Creamy Prawn Pasta – Not Just Another Quick Meal

Servings: 4 Total Time: 20 mins Difficulty: Beginner
A Quick and Creamy Delight for Busy Weeknights
Creamy Prawn Pasta pinit

Sometimes, you just need a recipe that strikes the perfect balance between quick and indulgent. This Creamy Prawn Pasta is exactly that – a delightful combination of juicy prawns, a luscious creamy sauce, and the satisfying bite of fresh pasta.

If you’re juggling work, kids, and the general chaos of life, this recipe is a lifesaver. I know the feeling all too well – finishing work at 5 p.m, with dinner to whip up before the bedtime routine begins for my little ones, especially my energetic five-year-old. This dish has saved the day countless times, and I’m sure it’ll do the same for you.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in 20 minutes, even on your busiest days
  • Versatile: Swap out ingredients based on what you have in the fridge (and/or cupboard).
  • Kid-Approved: Creamy, comforting and a guaranteed hit.

Let me guide you through making this weeknight wonder.

What you’ll need

Ingredients
  • Prawns: Cooked prawns work best for speed, but raw ones are fine too – just sauté or boil for 3 minutes.
  • Bacon: Chopped into small squares. Don’t like bacon? Shredded chicken works wonderfully as well.
  • Pasta: Fresh pasta is ideal for a shorter cooking time, but dry pasta or spaghetti will do perfectly.
  • Double cream: Or single cream if you prefer it lighter.
  • Milk: Semi-skimmed or full-fat, your choice.
  • Plain Flour: Just a tablespoon to thicken the sauce.
  • Garlic & Onion: For that aromatic base.
  • Olive Oil: A dash for sautéing.
  • Seasonings: Ground pepper and mixed Italian herbs for garnish.

Optional: Parmesan cheese for a cheesy touch, though I often skip it to keep things light.

Let’s cook

1. Start with the pasta

If using dry pasta, boil the kettle and get it cooking – it’ll take about 15 minutes. Fresh pasta? Great, it’s done in 5. Either way, finish this step first to avoid any last-minute panic. Don’t forget to drizzle a bit of oil into the boiling water to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the bacon

Heat a dry pan on high and cook the chopped bacon for a few minutes. You’ll notice juices begin to appear – feel free to discard them. Continue cooking until the bacon is slightly caramelised but still tender. Want it crispy? The grill or air fryer is your friend.

Cook bacon

3. Make the sauce

In a different pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and stir for about a minute. Add the minced garlic, stirring constantly to avoid burning. After a couple of minutes, when fragrant and golden, sprinkle in the plain flour.

cook onions and garlic
add flour

Stir well to avoid lumps, then slowly add the milk stirring as you go. The sauce will thicken slightly. Finish with your cream of choice, and keep stirring until smooth.

add cream

4. Combine

Toss the prawns and cooked bacon into the sauce. The natural saltiness from these ingredients seasons the sauce just right, so there’s no need for extra salt. Add a dash of ground pepper, and after a minute or two, turn off the heat.

add bacon
add prawns
add ground pepper

5. Serve

Divide the pasta into bowls, spoon the creamy prawn sauce over the top, and garnish with mixed Italian herbs. For a cheesy twist, grate some Parmesan on top, though I prefer it without to let the creamy sauce shine.

Creamy Prawn Pasta

Make it your own

What I love most about this Creamy Prawn Pasta is how adaptable it is. Whether you switch up the protein, use fresh or dry pasta, or add your own twist with extra seasonings, it always turns out delicious. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for those evenings when time is short but you still want something special on the table.

Give it a try, you’ll want to make it again!

Love prawns? Head over here to check out my other prawn recipes.

Creamy Prawn Pasta – Not Just Another Quick Meal

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 20 mins
Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: £ 8

Description

Creamy Prawn Pasta is a quick yet indulgent dish, combining juicy prawns, bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's versatile enough to adapt with what you have on hand and perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious and satisfying.

Creamy Prawn Pasta

Cooking Mode Disabled

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta
    • Boil pasta according to packet instructions (12-15 minutes for dry pasta, 5 minutes for fresh)
    • Drain and set aside, tossing with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking)
  1. Prepare the Bacon
    • Heat a dry pan over high heat. 
    • Cook diced bacon for 3-4 minutes until lightly caramelised. Drain excess fat and set aside. 
  1. Make the Sauce
    • In the same pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for a minute. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about another minute or two. 
    • Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring until sauce thickens. 
    • Add the cream and mix until smooth. 
  1. Combine
    • Add the cooked prawns and bacon to the sauce. 
    • Stir until heated through, seasoning with ground pepper to taste. 
  1. Serve
    • Divide the pasta into bowls. Spoon the creamy prawn sauce on top and garnish with Italian herbs. 
    • If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. 

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 763.14kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 34.27g53%
Saturated Fat 14.98g75%
Trans Fat 0.52g
Cholesterol 255.32mg86%
Sodium 721.69mg31%
Potassium 586.27mg17%
Total Carbohydrate 80.78g27%
Dietary Fiber 2.04g9%
Sugars 5.95g
Protein 32.79g66%

Vitamin A 259.39 IU
Vitamin C 4.06 mg
Calcium 256.44 mg
Iron 9.31 mg
Vitamin D 1.8 IU
Vitamin E 2.29 IU
Vitamin K 68.76 mcg
Thiamin 1.05 mg
Riboflavin 0.8 mg
Niacin 7.03 mg
Vitamin B6 0.42 mg
Folate 61.33 mcg
Vitamin B12 1.77 mcg
Phosphorus 541.57 mg
Magnesium 100.9 mg
Zinc 3.27 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
1. Can I use frozen prawns?

Absolutely! Just ensure they're fully defrosted and pat them dry before cooking. If raw, cook them for 3 minutes before adding them to the sauce. 

2. What can I use instead of bacon?

You can substitute bacon with shredded cooked chicken, diced ham, or mushrooms. 

3. What type of pasta works best?

Fresh pasta is ideal for a quick cook time, but any dry pasta like spaghetti, penne works perfectly. 

4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Peas, spinach or asparagus pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce. 

Thao Bui

Food Blogger, Stylist and Photographer

Hi there, it’s lovely to meet you! I am a home cook, food lover and the founder of Summer and Spice. Originally from Hanoi, Vietnam—a city abundant in rich, diverse flavours—I now live in the UK with my husband and three kids.

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