Italian Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe

Succulent prawns sautéed in a rich Italian garlic butter sauce with white wine, fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs. These Italian Garlic Butter Prawns are bursting with bright, savory flavor and ready in minutes. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or luxurious main course served with pasta or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce.

Why You’ll Love This recipe

This Italian Garlic Butter Prawns recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of sweet prawns, fragrant garlic, rich butter, and a splash of white wine creates an irresistible sauce that’s brightened with fresh lemon and parsley.

It’s incredibly versatile — serve it as a starter, over pasta, with risotto, or alongside grilled vegetables. The dish feels special enough for date nights and holidays yet is quick enough for busy weeknights. The aroma alone will have everyone gathered in the kitchen, and the balance of flavors makes it a dish you’ll crave again and again.

Yield: 4 servings

Italian Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe

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Juicy prawns in rich garlic butter white wine sauce with fresh herbs — Italian perfection

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680g) large prawns, peeled and deveined (tails on optional)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 6–8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Prep the prawns — Pat the prawns completely dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat the pan — Place a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil and butter.
3. Infuse the garlic — Once the butter melts, add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook gently for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Cook the prawns — Add the prawns in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes until they start turning pink.
5. Flip and continue — Turn the prawns and cook for another 1–2 minutes on the second side.
6. Add the wine — Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, gently scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
7. Brighten with lemon — Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Simmer for another minute until the sauce slightly thickens.
8. Finish with herbs — Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
9. Toss gently — Gently toss the prawns in the beautiful garlic butter sauce to coat every piece.
10. Serve immediately — Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon extra sauce over the top, garnish with lemon wedges, and serve with crusty bread or pasta. Enjoy while hot!

Notes

Prawns cook very fast — remove from heat as soon as they turn opaque to keep them juicy. Use fresh garlic and good butter for the best flavor. This dish comes together very quickly once you start cooking.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 440Total Fat 26gSaturated Fat 10gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 384mgSodium 1598mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 39g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Use large, fresh or properly thawed prawns for best texture.
• Pat prawns dry before cooking for a nice sear.
• Don’t overcook the prawns — they cook very quickly.
• Use a good quality dry white wine you would drink.
• Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the garlic.
• Finish with fresh lemon juice and zest for brightness.
• Add red pepper flakes for a gentle spicy kick.
• Reserve some sauce to toss with pasta if serving as a main.
• Use a mix of butter and olive oil for best flavor.
• Serve immediately for the most tender prawns.

Ingredients Notes

Large prawns (shrimp) are the star — fresh or frozen and thawed work well. Plenty of fresh garlic delivers bold Italian flavor. High-quality butter and extra virgin olive oil create a silky, rich sauce.

Dry white wine adds depth and acidity, while fresh lemon brightens everything. Fresh parsley brings color and freshness. Red pepper flakes (optional) add a subtle heat common in Italian coastal dishes. Simple, high-quality ingredients shine in this quick-cooking recipe.

Variations and Substitutions

Make it creamy by adding a splash of heavy cream at the end. Use shrimp instead of prawns if more readily available. For a spicy version, increase red pepper flakes or add Calabrian chili.

Make it gluten-free and serve over zucchini noodles or polenta. Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra vegetables. Replace white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version. Turn it into a pasta dish by tossing with linguine or spaghetti. For a richer flavor, add a handful of grated Parmesan at the end.

Storage Options

Best enjoyed fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Avoid microwaving to prevent tough prawns. Not recommended for freezing as the texture of prawns can become rubbery.

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