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Prawns: Cook prawns in the sauce until pink.
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Combine: Mix pasta with the sauce, serve with additional cheese and basil.
Mediterranean Prawn and Tomato Pasta Bake 🍝🍅
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This baked pasta dish is a wonderful twist on the traditional, incorporating Mediterranean flavors with prawns and tomatoes.
Ingredients:
- 400g pasta (rigatoni or penne)
- 300g prawns
- 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, pepper, and oregano
Preparation:
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Pre-Cook Pasta: Cook pasta to almost al dente.
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Tomato Sauce: Create sauce from canned tomatoes, add vegetables and seasonings.
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Layer: Combine pasta, sauce, and prawns in a baking dish. Top with feta cheese.
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Bake: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes or until cheese is golden.
<p class="pro-note">🍲 Note: This dish benefits from resting for 10 minutes after baking to set the sauce.</p>
Sun-Dried Tomato and Prawn Pesto Pasta 🍅🍃
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The intense flavors of sun-dried tomatoes mixed with the herbaceous notes of pesto bring a unique twist to this prawn pasta dish.
Ingredients:
- 400g spaghetti or fettuccine
- 300g prawns
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
- 1/3 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and fresh Parmesan
Preparation:
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Pasta: Cook pasta to al dente.
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Sauce: Mix pesto and sun-dried tomatoes with olive oil in a pan. Add prawns, cook until done.
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Mix: Toss pasta in the sauce.
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Serve: Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and freshly ground pepper.
From the simplicity of a cherry tomato and prawn pasta to the richness of a creamy tomato sauce, these dishes illustrate the versatility of prawns and tomatoes in pasta cuisine. Whether you crave a spicy kick, a creamy indulgence, or a hearty baked dish, there's something here for every palate.
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned in these recipes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used, especially when they're in season. The flavor might differ slightly, but it can be delicious. Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What can I substitute for prawns if I'm allergic to shellfish?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Consider using chicken, tofu, or even a vegetarian option like zucchini noodles if you're looking for a seafood alternative.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How long can I store these pasta dishes in the refrigerator?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Most pasta dishes with prawns and tomatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the prawns.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are there gluten-free options for these recipes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Ensure to check the sauce ingredients for hidden gluten.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>