Prawn Aglio Olio: A Deliciously Simple Pasta Dish

Prawn Aglio Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish that has become a favourite in many households.

It is a simple and quick recipe that requires only a few ingredients, making it a perfect mid-week dinner option.

The dish is made with spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, chilli flakes, and prawns, and is often topped with parsley or parmesan cheese.

If you are looking to add some variety to your pasta dishes, Prawn Aglio Olio is a great option.

The dish is easy to make and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

It is also a great way to incorporate seafood into your diet, as prawns are a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Key Takeaways

• Prawn Aglio Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish that is quick and easy to make.
• The dish requires only a few ingredients, making it a perfect mid-week dinner option.
• Prawn Aglio Olio is a great way to incorporate seafood into your diet and is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Prawn Aglio Olio Essentials

Ingredients Breakdown

To make a delicious prawn aglio olio, you will need a few essential ingredients. Here's a list of what you'll need:

• Prawns: Fresh, high-quality prawns are the star of this dish. Make sure to clean and devein them before use.
• Spaghetti: Use spaghetti or any other long pasta of your choice.
• Garlic: Lots of minced garlic is what gives this dish its signature flavour.
• Olive Oil: Use good quality olive oil to sauté the garlic and prawns.
• Chilli Flakes: A pinch of chilli flakes adds a nice kick of heat to the dish.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Season the pasta and prawns with salt and pepper to taste.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness to the dish.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end helps to brighten up the flavours.
• Parmesan: Grated parmesan is optional but adds a nice salty flavour to the dish.

Cooking Techniques

To start, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some of the pasta water for later use.

Next, heat olive oil in a pan and add minced garlic and chilli flakes. Sauté until fragrant and then add the prawns.

Cook the prawns until they turn pink and opaque.

Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the prawns and toss everything together. Add some of the reserved pasta water to create a sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Finish off the dish by adding fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and grated parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious prawn aglio olio!

Perfecting the Dish

Once you have mastered the basic recipe for Prawn Aglio Olio, it's time to start perfecting the dish to make it even more delicious. Here are some tips to take your pasta to the next level.

Flavour Enhancements

To enhance the flavour of your Prawn Aglio Olio, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of black pepper.

You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as parmesan or pecorino romano, for added depth of flavour.

If you like your pasta spicy, try adding chili flakes or red pepper flakes to the dish.

Presentation and Serving

Prawn Aglio Olio is best served immediately after cooking.

To make your dish look more appetising, try garnishing with some fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley.

You can also serve the pasta in a shallow bowl or on a plate to showcase the beautiful colours and textures of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake when making Prawn Aglio Olio is overcooking the shrimp.

To avoid this, make sure to cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and are no longer translucent.

Another mistake is using too much oil, which can make the dish too greasy. Use just enough extra-virgin olive oil to coat the cooked spaghetti and shrimp.

Variations

If you want to switch up the recipe, try making Shrimp Aglio Olio instead.

You can also add other types of seafood, such as clams or mussels, to make a delicious seafood version.

Another variation is to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Experiment with different ingredients to make the dish your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to a flavourful aglio olio?

The secret to a flavourful 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. For an extra kick, you can add some chilli flakes or red pepper flakes.

How do you properly pronounce aglio olio with shrimp?

Aglio olio is pronounced "ahl-yoh oh-lee-oh".

It's an Italian dish that originated in Naples, and it's a simple pasta dish made with garlic and olive oil. When you add shrimp to the dish, it becomes prawn aglio olio.

What are the typical ingredients for an aglio olio sauce?

The typical ingredients for an aglio olio sauce are garlic, olive oil, and chilli flakes.

Some recipes also call for parsley, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese. When making prawn aglio olio, you'll also need to add fresh prawns to the sauce.

Could you suggest some sides that pair well with aglio olio?

Aglio olio is a simple and delicious dish that pairs well with a variety of sides.

Some popular options include a fresh green salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a side of grilled chicken.

You can also serve it with a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Is aglio olio considered a healthy dish?

Aglio olio is a relatively healthy dish, as it's made with simple ingredients like garlic and olive oil.

However, it's important to keep portion sizes in mind, as a large serving can be high in calories. When making prawn aglio olio, it's also important to use fresh, high-quality prawns.

How many calories are in a serving of prawn aglio olio?

The number of calories in a serving of prawn aglio olio can vary depending on the recipe and portion size.

However, on average, a serving of prawn aglio olio contains around 400-500 calories.

If you're watching your calorie intake, it's important to enjoy this dish in moderation.