Linguine with Prawns in Cream Sauce
Linguine with Prawns in Cream Sauce is a dish that brings comfort to your dining table in the most delightful way. This recipe presents a stunning combination of succulent prawns enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, perfectly balancing the flavors of garlic and Parmesan. It’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, or whenever you’re craving a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. This pasta recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that evokes warmth and nostalgia, perfect for gathering friends and family around the table. Let’s dive in with this step-by-step recipe that guarantees you’ll have a delightful dish ready in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes Linguine with Prawns in Cream Sauce irresistibly appealing is its simplicity and the sheer joy it brings to your taste buds. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that feels luxurious. The prawns provide a juicy, tender texture, paired seamlessly with the creamy sauce. It requires minimal prep time, making it a crowd-pleaser that even novice cooks can master. This dish is as impressive as it is satisfying, ready to grace any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine pasta: This long, flat pasta is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- 1 lb prawns, peeled and deveined: Fresh, juicy prawns that are deliciously tender.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Rich and velvety, adding a luxurious touch to every bite.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty and savory, this cheese melts beautifully into the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a light, fragrant base that enhances all the flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic and flavorful, offering that warm Italian touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate the overall taste.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, fresh finish that adds a pop of color and flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Cook the linguine: Begin by boiling a pot of water. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, allowing it to retain its shape and texture.
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Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1 minute. Be careful not to let it burn, as this will affect the flavor.
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Cook the prawns: Next, add the prawns to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
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Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently as the mixture begins to simmer. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the cheese to melt and combine into a rich, creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the prawns.
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Season to perfection: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on your preferences. This is where you can really heighten the flavor!
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Combine with linguine: Toss the drained linguine into the skillet, ensuring it’s well coated with the creamy sauce and prawns. This step melds all the flavors together beautifully.
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Serve and garnish: Plate the dish while it’s hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your delightful creation!
Tips & Tricks
- Use fresh prawns: Whenever possible, opt for fresh prawns instead of frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and pat them dry for the best texture.
- Perfect the creaminess: If you want a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a bit longer to reduce. For a lighter sauce, you could substitute some of the cream with a splash of seafood or vegetable stock.
- Cheese alternatives: If Parmesan isn’t available, Pecorino Romano works well as a substitute, adding a slightly sharper taste.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Linguine with Prawns in Cream Sauce makes for an elegant main course that can be paired with a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce. A chilled glass of sparkling water, or a non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice, complements the meal beautifully. For special occasions, consider pairing this dish with a light dessert, such as panna cotta or fruit sorbet, to balance the richness of the pasta.
Nutritional Information
This mouthwatering dish serves approximately 4 people, with an estimated calorie count of about 550 calories per serving. It contains essential nutrients from the prawns, providing protein along with healthy fats from olive oil and cream. While savoring this delicious recipe, keep in mind that balance is key; consider serving it with a side of vegetables.
Storing Tips & Variations
Store leftover Linguine with Prawns in Cream Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water to maintain the sauce’s consistency. If you’d like to freeze it, be aware that the texture of creamy sauces can alter after freezing and thawing.
Consider variations of this dish by adding a splash of lemon juice for acidity, using spinach for greenery, or swapping in other seafood like scallops or even chicken for a different protein. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as fettuccine or spaghetti.
Conclusion
Linguine with Prawns in Cream Sauce offers a deliciously indulgent experience that you can create in a matter of minutes. If you haven’t yet tried this recipe, now is the perfect time to bring the comfort of creamy pasta and succulent prawns to your kitchen. I encourage you to give it a go and share your experience with family and friends!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes, frozen prawns can be used. Just ensure they’re fully thawed and pat dry before cooking for the best texture. -
How can I make it dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. -
What if I don’t have linguine?
You can easily swap linguine for any pasta of your choice, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta. -
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can enhance the nutritional profile by adding vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus during the cooking process. -
How spicy can I make this recipe?
To add a kick, incorporate some red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or add some finely chopped chili to the dish while cooking.
Enjoy cooking this delightful dish and bringing a touch of culinary magic to your table!
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Linguine with Prawns in Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A delightful and easy-to-prepare pasta dish featuring succulent prawns enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce with garlic and Parmesan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the linguine: Boil a pot of water, add linguine, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Cook the prawns: Add prawns to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in heavy cream and stir gently as it simmers. Mix in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Season to perfection: Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with linguine: Toss in the drained linguine and mix until well-coated with the sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Plate while hot, garnishing with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, simmer longer. If using frozen prawns, thaw and pat dry before cooking. Consider using Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
