Sundried tomato & Prawn pasta

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Serves: 2 hearty portions or 3 lighter servings

• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

• Cuisine: Mediterranean / Italian

• Meal Type: Main course

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 Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 200g (7 oz) linguine or spaghetti

• Salt for boiling water

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)

• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional, adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

• 150g (5 oz) raw prawns, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen)

• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes in oil, sliced (reserve some of the oil)

• 1/3 cup dry white wine (or use vegetable stock)

• 1/3 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Garnish & Finishing:

• Fresh basil leaves, torn

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan or Pecorino (optional)

• Extra sundried tomato slices for garnish

• Drizzle of sundried tomato oil or chili oil (optional)

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 Preparation Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes). Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water to use in the sauce later.

2. Sauté Aromatics

While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped red chili (if using), and sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden.

3. Cook the Prawns

Add the raw prawns to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and slightly opaque. Be careful not to overcook them. Remove the prawns from the pan and set them aside temporarily.

4. Build the Sauce

To the same pan, add a little more olive oil or some of the reserved oil from the sundried tomatoes. Toss in the sliced sundried tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing them to rehydrate slightly and infuse the oil.

5. Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the dry white wine (or vegetable stock) and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce for about 3–4 minutes, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

6. Combine & Simmer

Add the cooked prawns back into the pan, along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, and smoked paprika (if using). Season generously with salt and black pepper. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help bind everything into a cohesive sauce.

7. Toss with Pasta

Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet and toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add more pasta water gradually until it reaches your desired consistency.

8. Finish & Serve

Remove from heat. Toss in fresh basil, and if desired, grated cheese. Plate the pasta and garnish with a few more sundried tomato slices, a drizzle of sundried tomato oil or chili oil, and extra herbs.

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 Tips & Variations

• Prawns: Use large king prawns for a meaty texture or small shrimp for a more delicate bite.

• Sundried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sundried tomatoes work best for flavor. If using dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water for 20 minutes before slicing.

• Wine Substitute: Vegetable or chicken stock can be used if you prefer not to use alcohol.

• Spice Level: Adjust chili flakes to your taste. For a kid-friendly version, skip the chili entirely.

• Creamy Twist: Add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of mascarpone to the sauce for a creamy variation.

• Protein Swap: Substitute prawns with grilled chicken, smoked salmon, or keep it vegetarian by adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

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 Wine Pairing

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp, citrusy white wine such as:

• Sauvignon Blanc

• Pinot Grigio

• Vermentino
  For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with lemon or a citrusy herbal tea served chilled.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – based on 2 servings)

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and quantities used.