Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Prawn Pasta

This Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Prawn Pasta is the perfect quick-fix dinner with loads of flavor. Juicy shrimp tossed with spicy rose harissa, fresh parsley, and lemon juice—it’s light, zesty, and comes together in just 20 minutes. I made this on a hectic weeknight, and it felt like a restaurant-quality meal with barely any effort! (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 150g dried spaghetti
• 8 raw shell-on jumbo shrimp/prawns
• 2 tsp rose harissa
• 15g Italian parsley (half a bunch)
• 1 lemon

How To Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Prawn Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the spaghetti in boiling salted water according to the package directions. Reserve a splash of cooking water before draining.
2. Prep the Prawns: Peel the prawns but keep the tails on. Save the heads! Run a small knife down the back to devein—this will help them butterfly as they cook.
3. Sauté the Heads for Flavor: In a large frying pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the prawn heads and cook until golden and fragrant, pressing gently to release flavor.
4. Add Parsley Stems: Chop the parsley leaves and keep aside. Finely slice the stems and toss them into the pan with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let them cook for a minute.
5. Cook the Prawns: Toss the prawns with rose harissa, then add them to the pan. Sear for 1 minute per side until just cooked through.
6. Toss and Finish: Transfer the drained spaghetti into the pan with the prawns. Add the juice of half a lemon and the chopped parsley leaves. Toss everything together, using the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
7. Serve: Remove the crispy prawn heads, and serve the pasta with lemon wedges on the side. Done!

Why I Love This Recipe

It’s fast, flavorful, and just fancy enough to feel special without being fussy. The rose harissa gives it a deep warmth, while lemon and parsley keep things fresh. I love that it only needs one pan and one pot too!

Recipe Tips

• Don’t Overcook Prawns: Just 1 minute per side keeps them juicy.
• Use Fresh Lemon: It makes a huge difference!
• Keep the Heads: Cooking them adds serious flavor to the dish.
• Chili Boost: Add extra chili flakes if you love heat.
• Swap Pasta: Works well with linguine or tagliatelle too.

How To Store This Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Prawn Pasta

• In the Fridge: Cool leftovers and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• In the Freezer: Not recommended—prawns can turn rubbery and pasta gets mushy.
• Reheating:
  • Oven: 175ºC (350ºF), covered, for 10–15 mins.
  • Microwave: Medium heat 1–2 mins, stir halfway.
  • Stovetop: Medium heat with splash of water, stir gently until warm.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can I use frozen prawns?
  Totally! Just defrost thoroughly before cooking.
• What if I can’t find rose harissa?
  Regular harissa works fine, or mix chili paste with smoked paprika and lemon zest.
• Is it okay to skip the prawn heads?
  Yes, but they do add great flavor. If you skip them, use a splash of fish stock or anchovy paste for depth.
• Can I make it milder?
  Sure—use less harissa or choose a mild version.
• What’s a good side dish?
  Serve with garlic bread, roasted broccoli, or a green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 serving

• Calories: 699
• Total Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 270mg
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Potassium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 70g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 39g

Try More Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Recipes:

• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Apple Tart
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Lamb Kofta
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Aubergine
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Sea Bass