Looking for a pasta dish that’s bold, smoky, and packed with flavor?
This Jamie Oliver Prawn and Chorizo Pasta Recipe delivers exactly that. Juicy prawns and spicy chorizo come together in a rich tomato-based sauce, making every bite full of contrast and character. It’s a quick midweek dinner with restaurant-quality taste—and it all comes together in under 30 minutes.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Prawn and Chorizo Pasta?
Jamie Oliver’s Prawn and Chorizo Pasta is a fusion-style pasta dish that combines sweet, tender prawns with the smoky heat of Spanish-style chorizo. Tossed in a garlicky tomato sauce and served over your favorite pasta, it’s a dish that balances seafood freshness with meaty depth. This recipe is known for its speed, bold seasoning, and satisfying finish.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes – Great for busy weeknights
- Big, bold flavors – Chorizo and prawns are a perfect match
- Minimal ingredients – Yet packed with taste
- Visually vibrant – Red tomatoes, golden chorizo, and juicy prawns
- Easy to adjust – Add spice, veggies, or different pasta
- Perfect for entertaining or solo meals
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver’s Prawn and Chorizo Pasta
- 150g raw prawns (peeled and deveined)
- 100g chorizo sausage (sliced into thin rounds)
- 200g pasta (penne or spaghetti work well)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 can chopped tomatoes (400g)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
- Olive oil – for cooking
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Fresh parsley – for garnish
- Lemon wedges – for serving
Equipment Needed
- Large frying pan
- Medium saucepan (for pasta)
- Colander
- Knife and chopping board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver’s Prawn and Chorizo Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Cook the Chorizo
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add sliced chorizo and cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing the oils to release and the edges to crisp slightly.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the pan.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Stir in tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, smoked paprika, and chili flakes.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Add the Prawns
- Stir in prawns and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing well to coat.
- Plate up and garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple green salad.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver’s Prawn and Chorizo Pasta
- Garlic bread – Perfect for scooping up sauce
- Simple green salad – Lightens up the meal
- Chilled white wine – Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well
- Steamed asparagus or green beans – Adds a fresh crunch
- Roasted peppers or zucchini – Complement the smoky flavor
- Lemon wedges – Brightens every bite
- Parmesan shavings – Optional, but delicious
Expert Tips for Making the Best Prawn and Chorizo Pasta
- Use raw prawns for best flavor – They cook quickly and stay juicy
- Choose good-quality chorizo – It’s the backbone of the dish’s flavor
- Don’t overcook the prawns – They turn rubbery if left too long
- Add pasta water as needed – Helps bind the sauce to pasta
- Balance with lemon – A squeeze at the end cuts the richness
- Taste and season well – Tomatoes need salt to shine
- Finish with fresh herbs – Parsley or basil adds color and lift
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Prawn and Chorizo Pasta
- Make it creamy – Add a splash of cream or cream cheese
- Add veggies – Bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes work great
- Use different pasta – Try tagliatelle, fusilli, or linguine
- Swap prawns for scallops – Another seafood option
- Make it spicy – Increase chili flakes or add fresh red chili
- Use passata instead of chopped tomatoes – For a smoother sauce
- Add white wine to deglaze the pan – Boosts depth and richness
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Prawn and Chorizo Pasta
- Cool leftovers completely before storing – Prevents condensation
- Store in an airtight container – Keeps it fresh for up to 2 days
- Label the container with date – Helpful for quick identification
- Don’t store with garnish – Add parsley fresh when reheating
- Avoid freezing if using pre-frozen prawns – Can alter texture
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Prawn and Chorizo Pasta
- Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or stock – Helps revive the sauce
- Microwave in 30-second bursts – Stir between each interval
- Avoid overcooking prawns during reheating – Heat just until warm
- Cover with a lid when microwaving – Keeps moisture in
- Taste before serving again – Add seasoning or a dash of lemon if needed
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Prawn and Chorizo Pasta Healthier?
- Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta – Adds fiber
- Reduce the amount of chorizo – Still flavorful with less
- Add more veggies – Like spinach or roasted zucchini
- Skip the oil and use chorizo fat to cook aromatics – Cuts extra fat
- Use fresh tomatoes – Instead of canned for a lighter sauce
- Cut down on salt – Chorizo already brings a lot
- Serve with a side salad instead of bread
Nutrition Value (per serving, approx.):
- Calories: 540
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 4g
Final Words
This Jamie Oliver Prawn and Chorizo Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that hits all the right notes—smoky, spicy, and satisfyingly saucy. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and special enough for company. Once you try it, you’ll want it in your regular dinner rotation.
PrintJamie Oliver Prawn and Chorizo Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéed and boiled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Prawn and Chorizo Pasta is a fusion-style pasta dish that combines sweet, tender prawns with the smoky heat of Spanish-style chorizo. Tossed in a garlicky tomato sauce and served over your favorite pasta, it’s a dish that balances seafood freshness with meaty depth. This recipe is known for its speed, bold seasoning, and satisfying finish.
Ingredients
-
100g chorizo sausage (sliced into thin rounds)
-
200g pasta (penne or spaghetti work well)
-
2 cloves garlic (minced)
-
1 small onion (finely chopped)
-
1 can chopped tomatoes (400g)
-
1 tablespoon tomato paste
-
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
-
Olive oil – for cooking
-
Salt and pepper – to taste
-
Fresh parsley – for garnish
-
Lemon wedges – for serving
150g raw prawns (peeled and deveined)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
-
Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
-
Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Cook the Chorizo
-
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
-
Add sliced chorizo and cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing the oils to release and the edges to crisp slightly.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
-
Add chopped onion and garlic to the pan.
-
Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
-
Stir in tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, smoked paprika, and chili flakes.
-
Simmer for 5–7 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Add the Prawns
-
Stir in prawns and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
-
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
-
Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing well to coat.
-
Plate up and garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
-
Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple green salad.