Creamy Prawn Pasta (LF + GF)

Sometimes the best recipes come out of those “use what you have” moments in the kitchen. I’ve always loved prawns, so one day I picked up a packet, had some pasta sauce at home, and thought I’d throw something together. The only problem? No cream in the fridge. But I did have cream cheese, and I figured, why not? Same thing, right? 😅

Well, it turned out to be one of the best swaps I’ve ever made. The sauce came out rich and velvety, and ever since then this has been one of my go-to pasta meals. It’s a hot favorite with my husband, and while my little one is still deciding how she feels about prawn texture, I’ll call it a win.

Creamy Prawn Pasta (LF + GF)

INGREDIENTS

• 400g raw prawns (fresh or frozen)
• 340g Linguine pasta (gluten free)
• 325ml pasta sauce (or half of the pasta jar)
• 3 tbsp olive oil (or any oil of your choice)
• 1 large onion or 2 small onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 tbsp cream cheese or cream (lactose free)
• ½ tsp salt (add more if desired)
• 2 tbsp water
• ¾ tsp sugar
• ¾ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp oregano (fresh or dry)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Follow cooking instructions as per the pasta package.
2. In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil at medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic and salt until lightly brown, add oregano and chili flakes, let simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add pasta sauce, cook with the onion and garlic mixture for 10 minutes and add the cream cheese or cream. Let it simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes or until the cream cheese/cream well combined with pasta sauce. If you like a smooth pasta sauce (I prefer a smooth sauce), use a hand blender/immersion blender to blend sauce for a smoother texture.
4. Toss prawns in pasta sauce, cook for 5 to 7 minutes on low to medium heat, until pink and prawns are well coated and flavored in the sauce. Turn heat to low.
5. Once pasta is cooked and drained. Stir pasta in the prawn sauce. Toss pasta well combined. Add a pinch of oregano for look and flavor.

I hope you enjoy this Creamy Prawn Pasta as much as we do, it’s such a simple but comforting dish. 💛 If you give it a try, let me know how it turns out in the comments below, or tag me on Instagram @cocoagirlintoronto so I can see your version!