Garlic Butter Tiger Prawn Pasta with Lemon Myrtle Cream Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Jumbo tiger prawns sautéed in garlic butter and tossed with al dente spaghetti, finished with a light lemon myrtle cream sauce for a coastal Australian twist on pasta. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes blends (shelled and deveined) tiger prawns, spaghetti, butter into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic and crushed lemon myrtle leaves; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add prawns and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove prawns and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften. Stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing with sauce and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water. Return prawns to the pan, mix well, and garnish with parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic Butter Tiger Prawn Pasta with Lemon Myrtle Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Garlic Butter Tiger Prawn Pasta with Lemon Myrtle Cream Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic Butter Tiger Prawn Pasta with Lemon Myrtle Cream Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlic Butter Tiger Prawn Pasta with Lemon Myrtle Cream Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Garlic Butter Tiger Prawn Pasta with Lemon Myrtle Cream Sauce?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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