Prawns with chilli is the pizza flavour combo that never gets old. And with this quick and easy recipe, there's no need to take away to enjoy your favourite. Treat the family for dinner tonight, or make a batch when entertaining friends.

What you need to know before you start

This meal comes together in just 20 minutes. There’s no need to prepare your own pizza base, have access to a pizza oven or even a pizza stone (your regular oven will do the trick). You will, however, need some everyday kitchen equipment, such as a small sharp knife to devein the prawns and a box grater to prepare the shredded cheese.

Why is this the best prawn, chilli and rocket pizza recipe?

This speedy, flavour-packed pizza is the perfect quick weeknight meal, and is a great recipe to double or triple when feeding a crowd. There’s essentially no cooking required, so it’s a low-fuss option when you want something on the table fast.

It has a spicy kick thanks to both the use of arrabiata pasta sauce as the base of the pizza and the option to include finely chopped red chillies that pair beautifully with the succulent and juicy prawns. 

Do you put raw or cooked prawns on a pizza?

For this recipe, place raw prawns tossed in olive over the pizza base. The prawns will cook in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until the base is crispy, the cheese is bubbling and the prawns are tender. 

What ingredients you’ll need 

Arrabiata pasta sauce: This pre-made sauce forms the base of the pizza. Arrabiata has a  bold spiciness to add heat and imparts a dynamic contrast to the sweetness of the prawns. If you only have plain passata or pasta sauce, add a sprinkle of chilli powder or chilli flakes. 

Woodfired pizza base: Store-bought pizza bases save time and effort while still resulting in a beautiful charred, chewy savoury crust. 

Green prawns: The fresh flavours and subtle sweetness of the prawns is the hero protein of this recipe. They retain their natural texture and juiciness when cooked, adding bite. 

Olive oil: This adds a rich, smooth flavour to enhance the overall taste of the pizza. 

Red onion: The onions have a natural sweetness and mild sharpness that can balance the savoury aromas of the pizza and complement the delicate taste of the prawns. 

Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese has a mild, creamy flavour while giving the pizza a cheesy pull. 

Rocket leaves: The peppery kick of fresh rocket leaves provides a crisp, slightly crunchy texture that contrasts with the tender prawns and melted cheese.

Long red chilli (optional): Used for additional heat, however, feel free to omit if you prefer.

Lemon: A final squeeze of lemon juice added to the cooked pizza adds a tangy acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese and complements the natural sweetness of the prawns.

How to correctly arrange a pizza

To prepare, spread a thin even layer of arrabiata sauce over the pizza base, avoiding the edges of the crust. In a separate bowl, toss the prawns in olive oil before arranging on the pizza, followed by the sliced red onion and mozzarella cheese. Once cooked, top with fresh rocket, the red chilli (if you’re using) and a fresh squeeze of lemon. 

How to store leftover prawn, chilli and rocket pizza

This prawn pizza is best served fresh straight from the oven, however, you can store leftovers for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, avoid the microwave and warm in the oven or in your air fryer.

What to serve with prawn, chilli and rocket pizza

Plate up our prawn pizza as part of your Italian feast with starters like olives, hard cheese and salami, followed by warm plates like barbecued calamari, mortadella fritta cacio e pepe and eggplant rolls. End the evening with a scoop of pistachio gelato for the perfect finish. 

Drink pairings with prawn, chilli and rocket pizza

Balance the richness of the prawns with the crisp acidity and citrus notes of sauvignon blanc or the fresh, clean taste of a chardonnay. A dry rosé also offers a nice balance of acidity and fruitiness, making it a versatile choice that complements the flavours of prawn pizza.

If you love our prawn, chilli and rocket pizza recipe, try this 

Now that you’ve tried our prawn, chilli and rocket pizza, try your hand at some of our other favourite toppings and DIY bases:

• Lahmacun (Turkish pizza)
• Potato and zucchini pizza
• Pizza al taglio
• No-knead spicy soppressata pizza