Vodka Prawn Pasta
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 500g raw peeled prawns
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 brown onion, finely diced
- 1 ½ tbsp tomato paste
- 2 shots (60 ml) vodka
- 400 ml pasta sauce
- 200 ml cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 500g dried pasta (lumaca rigata garofalo)
- salt & pepper
Method
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Bring a pot full of salted water to the boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to packet instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of cooking water, then drain the pasta.
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Butterfly the top end of the prawns and place into a mixing bowl with the lemon zest and half of the oregano and half of the garlic. Toss to combine.
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Heat a large frying pan with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the prawns and cook, tossing, for 3 minutes, until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Keeping the pan over medium heat, add the onions and remaining garlic and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
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Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
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Carefully add the vodka and cook for 3 mins until you can no longer smell the alcohol. Note: there may be flames with the vodka – so be careful!
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Add the pasta sauce and stir through. Simmer for 5 minutes, until reduced by half. Add the cream and the remaining oregano. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes, stirring regularly. Give the sauce a taste and add salt and pepper to your liking.
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Add the Parmesan, lemon juice, cooked pasta, prawns and ¼ cup pasta cooking water. Toss to combine well.
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Divide between bowls to serve. Garnish with some basil leaves, if you like.