After a long weekend of get-togethers – hosting an early Christmas party on Friday, niece and nephews over for Christmas movie/game night/sleepover on Saturday and finally Christmas drinks and nibbles at the in laws on Sunday. The last thing I want to do is cook a big meal.

I feel like I have spent an undue amount of time in the kitchen the last few days prepping, that I have hit my quota for the week.

Coupled with the stress of wanting to sort out work applications I need comfort food.

Which brings me to my favourite One- Pot Spicy Prawn Pasta.

I remember a variation of this dish being made by my mother (who also worked full time) growing up. This recipe has held me in good stead whenever I felt like I had too much street food and wanted something home cooked during my long sometimes 12 – 16 hour days as an intern to post 36 hour shift medical officer.

Taking only a couple of minutes with hardly any prep. This dish was a healthy alternative to fast food, and comforting despite it’s simplicity.

Ingredients

1. 150grams of Fettucine (at least 2 portions)
2. Lemon juice – 1 whole lemon
3. 5 cloves of garlic – diced
4. 250 grams of spinach (you can use frozen spinach too)
5. 50 grams of Parmesan cheese (you can add more if you like)
6. Prawns 150grams – I used precooked prawns
7. Mushrooms – Button/Cremini/Porcini (NOTE – Porcini will give you a bit more flavour of course)
8. 2 Birds eye chillies sliced – I do not remove the seeds cause I like the additional kick
9. Olive oil
10. Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

1. Boil the pasta – remember to use plenty of salt
2. Fry the garlic in olive oil together with the chillies
3. Add the mushrooms
4. Once browned add the spinach and lemon juice
5. Once spinach has wilted add the prawns
6. Toss in al dente pasta
7. Add the parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste
8. Stir and serve

You can also look at the video below for the steps!

This dish is so simple and tasty being creamy without being too heavy with a little added kick for good measure. It makes a great quick meal for a weeknight dinner or after one of those days!

Enjoy!