Fettuccine Tossed in Luscious Garlic Cream Sauce with Juicy Prawns Recipe

Luscious Garlic Cream Prawn Fettuccine Recipe: A Dreamy Delight

Creamy garlic fettuccine with prawns whisks you into a culinary adventure that promises pure comfort.

Silky pasta strands dance beneath plump, succulent seafood in a dreamy sauce.

Mediterranean flavors burst through each carefully crafted bite.

Elegant yet simple, this dish brings restaurant-quality excitement to your kitchen.

Fragrant garlic infuses rich cream, creating a luxurious backdrop for tender prawns.

Weeknight dinners transform into special moments with this effortless recipe.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable spoonful.

Why Garlic Cream Fettuccine with Prawns Wows Every Time

  • Savor Quick Seafood Elegance: Dive into a restaurant-quality dish that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Master One-Pan Magic: Create a complete gourmet dinner using just a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor without complicated kitchen techniques.
  • Craft Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Perfect for impressing dinner guests or enjoying a special meal at home, this recipe adapts beautifully to different occasions from casual dinners to romantic date nights.
  • Personalize with Ease: Swap prawns for chicken or add vegetables to customize the dish, making it a flexible recipe that suits various dietary preferences and pantry ingredients.

What You Need for Garlic Cream Fettuccine with Prawns

Main Ingredients:
  • Fettuccine: A classic Italian pasta that provides the perfect base for this creamy, seafood-rich dish.
  • Prawns: Succulent seafood that adds a delightful protein and oceanic flavor to the pasta.
Dairy and Fats:
  • Butter, Parmesan Cheese: Create a rich, creamy foundation that helps bind the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious, silky texture to the sauce and enhances the overall richness.
Aromatics and Liquid Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Black Pepper, Parsley: Bring fresh, sharp, and herbal notes that elevate the entire dish.
  • White Wine, Chicken Broth: Add complex layers of flavor and help create a smooth, balanced sauce.
Seasoning:
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dish.

How to Cook Fettuccine in Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Slide in the fettuccine and cook just shy of the package instructions, about 1 minute less for that perfect al dente texture. Carefully scoop out a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander.

Step 2: Sear Succulent Prawns

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high flame. Drop in butter and let it melt and sizzle.

Gently place the prawns into the bubbling butter. Cook each side for roughly 1.5 minutes until they transform into a beautiful pink hue and are cooked through. Transfer the prawns to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Infuse Garlic Aroma

In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance in the hot pan for about 20 seconds until it releases its intoxicating fragrance.

Step 4: Splash of Wine Magic

Pour in white wine and let it simmer. Watch as the liquid reduces and concentrates its flavors, taking about 2 minutes to mostly evaporate.

Step 5: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Introduce these ingredients to the skillet:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Grated parmesan cheese

Stir and cook for approximately 1.5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken and become velvety.

Step 6: Reunite Prawns and Pasta

Return the seared prawns to the skillet.

Add the cooked fettuccine and splash in about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water.

Step 7: Toss and Coat

Gently toss everything together over the heat for 30-45 seconds.

Watch as the sauce lovingly embraces each strand of pasta and coats the prawns.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Remove the skillet from heat.

Crack some fresh black pepper over the dish. Sprinkle most of the chopped parsley, tossing to distribute evenly.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more pasta water. Plate the fettuccine, garnish with remaining parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan.

Serve immediately and savor every creamy, succulent bite.

Smart Tips for Fettuccine with Juicy Prawns

  • Perfectly cook prawns by avoiding overcooking; they turn rubbery when heated too long.
  • Reserve pasta water strategically to help create a silky, clingy sauce that adheres beautifully to fettuccine.
  • Choose fresh, high-quality prawns for maximum flavor and tender texture in the dish.
  • Sauté garlic briefly to prevent burning and release its aromatic essence without bitterness.
  • Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water, ensuring a creamy, luxurious coating for the pasta.

Flavor Ideas for Garlic Cream Pasta Perfection

  • Mediterranean Seafood Fettuccine: Replace prawns with a mix of mussels, calamari, and white fish for a coastal-inspired seafood medley.
  • Spicy Cajun Prawn Pasta: Add Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika to create a bold, zesty flavor profile.
  • Herb-Infused Creamy Prawn Pasta: Incorporate fresh basil, thyme, and dill into the sauce for an aromatic herbal dimension.
  • Vegetarian Creamy Garlic Pasta: Swap prawns with roasted mushrooms and add spinach for a rich, plant-based alternative.

Pairing Suggestions for Garlic Cream Prawn Pasta

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the delicate prawn and creamy garlic sauce with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which cuts through the richness and complements the seafood's subtle sweetness.
  • Serve with Garlic Herb Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting crusty bread rubbed with garlic and sprinkled with fresh herbs, ideal for soaking up the luxurious cream sauce and adding textural contrast.
  • Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to balance the dish's creamy intensity and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.

How to Store Garlic Cream Pasta the Right Way

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping prawns and sauce intact to maintain quality and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, excluding parsley garnish. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 1 month, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
  • Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons water, cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm and steaming.
  • Stovetop Reviving: Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of cream or reserved pasta water. Gently stir to restore sauce's creamy consistency and prevent sauce separation.

Fettuccine with Prawns FAQs Explained

  • Why should I use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated cheese?

Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly, provides a richer flavor, and prevents the sauce from becoming grainy or clumpy compared to pre-packaged cheese.

  • How do I know my prawns are perfectly cooked?

Prawns are done when they turn completely pink and curl slightly. Overcooking makes them tough, so cook just until they’re opaque and firm, which takes about 1.5 minutes per side.

  • Can I substitute white wine if I don't have it?

Yes, you can use chicken broth or vermouth as alternatives. These substitutes will still provide depth and complexity to the sauce without compromising the overall flavor profile.

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Fettuccine Tossed in Luscious Garlic Cream Sauce with Juicy Prawns Recipe

Fettuccine Tossed in Luscious Garlic Cream Sauce with Juicy Prawns Recipe


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4.5 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Silky Fettuccine Alfredo embraces succulent prawns in a luxurious Italian-inspired dance of creamy garlic elegance. Seafood lovers savor each twirled bite, experiencing pure Mediterranean comfort on their plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 10 ounces (300 grams) small raw peeled prawns (shrimp)

Pasta and Dairy:

  • 8 ounces (250 grams) fettuccine or pasta of choice
  • 1 cup (250 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup (50 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter, divided
  • Additional parmesan for garnish

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup (65 milliliters) dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup (125 milliliters) chicken broth (or fish/vegetable broth)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Cook fettuccine 1 minute less than package directions for al dente texture. Keep 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high temperature. Melt butter and quickly sear prawns for approximately 1.5 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink color and are fully cooked. Transfer prawns to a separate plate.
  3. In the same skillet, introduce remaining butter and minced garlic. Rapidly sauté for 20 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors without burning.
  4. Pour white wine into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and reduce for 2 minutes until liquid nearly disappears.
  5. Incorporate cream, broth, and grated parmesan. Gently cook for 1.5 minutes, stirring continuously until sauce slightly thickens and becomes glossy.
  6. Return prawns to the skillet, then introduce cooked pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Combine ingredients thoroughly.
  7. Toss mixture over heat for 30-45 seconds, ensuring sauce evenly coats pasta and reaches desired consistency.
  8. Remove from heat, season with freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle most of the chopped parsley and gently mix.
  9. If sauce seems too thick, add additional pasta water. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Opt for fresh prawns when possible to elevate the dish’s flavor and texture, ensuring a more succulent and tender seafood experience.
  • Toast garlic briefly to prevent burning, releasing its aromatic essence without creating bitter notes that could compromise the sauce’s delicate balance.
  • Reserve pasta water strategically as a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency, allowing you to create a perfectly silky and clingy coating for the fettuccine.
  • Consider substituting prawns with chicken or keeping it vegetarian by adding roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini for dietary flexibility and continued deliciousness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 759
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 647mg
  • Fat: 41g
  • Saturated Fat: 25g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 64g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 37g
  • Cholesterol: 174mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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