15-Minute Lemon Garlic Prawn Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

The 15-Minute 'Look How Elegant I Am' Prawn Pasta

Welcome to 'I forgot I had to cook tonight' cuisine. This 15-minute prawn pasta is my sworn enemy to ordering takeout. It’s a dish that proves you can look like an adult who planned dinner, even if you’re currently operating on 5% battery.

This recipe for linguine with fresh prawns and cherry tomatoes is a keeper. What makes it so wonderful is the simplicity. It lets the main ingredients shine. Fresh prawns have a delicate, slightly sweet flavour that I think is best when it's not overwhelmed by a heavy sauce.

Here, they are perfectly complemented by the subtle sweetness of cherry tomatoes. It’s a simple pairing, but the flavours work together beautifully. While fresh prawns might be a bit of a splurge, a small amount goes a long way. You can turn what might be a simple appetizer into a satisfying main course.

Ingredients:

• 600g fresh prawns: Yes, they’re a small splurge. Consider it an investment in your mental health. Also, just use the frozen ones and call them "chill."

• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Or four. The recipe doesn't judge. But your breath might.

• * 20-25 cherry tomatoes, halved 
• * 350g dried tagliatelle or pasta of your choice 
• * 1 large handful fresh basil leaves 
• * 1 lemon, zested and juiced

So, if you're looking for a delicious, light, and memorable pasta dish to brighten up your weeknight, this is it. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh, high-quality ingredients.

⭐️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
⏱ Cook Time: 15 minutes
🍴 Serves: 4

Instructions

Step 1. Start the Pasta and Sauce

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil and season it generously with salt (optional, but recommended). Add the pasta, stir well, and cook uncovered for exactly 10 minutes. Crucially, just before draining, reserve approximately 250ml of the starchy pasta water.

Yes, that water. The magical, starchy nectar that pasta bloggers won't stop talking about. It’s what makes the sauce stick, and it is mandatory for your culinary street cred. Treat it like liquid gold. 

Step 2: Start the Sauce Base

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a deep frying pan and add the crushed garlic. Gently cook the garlic for about 1 minute, taking care that it doesn't brown. Add the quartered cherry tomatoes and cook over a low-medium heat for 10 minutes—avoid stirring during this time to help them hold their shape.

3. Add Water and Prawns

Pour 200ml of the reserved pasta water over the tomatoes and garlic and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat slightly, then add the raw king prawns. Continue to cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently until all the prawns have turned pink and are cooked through.

3. Toss and Finish

Just before serving, add the cooked pasta, the lemon zest, a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper, and the fresh basil leaves to the pan. Toss everything thoroughly until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Serve immediately on warmed plates with a squeeze of lemon juice.

And there you have it. You've created a vibrant, satisfying pasta dish in less time than it takes to scroll through the Netflix landing page. Now go forth and accept the compliments gracefully, knowing full well you almost ordered pizza 16 minutes ago.