Imagine a dish that combines the delicate sweetness of succulent prawns, the vibrant green of fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta - all in just 25 minutes! This Spinach and Prawn Pasta isn't just another recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet weeknight dinner, this Italian-inspired creation promises to be your new go-to recipe that's both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, pat prawns dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add prawns to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove prawns and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted, stirring occasionally.
- Return prawns to the skillet, add drained pasta, and toss everything together. If mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Tips
- Pat your prawns completely dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Don't overcook the prawns - they should turn pink and curl slightly, which typically takes just 2-3 minutes per side.
- Reserve pasta water before draining - this starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a silky, clingy sauce.
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture; it wilts quickly and retains more nutrients.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
- Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like linguine, fettuccine, or penne.
- Always season each component of the dish - salt the pasta water, season the prawns, and taste-adjust at the end.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 180mg
