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Spaghetti with prawn sauce

⏱ 30 min🍳 15 min👤 2 pp★★★★☆

Making fish recipes are some of the easiest: the less the fish is tampered with, the better. This is one of those recipes: here the seafood - the prawns - are cooked very simply in a pan with a clove of garlic, some good olive oil and some very ripe tomatoes. No spices and sauces are added so as to spoil the wonderful aroma and taste of the sea that the prawns contain within them. Alongside this simplicity of approach there is a touch of sophistication: we hope you are captivated by the character of the spaghetti made with cuttlefish ink and the creaminess of the base made with delicately steamed seasonal vegetables. Last but not least, don’t forget that the shrimp must be really fresh, fragrant and firm. Otherwise, this fabulous dish will just not be the same.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving
Protein
22g
Carbohydrates
72g
Fat
12g
Fiber
3g

* approximate values per serving

Information
30 minutes Total time
15 minutes Active time
Serves 2 persons
★★★★☆ Hard

Preparation

Clean the potatoes, shallots and leeks, and cook until tender in a steamer basket. Meanwhile, clean the prawns, taking care to remove their intestines. Wash and halve the tomatoes. Brown the garlic in a frying pan with in a little olive oil. Add the tomatoes, then the prawns. Deglaze with some white wine. Season with salt and add the parsley. Once the vegetables are cooked, put them in a blender and blitz with a drizzle of oil. Cook the spaghetti in the same water that you used to steam the vegetables. Once cooked, drain and toss in pan with the prawn and tomato sauce. Serve the pasta on a bed of creamed vegetables and place a few prawns on top to garnish.

Tips
Black spaghetti from cuttlefish or squid ink, just like the ‘riso Venere’ which is also black, goes perfectly with seafood, both from the point of view of the contrast in colours and on account of its flavour. So make your seafood risotto or pasta dish with ink flavoured carbohydrates, perhaps combined with a few fresh, mature and colourful cherry tomatoes.
Trivia
Along the back of all prawns is a black filament: this is the prawn’s intestine. Take a small paring knife and remove it. It may not seem like much, but that little filament can ruin the whole dish.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
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Additional information

Spaghetti with Prawns and Cherry Tomatoes

A variant of the classic spaghetti with prawns dish includes the addition of cherry tomatoes, which provide an even more intense flavor and a note of freshness. To prepare this version, simply cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the pan along with the prawns, after sautéing them with garlic. The sweetness of the cherry tomatoes pairs perfectly with the flavor of the prawns, creating a dish rich in colors and flavors. This recipe is perfect for a summer dinner, thanks to the lightness of the ingredients and the ease of preparation. The spaghetti will blend well with the sauce, making every forkful a true delight for the palate. Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a final touch of freshness and aroma.

Spaghetti with Prawns Neapolitan Style

In this regional variant, spaghetti with prawns is prepared according to Neapolitan tradition, which involves the use of fresh and local ingredients. The Neapolitan recipe often includes the addition of chili pepper, which adds a touch of spiciness to the dish. To make this preparation, start by sautéing garlic in extra virgin olive oil, then add the prawns and deglaze with white wine. The final touch is a sprinkle of fresh parsley and, if desired, a pinch of chili pepper. This dish is a tribute to the culinary tradition of Campania, where fresh fish and high-quality pasta are always the stars of the table. Spaghetti Neapolitan style with prawns is an excellent choice for those who want to savor a dish rich in history and flavor.

Light Spaghetti with Prawns without Added Oil

For those who want a lighter version of the spaghetti with prawns recipe, it can be prepared without the addition of oil. In this variant, the prawns and vegetables can be cooked in a non-stick pan, using their natural flavor to create a tasty sauce. By using white wine to deglaze, a rich and aromatic flavor is still maintained without weighing down the dish. This preparation is ideal for those following a low-calorie diet or for those looking to reduce their fat intake. The spaghetti can be dressed with the prawn and tomato sauce, maintaining a balanced nutritional profile. It will be a tasty and satisfying dish without sacrificing flavor.

Nutritional Benefits of Spaghetti with Prawns and Approximate Calories

Spaghetti with prawns is not only a delicious dish but also rich in health benefits. Prawns are an excellent source of lean protein, containing omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and support for cardiovascular health. Additionally, tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. A serving of spaghetti with prawns contains, on average, about 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil and other ingredients used. This dish is therefore an excellent choice for a balanced meal, rich in nutrients and flavors, perfect for those who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Can Spaghetti with Prawns be Frozen?

A common question concerns the possibility of freezing spaghetti with prawns. In general, it is not recommended to freeze cooked pasta, as the texture tends to deteriorate once thawed. However, it is possible to freeze the prawn sauce separately. To do this, it is advisable to prepare the sauce, let it cool, and then transfer it to an airtight container. When you wish to consume it, simply thaw and reheat it, then cook some fresh pasta to pair with it. This way, you can enjoy a plate of spaghetti with prawns as if it were just prepared, without compromising quality and flavor. Be sure not to freeze fresh ingredients like parsley, which should be added only at the time of serving.