If you’re looking for an easy meal that delivers on quality for a quick mid-week dinner or date night, then this One Pan Prawn Alfredo is perfect!
I originally created this recipe for Aldi in October 2022, as I was looking to create a budget-friendly meal that didn’t compromise on ingredients or flavour. I had previously created this Cajun Chicken Alfredo dish, but I didn’t have a classic cream and cheese version in my recipe repertoire, so I developed this.
Some (Italians) would say it’s sacrilege to pair cream with seafood, but I think it works pretty well. Plus I think it’s acceptable if you’re American Italian. If you can’t bear the thought of prawns (shrimp) in this dish, then simply make it with chicken instead. I provide direction on how to incorporate chicken in both Ingredients and FAQ sections below.
If you like the convenience of one-pan dishes, then why not try my One Pan Beef + Broccoli Noodles or One Pan Italian Sausage Orzo?
Why I Love It:
You can make it in one pan / one pot. I’m not usually a fan of cooking pasta within a dish (as I think it walks a fine line to over-cooking) but this one works out really well. The pasta adds some starchy-ness to the sauce that helps it thicken.
You can use pre-cooked prawns, which a lot of people find easier.
It's ready in 30 minutes - so perfect for a fuss-free mid-week meal plan option.
Suitable for the whole family:
From 6 months old if using rotisserie chicken (instead of whole prawns as they are a choking hazard) or serving only the pasta and sauce.
From from 9 months old if you cut the prawns / shrimp in half length-wise to reduce choking risk.
Spaghetti / linguine can be served “without modification, just know that they can elicit a strong gag reflex”, so if you’re looking to reduce the gag reflex then chop the pasta into bites size chunks (a couple of inches).
Ingredients
Butter: I use salted butter due to personal preference, and it reduces the need to season much later on. But if cooking for a family, then use unsalted and season to taste later.
Garlic: fresh is always better, but 1 teaspoon garlic paste could be used instead of fresh garlic cloves if necessary
Milk: I use whole milk, but semi-skimmed can also be used
Chicken Stock: chicken stock cubes, stock pots or bullion can be used
You can opt for vegetable stock if preferred or it’s all you have available, but I like the specific flavour that the chicken stock adds to the dish
Spaghetti: linguine is a suitable alternative
I haven’t tested this recipe using a different pasta shape. So be aware that different varieties may require different volumes of stock/cream and cooking times may also vary.
Cream: I use double cream, which is thick cream (similar to heavy cream or whipping cream in USA).
Parmesan: or more specifically, Parmigiano Reggiano (which is the full, legally protected name of the true italian cheese). Grand Padano is a suitable alternative.
King Prawns: I use Specially Selected Extra Large King Prawns from Aldi. If using raw prawns, fry them until cooked in butter at the start, remove from pan and add back in later at stage indicated below.
If choosing to use chicken instead, either add fresh rotisserie chicken in at the same stage as the cooked prawns or cook raw chicken at the beginning before removing from pan and adding in later.
Parsley: not essential, but brightens up the dish with both fresh, vibrant flavour and colour
How To Make One Pan Prawn Alfredo
Melt butter in large pan, add garlic & cook for 1 minute.
If using either raw prawns or chicken, cook them now and remove from pan before next step.
Add chicken stock to the pan
Then add milk & raw pasta - simmer on medium/high heat for approx 12-15 minutes (or until pasta is cooked).
I had my pan lid on throughout, but I stirred regularly so the pasta didn’t stick to the bottom.
Once pasta is cooked (test this by trying it), add the grated parmesan
Then pour in double cream before adding the cooked prawns (or cooked chicken).
Stir through to combine then add fresh, chopped parsley (if using).
Stir to combine, season with salt & pepper if required then serve & enjoy
FAQs
I personally haven’t tried it, so you would need to test the recipe yourself, as I couldn’t make any guarantees. But if you do want to try it, you could use dairy-free cream like this one and plant-based butter and milk of choice.
Yes - either add cooked rotisserie chicken in at the end (at the same stage as cooked prawns). Or cook raw chicken in the pan at the beginning, remove and cook the dish as usual, then add back in at the end.
You can try - but be aware that I haven’t tested this recipe using a different pasta shape. Different varieties may require different volumes of stock/cream and cooking times may also vary.
Storage
Due to having cooked the pasta in the stock + cream, this dish does not store and re-heat well.
It is better cooked and enjoyed straight-away.
And finally ...
If you have any questions, or want to tell me what you think of my recipe, then leave a comment below!
If you like this recipe and are looking for more pasta recipes, then why not try my Rigatoni Amatriciana, Slow Cooked Lamb Ragu Tagliatelle or Blue Cheese, Leek + Bacon Pasta?
One Pan Prawn Alfredo
Ingredients
- 50 g salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic
- 350 ml whole milk
- 500 ml chicken stock 1 x stock cube
- 225 g spaghetti
- 150 ml double cream
- 75 g grated parmesan
- 300 g king prawns pre-cooked
- fresh parsley large handful
Instructions
- Melt 50 g salted butter in large pan, add 4 cloves garlic & cook for 1 minute
- Add 500 ml chicken stock, 350 ml whole milk & raw 225 g spaghetti - simmer on medium/high heat for approx 12-15 minutes (or until pasta is cooked) - I had my pan lid on throughout but stirred regularly so the pasta didn’t stick to the bottom
- Once pasta is cooked, add the 75 g grated parmesan , 150 ml double cream , 300 g king prawns & fresh parsley (chopped)
- Stir to combine, season with salt & pepper if required then serve & enjoy
B says
So easy to follow and the flavours are amazing! A favourite of ours!!
Lauren says
So happy its a favourite for you
Sameera Westcott says
Is that the cals for one portion please
Lauren says
hi, it is - because the recipe is primarily made up of butter, parmesan, double cream and pasta. you could use olive oil spray instead, use single cream instead of double and reduce the amount of cheese added to reduce cals.