Aglio Olio Prawns: A Quick and Easy Recipe for Garlic and Olive Oil Lovers

Aglio Olio Prawns is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. If you're looking for a meal that's packed with flavour, this dish is definitely worth trying. The combination of garlic, chilli flakes, olive oil and prawns creates a deliciously rich and satisfying flavour that is sure to impress.

To make Aglio Olio Prawns, all you need is a few simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. The recipe typically calls for spaghetti, garlic, chilli flakes, olive oil, prawns, and parsley. You can easily adjust the recipe to your liking by adding more or less of any of the ingredients.

Once you've tried this recipe, you'll definitely want to serve it again and again. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, including a simple green salad or garlic bread. If you're looking to impress your guests, you can even pair it with your favourite wine.

Key Takeaways

• Aglio Olio Prawns is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and packed with flavour.
• The recipe calls for spaghetti, garlic, chilli flakes, olive oil, prawns, and parsley.
• Aglio Olio Prawns pairs well with a variety of dishes and makes for a great weeknight dinner option.

Aglio Olio Prawns Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish, then look no further than aglio olio prawns. This classic Italian dish is made with spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and fresh prawns, and it's perfect for a quick and satisfying meal at home.

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make aglio olio prawns, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 400g spaghetti
• 400g fresh prawns
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp chilli flakes
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

If you don't have fresh prawns, you can use frozen prawns instead. You can also substitute the spaghetti with any other type of pasta you have on hand, such as linguine or fettuccine.

If you don't have parsley, you can use basil instead. And if you don't have parmesan cheese, you can leave it out or use another type of cheese.

Cooking Instructions

To make aglio olio prawns, follow these simple instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until it's al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chilli flakes and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add the prawns to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they're pink and cooked through.
4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan along with the chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is coated in the sauce.
5. If the sauce is too dry, add some of the reserved pasta water to the pan to loosen it up.
6. Serve the aglio olio prawns hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Perfection

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavour.
• Don't overcook the prawns, or they'll become tough and rubbery.
• Reserve some of the pasta water to help loosen up the sauce if needed.
• Adjust the amount of chilli flakes to your liking for more or less heat.
• Garnish with extra chopped parsley and lemon wedges for added freshness and flavour.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Accompaniments

Aglio olio prawns are a delicious and flavourful dish that can be served on its own or with some accompaniments. To add some variety to your meal, consider serving it with a side dish. Some excellent options include:

• Grilled vegetables: Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant are a great way to add some colour and nutrients to your meal. The smoky flavour of the vegetables pairs well with the garlic and herb flavours of the pasta.

• Garlic bread: Garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to any pasta dish, and aglio olio prawns are no exception. Toast some bread and rub a garlic clove over it before drizzling with olive oil.

• Salad: A fresh salad is a great way to balance out the rich flavours of the pasta. Toss together some greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber with a simple vinaigrette.

Wine Pairing

When it comes to wine pairing, aglio olio prawns go well with a variety of wines. Here are some options to consider:

• White wine: A crisp, acidic white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the citrusy flavours of the dish.

• Rosé: A dry rosé with fruity notes complements the garlic and herb flavours of the pasta.

• Red wine: If you prefer red wine, go for a light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir. The earthy notes of the wine pair well with the garlic and herb flavours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to a flavourful prawn aglio olio?

The secret to a flavourful prawn aglio olio is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. It's also important to cook the prawns just right, so they don't become tough and rubbery. Make sure you don't overcook them, or they'll lose their flavour and texture.

How do you make the sauce for a classic prawn aglio olio?

The sauce for a classic prawn aglio olio is made with garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Simply sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil until fragrant, then add the cooked prawns and parsley. Toss with cooked spaghetti and a splash of pasta water, and you're done!

Which ingredients pair well with prawn aglio olio for a balanced meal?

Prawn aglio olio is a simple and delicious dish that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. For a balanced meal, consider serving it with a side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. You could also pair it with a glass of crisp white wine to complement the flavours of the dish.

Can you recommend any celebrity chef recipes for prawn aglio olio?

There are many celebrity chef recipes for prawn aglio olio, but one of our favourites is Jamie Oliver's recipe. His version includes cherry tomatoes and rocket (arugula) for a fresh and zesty twist on the classic dish. You can find the recipe on his website.

What are the steps to creating the perfect prawn aglio olio at home?

To create the perfect prawn aglio olio at home, start by cooking the spaghetti until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil until fragrant, then add the cooked prawns and parsley. Toss with the cooked spaghetti and a splash of pasta water, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Is there a healthier version of prawn aglio olio?

Yes, there are many ways to make a healthier version of prawn aglio olio. For example, you could use whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular spaghetti to add more fibre to the dish. You could also use less olive oil and more garlic to reduce the calorie count, or add some fresh vegetables like spinach or kale to boost the nutritional value.