Grilled Prawns with Pasta Penne

There is something instantly comforting about a bowl of pasta that still feels a little special. This dish brings together juicy grilled prawns, tender penne, and a creamy sauce that smells like garlic the moment it hits the pan. Trust me, you’re going to love this, because it feels like a restaurant plate but comes together in your own kitchen without stress.

Why This Dish Always Feels Like a Treat

From the first bite, this pasta delivers that perfect balance of richness and freshness. The prawns add a gentle sweetness, the sauce coats every piece of penne, and the tomatoes cut through with just enough brightness to keep things lively. It is the kind of meal you crave after a long day, but it also works beautifully when you want to impress without overthinking it.

A Little Background Behind the Flavors

Pasta and seafood have long shared a table in coastal cuisines, especially in Mediterranean cooking where simple ingredients shine. While this version leans creamy, it still respects that idea of letting good seafood and pasta do the heavy lifting. Over time, home cooks embraced cream and parmesan to make these dishes even more comforting and weeknight friendly.

Why You Can Always Count on This Recipe

This is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.

Versatile: It works for casual dinners, date nights, or even relaxed gatherings with friends.

Budget-Friendly: A small amount of prawns goes a long way when paired with pasta and sauce.

Quick and Easy: Everything comes together in under an hour without complicated steps.

Customizable: You can adjust seasoning, creaminess, or add vegetables easily.

Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy pasta with seafood rarely leaves leftovers.

Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce can be prepped ahead to save time.

Great for Leftovers: It reheats well with a splash of cream or water.

Pro Tips From My Kitchen to Yours

Before you start, a few small details can make a big difference. Pat the prawns dry before grilling so they get a nice sear. Salt your pasta water generously, because that is where the flavor starts. And always finish the pasta in the sauce so everything comes together beautifully.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

A smooth cooking experience starts with the right tools.

Grill Pan or Skillet: Helps get those lightly charred prawns without overcooking.

Large Pot: Essential for boiling the penne evenly.

Wide Sauce Pan: Gives enough space for the sauce and pasta to mix properly.

Tongs or Pasta Spoon: Makes tossing everything together easier and cleaner.

Ingredients You Will Need For This Dish

Everything here plays its part, and together they create something special.

1. Penne Pasta: 400 g, the sturdy shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
2. Raw Prawns: 400 g, peeled and deveined, they bring sweetness and a tender bite.
3. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, used for grilling and building flavor.
4. Garlic Cloves: 3 cloves, minced, they form the aromatic base of the sauce.
5. Cherry Tomatoes: 200 g, halved, they add freshness and color.
6. Cooking Cream: 250 ml, creates a smooth and rich sauce.
7. Parmesan Cheese: 60 g, finely grated, adds depth and saltiness.
8. Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for a fresh finish.
9. Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste, enhances all the flavors.
10. Black Pepper: 0.5 teaspoon, freshly ground, adds gentle warmth.

Easy Ingredient Swaps You Can Try

Cooking should always feel flexible.

Penne Pasta: Fusilli or rigatoni work just as well.
Cooking Cream: Light cream can be used for a less rich sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Grana Padano is a good alternative.
Parsley: Fresh basil adds a different but lovely aroma.

The Ingredients That Really Shine

Raw Prawns: When grilled properly, they stay juicy and slightly smoky.
Parmesan Cheese: It melts into the sauce and ties everything together with savory depth.

Let’s Cook This Together Step by Step

Now let’s dive into the heart of the recipe and bring it all together.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Combine Ingredients: Season the prawns with salt and black pepper.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Cook the penne in boiling water until al dente, then reserve 120 ml of pasta water and drain.
4. Assemble the Dish: Grill the prawns in olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes per side, then set aside.
5. Cook to Perfection: In the same pan, add garlic and cherry tomatoes, cook briefly, then stir in cream and parmesan.
6. Finishing Touches: Add the cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water, then fold the prawns back in.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Finish with parsley and extra parmesan, then serve hot.

How Texture and Flavor Come Together

The penne stays tender but firm, the prawns are juicy, and the sauce clings without feeling heavy. Each bite gives you creaminess, sweetness from seafood, and a fresh pop from tomatoes and herbs.

Helpful Cooking Tips to Keep in Mind

• Cook the prawns just until pink to avoid toughness.
• Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
• Grate parmesan finely so it melts smoothly.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Overcooking prawns, remove them as soon as they curl and turn opaque.
• Skipping pasta water, which helps the sauce bind.
• Using low heat for the sauce, keep it gently simmering.

Nutrition Facts at a Glance

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 520

Note: These are approximate values.

Time You Will Need

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prep the prawns and chop ingredients a day ahead. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days and reheat gently with a splash of cream or water.

How to Serve It Best

Serve this pasta with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. A little extra parmesan on top never hurts.

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

Turn leftovers into a baked pasta by adding a little cream and cheese, then baking until bubbly.

Extra Tips for Success

Taste as you go and adjust seasoning near the end. Freshly ground pepper makes a noticeable difference.

Make It Look Extra Special

Use a wide shallow bowl, twirl the pasta neatly, and top with a few prawns and herbs for a restaurant style finish.

Variations You Might Enjoy

Add spinach for extra greens.
Use chili flakes for gentle heat.
Swap tomatoes for roasted red peppers.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen prawns?

Yes, just thaw and dry them well before cooking.

2. Can I make it lighter?

Use light cream and a bit less parmesan.

3. Does it reheat well?

Yes, gently on the stove with added liquid.

4. Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely, zucchini or spinach work well.

5. What pasta works best?

Short shapes like penne or rigatoni.

6. Can I skip the grill step?

You can pan sear the prawns instead.

7. How do I keep the sauce smooth?

Avoid high heat once cream is added.

8. Is it kid friendly?

Yes, just keep seasoning mild.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pan.

10. Is parmesan essential?

It adds depth, but you can reduce it.

Conclusion

This is one of those dishes that feels comforting, satisfying, and just a little indulgent. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite, and once you try it, you’ll come back to it again and again.

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