Add Prawns Recipe

Pasta

1. 1

   Prepare pasta water and cook pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (use about 1 tbsp salt per 4–6 quarts of water). Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente according to package directions (usually 8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2. 2

   Prepare and season prawns

   While the pasta cooks, pat the prawns dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

3. 3

   Sauté aromatics

   In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tbs olive oil and 1 tbs butter. When the butter foams, add the minced shallot and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and cook another 30–45 seconds, stirring so the garlic doesn’t brown.

4. 4

   Cook prawns

   Increase heat to medium-high. Push the aromatics to the side and add the remaining 1 tbs olive oil. Add the prawns in a single layer and cook without moving for about 1½–2 minutes, until the underside is pink and lightly seared. Flip the prawns and cook an additional 1–2 minutes until opaque and just cooked through. Remove the prawns to a plate and set aside to avoid overcooking.

5. 5

   Build the sauce

   Deglaze the skillet with the white wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let the wine reduce for about 1 minute. Add the stock (or 1/2 cup reserved pasta water) and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Taste and season with a little salt and pepper as needed.

6. 6

   Finish sauce and combine with pasta

   Reduce heat to low and whisk in the remaining 1 tbs butter and half of the chopped parsley to create a glossy sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, adding more reserved pasta water (a few tablespoons at a time) if the sauce seems too thick. Stir in the grated Parmesan until evenly distributed and the sauce clings to the pasta.

7. 7

   Return prawns and serve

   Return the cooked prawns to the skillet and toss gently with the pasta just to warm through (about 30 seconds). Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice if desired. Sprinkle the remaining parsley over the top and serve immediately, offering extra grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes at the table.