Prawn Pasta in Tomato Sauce is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of prawns with the rich, tangy flavors of a well-seasoned tomato sauce. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also offers a burst of flavors that can transport you to the sunny coasts of Italy. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a casual family Dinner prawn pasta is sure to impress.
Prawn Pasta in Tomato Sauce: Easy and Delicious Recipes
Prawn Pasta in Tomato Sauce is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of prawns with the rich, tangy flavors of a tomato-based sauce. This versatile and satisfying meal is perfect for both casual weeknight Dinner and special occasions. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ingredients, health benefits, preparation tips, and serving suggestions for this mouthwatering dish.
What is in Prawn Pasta in Tomato Sauce?
The key ingredients for pryawn pasta in tomato sauce include:
- Prawns: Peeled and deveined for a sweet, succulent bite.
- Olive Oil: Used for frying, it adds a healthy fat source and flavor depth.
- Onions and Garlic: Chopped onions and minced garlic create a savory base that enhances the taste of the dish.
- Chili Pepper: Adds a kick of heat; feel free to adjust based on your spice preference.
- Bell Peppers: Any color will work, adding sweetness and texture to the sauce.
- Brown Sugar: Balances acidity in the tomato sauce.
- Sriracha: For those who love an extra spicy kick—add to taste!
- Whiskey: A splash enhances the flavor profile beautifully.
- Passata Tomato Sauce: The base of the dish; it brings a rich tomato flavor.
- Fish Stock Cube: Adds umami, enhancing the overall taste.
- Mascarpone: Brings creaminess and richness to the sauce.
- Fresh Tarragon: Chopped for flavoring the sauce and as a garnish.
- Fettuccine Pasta: Pre-cooked for a quick meal.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to your taste.
Key Takeaways
- Prawn pasta in tomato sauce is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit different tastes.
- The dish combines the sweetness of prawns with the rich flavors of a tomato-based sauce.
- Proper cooking techniques and ingredient selection are crucial for achieving the best results.
- This meal offers a balance of nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- With the right preparation, prawn pasta can be made ahead and stored for later consumption.
Health Benefits
Prawn pasta in tomato sauce is not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutritional benefits:
- High in Protein
- Prawns are an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair. Including a good source of protein in your diet can help you feel fuller for longer and support overall body functions, such as hormone production and immune response.
- Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Prawns are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart-healthy benefits. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation in the body, lower blood pressure, and may even decrease the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Prawn pasta in tomato sauce can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining. Here are some tips for make-ahead preparation and storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover seafood pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Ensure your refrigerator is set to 40°F or lower to prevent bacterial growth.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag. To maintain quality, separate the seafood and sauce from the pasta before freezing.
- Thawing: Thaw frozen seafood pasta in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the pasta over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. This is especially important for seafood pasta to ensure the prawns don’t become rubbery.
- Pre-cooking Pasta: When preparing as a make-ahead meal, cook the pasta slightly under the recommended time to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheated.
What to Serve with Prawn Pasta in Tomato Sauce
Complement your prawn pasta with these delicious side dishes:
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice that enhances the savory notes of the prawn pasta.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing provide a fresh contrast to the rich pasta.
- Grilled Vegetables: Asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini add a smoky flavor that complements the tomato sauce.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing side that balances the pasta’s rich flavors.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their nutty and slightly sweet flavor adds a satisfying balance to the meal.
Recommended Tools to Make This Recipe
Having the right tools can make preparing prawn pasta in tomato sauce a breeze. Here are some recommended kitchen tools:
- Good Pasta Pan: A high-quality pan with generous sloped sides is crucial for finishing pasta in its sauce.
- Spider or Tongs: These tools are useful for transferring pasta from boiling water to the sauce.
- Fish Spatula: Ideal for handling delicate seafood like prawns without breaking them.
- Box Grater: For grating cheese to top your pasta, producing a fine, dense powder that helps create a silky sauce.
- Beautiful Bowls: Wide, flat-bottomed bowls with gently sloping sides keep the pasta warm and allow room for sauce.
Variations
- Seafood Medley: Combine prawns with other seafood such as mussels, scallops, or calamari for a delightful seafood pasta dish. The extra flavors will create a wonderful complexity in the sauce.
- Pasta Types: While fettuccine is delicious, consider using other pasta shapes like linguine, spaghetti, or even farfalle. Each offers a unique texture that pairs differently with sauces.
- Creamy Tomato Sauce: If you love creaminess, increase the amount of mascarpone or stir in some heavy cream at the end of cooking to create a rich Alfredo-style tomato sauce.
- Vegetarian Variant: Replace prawns with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein like tempeh or tofu. Add more vegetables, such as spinach, kale, or roasted bell peppers to maintain a balanced dish.
- Herb Variations: While fresh tarragon brings unique flavor, try other fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro. Each herb will impart a different aroma and taste profile.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by incorporating different chili types, using red pepper flakes, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for more zing.
Serving Suggestions
- Salads: Pair your prawn pasta with a fresh arugula or mixed greens salad topped with a lemon vinaigrette. The acidity from the vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crispy garlic bread or bruschetta to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Wine Pairing: Accompany your meal with a glass of chilled white wine such as Vermentino, Pinot Grigio, or even a Sauvignon Blanc; these wines complement the flavors of seafood beautifully.
- Garnishes: Consider topping the dish with grated Parmesan, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or a sprinkle of capers for an additional layer of flavor.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve the sauce over spiralized zucchini noodles or other vegetable “noodles” for a fresh and healthy twist.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftover prawn pasta in an airtight container, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freezing: If you want to save it longer, consider portioning the pasta and sauce in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to two months. Keep in mind that the texture of prawns may alter slightly when frozen.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can place the mixture in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water, broth, or a little olive oil to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to ensure even heating without overcooking the prawns.
Helpful Tips
- Prawn Quality: Use fresh, high-quality prawns for the best flavor. If using frozen prawns, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
- Flavor Development: Allow the sauce to simmer for an extra few minutes to deepen the flavor before adding the prawns at the end, ensuring they remain tender and juicy.
- Cooking Pasta: Cook your fettuccine or any pasta al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce, absorbing its flavors without becoming mushy.
- Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it reduce by cooking it uncovered for a few extra minutes. Conversely, you can thin it with a little reserved pasta water if it becomes too thick.
- Balance Flavors: Always taste your sauce as you cook. A pinch of salt or more brown sugar can be added to balance acidity or enhance flavors according to your taste preference.
Prawn Pasta in Tomato Sauce is a versatile and satisfying meal that brings together fresh ingredients and simple preparation techniques. With its vibrant flavors and appealing presentation, it’s a perfect dish for both casual Dinner and festive gatherings. Enjoy it with a glass of white wine and some crusty bread for a complete dining experience that celebrates the essence of italian cuisine.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
- Bison Pasta Recipe
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Prawn Pasta in Tomato Sauce
Prawn Pasta in Tomato Sauce is an easy dish that's packed with flavors making it a fantastic option for a family dinner or a romantic date night don't forget to give it a try and who knows it might just become a staple in your household.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
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Add the prawns and fry them for 1 minute on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
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After taking the prawns out of the pan, place them aside.
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If necessary, add a little extra olive oil to the same pan.
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Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and chopped chili pepper. The onions should be transparent after about two minutes of sautéing.
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Add the sliced bell peppers to the pan. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the peppers soften.
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Stir in the brown sugar and Sriracha, frying for about 1 minute to combine the flavors.
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Carefully pour in the whiskey and allow it to evaporate for a minute or so, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned bits.
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Add the passata and the fish stock cube to the pan. Stir until the stock cube dissolves completely. Cover the pan and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes.
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After 10 minutes, remove the lid and stir in the mascarpone and chopped fresh tarragon until well combined.
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Return the cooked prawns to the pan and heat them in the sauce for about 2 minutes.
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Add the pre-cooked fettuccine pasta, tossing everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce.
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Spoon the prawn pasta into deep bowls. Garnish with additional fresh tarragon and serve immediately.
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Enjoy your delicious prawn pasta in tomato sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 ServingCalories:722kcalTotal Fat:38gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0.05gCholesterol:192mgSodium:1145mgPotassium:802mgTotal Carbohydrate:80gDietary Fiber: 4gSugars: 3gProtein:33gVitamin A: 2045IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 133mgIron: 2mg
Note
Note 1: Ensure the prawns are fresh or properly thawed if using frozen. You can also use shrimp if they are more readily available.
Note 2: Adjust the amount of chili pepper and Sriracha based on your spice tolerance. You can omit the chili entirely for a milder dish.
Note 3: Feel free to substitute fettuccine with other types of pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or maybe even gluten-free pasta.
Note 4: If you don’t have mascarpone, cream cheese or heavy cream can work as a substitute for a creamy texture.
