Prawns Spinach Spaghetti
A flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the goodness of prawns and spinach, paired with al dente spaghetti, this Prawns Spinach Spaghetti recipe is a delightful Italian-inspired creation that is sure to please the entire family. The balance of lemony freshness, buttery sauce, and aromatic spices makes this dish perfect for any occasion—from a quick weekday lunch to a more elaborate weekend dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medium-sized prawns | 16-20 pieces | Pat dry before cooking |
| Fresh spinach (leaf torn in half) | 300 grams | Use only the leaves |
| Spaghetti pasta | 500 grams | Use whole wheat for extra nutrition if preferred |
| Garlic cloves | 10-12 cloves | Chopped finely |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 4 tablespoons | For both cooking and dressing |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons | Adds richness to the prawns and pasta |
| Lemon zest | 1/2 lemon | Freshly grated for aroma and flavor |
| Fresh lemon juice | 5 tablespoons | For a citrusy kick |
| Freshly ground black pepper powder | 1 tablespoon | Adds mild heat and flavor |
| Paprika powder | 1 tablespoon | For a smoky, slightly spicy undertone |
| Fresh parsley leaves | 4 tablespoons | Chopped, for garnish |
| Salt | To taste | For seasoning |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | To drizzle on pasta and spinach |
| Water | As needed | For blanching spinach and cooking pasta |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Prawns
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and let it warm for about 10 minutes. In the meantime, pat the prawns dry with paper towels and place them on a baking tray.
“Link To Share” is your all-in-one marketing platform, making it easy and professional to direct your audience to everything you offer. • Modern, customizable bio pages • Link shortening with advanced analytics • Interactive, brandable QR codes • Host static sites and manage your code • Multiple web tools to grow your business -
-
Make the Butter and Lemon Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, lemon juice, paprika, freshly ground black pepper, chopped parsley, and garlic. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a smooth marinade. -
Bake the Prawns
Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the prawns on the baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for approximately 10 minutes, or until the prawns are cooked through and turn a vibrant orange color. -
Blanch the Spinach
While the prawns are baking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the stems from the spinach leaves and blanch the leaves in the boiling water for about 1-2 minutes, or until wilted. Immediately drain the spinach and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside. -
Cook the Spaghetti
In a separate large saucepan, bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for al dente pasta. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and immediately run it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss gently to prevent the pasta from sticking together. -
Combine Pasta, Spinach, and Prawns
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the blanched spinach. Add salt to taste and stir gently. Then, add the baked prawns along with any buttery sauce left on the baking tray. Stir everything together, ensuring the prawns and spinach are evenly distributed. -
Serve and Garnish
Transfer the Prawns Spinach Spaghetti to serving bowls. Sprinkle with freshly grated lemon zest and additional chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, serve your Prawns Spinach Spaghetti alongside a classic Pizza Margherita for an Italian-inspired feast. Pair it with a refreshing glass of Watermelon-Cranberry Mocktail for a light, fruity drink that perfectly complements the flavors of the dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-500 kcal |
| Protein | 35-40 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 50-55 grams |
| Fat | 20-25 grams |
| Fiber | 4-5 grams |
| Sodium | 250-300 mg |
Additional Tips
- For Extra Flavor: You can add a pinch of red chili flakes to the marinade for an added kick of heat, or experiment with other herbs like thyme or basil.
- Make it Spicier: If you love spicy food, feel free to increase the amount of paprika or add a few drops of hot sauce to the pasta.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of olive oil to keep the pasta moist.
This Prawns Spinach Spaghetti is a delightful dish that balances savory, citrusy, and spicy notes, making it a perfect option for both casual lunches and elegant dinner parties. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and satisfy your craving for a nourishing, yet indulgent, Italian meal!
