Easy Spaghetti with Prawns, Courgettes & Gremolata Recipe – Ready in 20 Minutes!

For an easy dinner idea without compromising on flavor or fresh ingredients, you can try this healthy seafood pasta recipe that’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for guests. This Spaghetti with Prawns, Courgettes & Gremolata recipe is about to become your new favorite.

Forget complicated Italian dishes; this vibrant and light pasta dish delivers a glimpse of Mediterranean sunshine in every bite. We’re talking succulent shrimp, tender zucchini (or zucchini!), and perfectly al dente spaghetti, all brought to life by a bright, aromatic, homemade gremolata sauce—a delicious blend of fresh parsley, lemon zest, and garlic.

You can cook this quick seafood pasta in less than 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate summer pasta recipe, perfect for when you want something comforting, delicious, and incredibly easy. Get ready to transform your dinner table with this absolutely delicious and surprisingly easy shrimp pasta recipe. Let’s get cooking!

The Magic of Gremolata

The secret to this spaghetti with prawns and courgettes (zucchini) lies in a vibrant, fresh, and incredibly easy Italian condiment known as gremolata. It’s not just a garnish; it’s a bright, tangy counterpart that cuts through the richness of the seafood and complements the delicate zucchini perfectly, turning every bite into a ray of sunshine.

What exactly is gremolata, and why is it important to this dish?

At its core, gremolata is a classic Italian condiment that’s typically made with three incredibly simple, yet powerfully aromatic ingredients:

• Fresh parsley: Provides an herbaceous, clean, and slightly peppery base.
• Lemon zest: The star of the show, providing a tangy citrus aroma and essential oils that awaken the palate.
• Garlic: A pungent warmth that adds depth and a grounding flavor to the mix.

Although often associated with osso buco, its true versatility shines when paired with lighter dishes, especially seafood pasta. For our shrimp and courgette spaghetti, gremolata plays several important roles:

• Brightens flavor: Fresh lemon zest and parsley brighten the entire dish, keeping it from feeling heavy and enhancing the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
• Adds aromatic complexity: The trifecta of herbs and citrus create an incredibly aromatic profile that captivates your senses before you even bite.
• Cuts through richness: Gremolata acts as a natural palate cleanser, providing a sharp contrast to the savory notes of pasta and seafood, ensuring that every forkful is as exciting as the first.

Injects freshness: It transforms a simple pasta dish into a delicious experience, adding a layer of sophisticated freshness that pre-made sauces simply can’t replicate.

🌿 Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Prawn & Courgette Spaghetti 🍝

Making spaghetti with shrimp, courgette, and gremolata starts with selecting the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Think of them as the key ingredients of flavor that will really make this easy shrimp pasta recipe shine. Here’s everything you need to stock up for a memorable summer pasta recipe or a quick weekend treat.

🦐 Fresh Prawns (Shrimp)

The key ingredient in our seafood pasta recipe! Choose shrimp that is sourced from fresh, sustainable sources whenever possible. Medium to large shrimp work best. Make sure they are peeled and deveined—your future will thank you for this easy preparation! Frozen shrimp is also a great option, just make sure they are completely thawed before cooking. For more on choosing quality seafood, check out this guide from the FDA.

• Quantity: Approximately 300-400g (10-14 oz)
• Tip: Look for firm, translucent prawns with a fresh, mild smell.

🥒 Courgettes (Zucchini)

These versatile green squash add a delightful freshness and a subtle sweetness to our courgette pasta recipe. Slice them thinly to ensure they cook quickly and meld perfectly with the spaghetti. This makes for a wonderfully light and vibrant zucchini shrimp pasta.

• Quantity: 2 medium-sized
• Tip: Choose firm, blemish-free courgettes.

🍝 High-Quality Spaghetti

The foundation of any great pasta dish! Use good quality bronze-die cut spaghetti for the best texture and sauce-holding capability. While we’re making spaghetti with prawns, linguine or fettuccine are also excellent choices if you prefer. This ensures your Italian pasta with prawns truly sings.

• Quantity: 300-400g (10-14 oz)
• Tip: Always cook to al dente for the best chew!

🍋 Gremolata Core: Lemon, Garlic & Parsley

The trifecta that transforms this dish! Fresh, bright lemon zest, pungent garlic, and vibrant fresh parsley are non-negotiable for a truly authentic and zesty gremolata recipe. This blend adds incredible brightness to your lemon garlic prawn pasta.

• Quantity: 1 large lemon, 2-3 cloves garlic, 1 large bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley.
• Tip: Use organic, unwaxed lemons for the zest.

🫒 Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper

Good quality extra virgin olive oil is crucial for frying and finishing, which adds depth of flavor. Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper will enhance all the vibrant flavors of this healthy seafood pasta. Consider a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle flavor boost!

• Quantity: As needed (generously!)
• Tip: Don’t skimp on quality olive oil – it makes a difference!

With these fresh components in hand, you’re well on your way to creating a truly spectacular Spaghetti with Prawns, Courgettes, and Gremolata. Each ingredient plays a vital role in this quick dinner idea with seafood, bringing layers of flavor and texture.

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Suggested: Healthy Weight Watchers Recipe

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How to Make Speedy Spaghetti with Prawns, Courgettes & Gremolata: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple, precise steps to make the most delicious and vibrant spaghetti with shrimp and courgette, topped with that irresistible homemade gremolata.

1. Gremolata & Prep Your Ingredients

First, let’s get those fresh ingredients ready. For the zesty gremolata, finely chop a bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley, then zest one large lemon (avoiding the white pith), and mince 2-3 cloves of garlic. Combine them in a small bowl. Next, prepare your proteins: gently peel and devein your fresh prawns (or shrimp). Finally, thinly slice your courgettes (zucchini) into rounds or delicate ribbons – this ensures they cook quickly and absorb flavor beautifully.

2. Cook Your Spaghetti to Al Dente Perfection

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil – remember, your pasta water should taste like the sea! Add your spaghetti and cook according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Before draining, make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. This liquid gold is crucial for creating a silky, emulsified sauce later on, binding all the flavors together in your spaghetti with prawns recipe.

3. Saute the Juicy Prawns & Tender Courgettes

While your pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or wide pan over medium-high heat with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Add any remaining minced garlic (if you like extra garlic punch!) and, if desired, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Toss in your sliced courgettes. Saute for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp – you want them to retain a little bite. Now, add your prepared prawns (shrimp) to the pan. Cook for only 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn opaque and pink. Do not overcook the prawns! They will become rubbery. This step is key for your quick prawn pasta.

4. Bringing It All Together: The Grand Finale!

Once your spaghetti is al dente, drain it (remembering to keep that reserved pasta water!). Add the hot, drained spaghetti directly to the pan with the prawns and courgettes. Pour in about half a cup of your reserved pasta water, stirring continuously. This starchy liquid will create a light, glossy sauce that coats every strand. Now, the moment of truth: add the majority of your fresh gremolata – save a little for garnish. Stir everything together vigorously until well combined and the sauce thickens slightly. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

5. Serve & Garnish with Zest!

Divide your incredible spaghetti with prawns, courgettes, and gremolata among serving plates. For that final flourish and a burst of freshness, sprinkle the remaining gremolata over each serving. You can also add an extra drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a tiny squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews! This healthy seafood pasta is best enjoyed fresh.

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Tips for Success & Delightful Variations

Make your spaghetti with shrimp, courgette and gremolata delicious with these expert tips, and explore interesting ways to customize this versatile pasta recipe to your liking. Get ready to master your quick seafood pasta making skills!

Pro Tips for a Perfect Dish

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  Don’t Overcook the Prawns: This is crucial! Prawns cook very quickly. They are done when they turn opaque and pink. Overcooked prawns become rubbery and tough, detracting from your healthy seafood pasta. Aim for just 2-3 minutes of cooking time.

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  Add plenty of salt to your pasta water: The water should taste like the ocean! This is your only chance to season your pasta. Properly salted pasta makes the whole spaghetti dish even more delicious..

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  The Magic of Reserved Pasta Water: Don’t skip this step! The starchy pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce, creating a silky, cohesive coating for your spaghetti with prawns and courgettes. It binds all the flavors together beautifully.

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  Fresh is Best for Gremolata: While convenient, pre-chopped ingredients won’t give you the same vibrant punch. Use fresh parsley, lemon zest, and garlic for the most aromatic and flavorful homemade gremolata.

Delightful Recipe Variations

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  Vegetable Swaps: Not a fan of courgettes? No problem! Try adding asparagus tips, halved cherry tomatoes (add at the end of cooking to just warm through), fresh spinach (wilts beautifully), or thinly sliced bell peppers for different flavors and textures.

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  Protein Alternatives: While prawns are fantastic, you can easily substitute with scallops for an even more luxurious seafood pasta, tender chicken pieces, or for a vegetarian option, hearty cannellini beans or chickpeas. These are great prawn pasta recipe variations.

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  Herb & Flavor Twists: Experiment with different fresh herbs! A sprinkle of fresh basil or dill can provide a unique aroma. For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes. A touch of white wine or vegetable broth can also enhance the sauce depth.

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  Cheese or No Cheese?: Traditionally, seafood pasta in Italy isn’t served with cheese. However, if you love it, a light dusting of finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano can add a salty, umami depth. Use sparingly to let the fresh seafood flavors shine.

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Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Speedy Spaghetti with Prawns, Courgettes & Gremolata

While this Spaghetti with Prawns, Courgettes & Gremolata is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, a few simple additions can elevate your dining experience even further. Here are the best accompaniments to complement the vibrant flavors of this easy seafood pasta.

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Your Top Questions Answered: Spaghetti with Prawns & Courgettes FAQ

Can I use frozen prawns (shrimp) for this spaghetti recipe? ▼

Using frozen prawns (or frozen shrimp) is perfectly fine for this easy prawn pasta recipe. Just make sure they are fully thawed before cooking. The best way to thaw them is overnight in the refrigerator, or for a quicker method, place them in a colander under cold running water for about 10-15 minutes until defrosted. Pat them dry thoroughly before adding them to the pan to ensure they sear nicely and don’t steam. This is key for the best texture in your spaghetti with seafood.

What can I use instead of courgettes (zucchini) in this pasta dish? ▼

If courgettes aren’t available or you prefer an alternative, several vegetables work wonderfully in this summer pasta recipe. Good substitutes include thinly sliced yellow squash, asparagus (cut into 1-inch pieces), or even fresh spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted). For a slight variation, you could also add halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and color. These alternatives maintain the lightness and freshness of the healthy seafood pasta.

Can I prepare the gremolata ahead of time? ▼

Yes, you can prepare the gremolata a few hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the flavors fresh. I highly recommend making it just before you’re ready to serve. The fresh lemon zest and parsley are at their peak when freshly grated and chopped. This ensures the best lemon garlic prawn pasta experience.

Is this spaghetti with prawns recipe spicy? ▼

By default, this spaghetti with prawns recipe is not spicy, making it a great option for the whole family. The hint of garlic and fresh lemon makes it incredibly flavorful without heat. However, if you enjoy a little kick, you can easily add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the pan when you saute the garlic and courgettes. This will give it a pleasant warmth. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.

What’s the best type of pasta for this dish? ▼

While this recipe needs spaghetti, its long, thin strands are perfect for coating with the light sauce. However, other long pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine would also work beautifully. If you prefer a shorter pasta, penne or rigatoni could be used, though the texture will be different. Choose a good quality durum wheat pasta for the best results in this Italian pasta with prawns.

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