Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup required.
- Flavorful: The combination of prawns, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic offers a burst of Mediterranean flavors.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 1/2 lb raw king prawns, peeled
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (additional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup broccoli, finely chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to tast
Directions
- Season the Prawns: In a bowl, combine prawns with paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cook the Prawns: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the seasoned prawns and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Orzo: In the same pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 30 seconds. Add uncooked orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring to coat with the oil and flavors.
- Add Broth and Broccoli: Pour in chicken broth and add chopped broccoli. Stir well, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate Spinach and Cream: Once the orzo is tender, add fresh spinach, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked prawns to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.
- Vegetarian: Omit prawns and use vegetable broth. Add mushrooms or tofu for protein.
- Spicier Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Gluten-Free: Replace orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream sauce, which may separate upon thawing.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for the prawns.
Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking.
What can I substitute for orzo?
Short-grain rice or small pasta shapes like ditalini can be used as alternatives.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Absolutely. Omit the prawns and use vegetable broth. Add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added texture.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components like the seasoned prawns and chopped vegetables in advance to save time.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?
Stir the orzo occasionally while it’s cooking, and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pan.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch.
What sides pair well with this dish?
A fresh green salad or crusty bread complements the creamy texture of the orzo.
How do I store leftovers?
Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Can I use other types of seafood?
Yes, scallops or chunks of firm white fish can be used in place of prawns.
Conclusion
Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Its rich, creamy texture combined with the bold flavors of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes makes it a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this versatile recipe and feel free to adapt it to suit your taste preferences.
Print
Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring juicy prawns, tender orzo, and savory sun-dried tomatoes. Easy, elegant, and ready in 35 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Prawns:
1½ lb raw king prawns, peeled
1 tsp paprika powder
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
For the Dish:
2 tbsp olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp olive oil (additional)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup uncooked orzo
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup broccoli, finely chopped
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Season Prawns: Toss prawns with paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
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Cook Prawns: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, add prawns, and cook 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
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Cook Orzo: In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in orzo and toast for 1 minute.
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Add Broth & Broccoli: Pour in chicken broth, add broccoli, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add Spinach & Cream: Stir in spinach, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Cook until spinach wilts.
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Combine & Serve: Return prawns to the pan. Stir and heat through for 2–3 minutes. Serve hot.
Notes
Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Substitute prawns with scallops or white fish if preferred.
Orzo can be swapped for short pasta or rice.
A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds extra richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan, Sauté
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
