This chilli and tomato prawn pasta is a quick, flavour-packed dinner ready in just 20 minutes. Made with juicy prawns, fresh vegetables and warming spices, it’s a high-protein, balanced meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something simple but satisfying.
Time: 20 minutes Serves: 2
Ingredients
- 150g prawns (raw or cooked)
- 150g pasta (dry weight)
- 8 cherry tomatoes
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- 2 handfuls spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp olive oil 1 tsp tomato purée
- Pinch chilli flakes
- 1 tsp hot paprika
- 2 tbsp pasta water
Method
Step 1: Cook the pasta
- Bring a pan of water to the boil and cook the pasta according to packet instructions (around 10 minutes).
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Build the base
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, chilli flakes, tomato purée and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the vegetables
- Add the red pepper and cherry tomatoes.
- Gently crush the tomatoes with the back of a spoon to release their juices.
Step 4: Create the sauce
- Add the reserved pasta water and stir to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Add protein & greens
- Add the prawns and spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the prawns are pink and cooked through and the spinach has wilted.
Step 6: Combine
- Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss everything together until well coated.
- Serve immediately.
Top Tips
Like it spicy?
Add a splash of hot chilli sauce or extra chilli flakes to the prawn pasta for more heat.
Want it saucier?
Increase the sauce by adding:
- Extra pasta water
- A splash of passata
- Or a drizzle of olive oil at the end
Boost the veg
Add courgette, mushrooms or peas to increase fibre and volume.
Protein swap ideas
This recipe also works well with:
- Chicken
- Tofu
- Salmon
