Introduction
This delicious pasta recipe combines the freshness of prawns, the umami of anchovies, and a flavorful tomato sauce, making it a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, you can have it on the table in no time.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 180 g / 6 oz fettuccine or other pasta of choice
– 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
– 150 – 180 g / 5 – 6 oz medium prawns/shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 anchovies, whole (or 1/2 tsp anchovy paste)
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 1 tsp+ chilli flakes / red pepper flakes
– 1 cup / 250 ml tomato passata
– 2 tsp finely grated parmesan
– 1/2 lemon
– 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more to serve
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves 2-3
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Get all the ingredients out and ready to go – this recipe moves fast!
Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a big pinch of salt and the pasta. Cook for the time indicated on the packet MINUS 1 minute. SCOOP OUT a mugful of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta, or transfer it directly from the pot into the sauce if you time it right.
Heat Oil and Cook Prawns
Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the prawns and cook for 30 seconds, until the surface just changes from translucent to opaque.
Add Flavorings
Add red pepper flakes and anchovies to the skillet. Stir briefly, then add white wine and minced garlic.
Evaporate Wine
Cook for 30 seconds until the wine is mostly evaporated.
Add Tomato Passata
Introduce the tomato passata, a squeeze of lemon juice, parmesan, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook the sauce for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent overcooking the prawns.
Toss in Pasta
Add the drained pasta and about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water into the sauce. Add the finely chopped parsley. Toss gently for 1 minute, or stir with a wooden spoon or tongs until the sauce re-thickens and coats the pasta.
Adjust Seasoning
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spiciness to your preference.
Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley.
Notes
Ingredient Substitution
If you don’t have anchovies, you can use half a teaspoon of anchovy paste instead.
Wine Replacement
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
Pasta Cooking Water
The pasta cooking water helps to achieve the desired sauce consistency, so do not skip this step.
Fresh Herbs
For enhanced freshness, consider adding additional fresh herbs like basil or oregano as a garnish.
Cook techniques
Preparing Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions, minus one minute. Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining.
Searing Prawns
Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add peeled and deveined prawns, cooking them for 30 seconds until their surface changes from translucent to opaque.
Building Flavor
Add red pepper flakes and anchovies to the skillet, stirring briefly. Then, pour in white wine and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until the wine is mostly evaporated.
Creating the Sauce
Add tomato passata, a squeeze of lemon juice, and finely grated parmesan to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, bring to a simmer, and cook for one minute, stirring frequently to prevent overcooking the prawns.
Combining Ingredients
Add cooked pasta, a half cup of reserved pasta water, and chopped parsley to the skillet. Toss gently to combine until the sauce re-thickens and coats the pasta evenly.
Tasting and Adjusting
Taste the dish and adjust salt, pepper, and spiciness to your liking before serving.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta of your choice, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I know when prawns are cooked?
Prawns are cooked when their surface turns from translucent to opaque, typically after about 30 seconds in the skillet.
What can I substitute for anchovies?
You can use anchovy paste as a substitute, or if you prefer, omit it altogether for a different flavor profile.
Is it necessary to use white wine?
While white wine adds depth to the flavor, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or omit it if you prefer not to use alcohol.
How can I make it spicier?
To increase spiciness, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce according to your taste preferences.
Can leftovers be stored?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but the pasta may absorb the sauce and change texture.
Conclusion
This flavorful pasta dish combines the richness of prawns and the depth of anchovies with a zesty tomato sauce, making it an enticing option for any meal. The addition of chili flakes provides a nice kick, while fresh parsley and lemon juice brighten the overall taste. It’s a quick, delicious, and satisfying way to enjoy pasta any day of the week.
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