Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Introduction

This prawn orzo with sun-dried tomatoes is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender prawns with creamy orzo pasta and vibrant vegetables. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special. The sun-dried tomatoes add a lovely depth of flavor, making every bite memorable.

Ingredients

• 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 (for orzo)
• 1/2 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

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the prawns with paprika powder, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Toss gently to coat the prawns evenly with the spices.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the seasoned prawns to the pan and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the prawns from the pan and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 30 seconds to release their flavor.
5. Step 5: Add the uncooked orzo to the pan and roast it for 1 minute, stirring to coat it with the oil and spices.
6. Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, scraping any browned bits from the pan to incorporate that flavor.
7. Step 7: Add the chopped broccoli and stir to combine.
8. Step 8: Bring the broth to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring 2-3 times to prevent the orzo from sticking, until the orzo is tender.
9. Step 9: Once the orzo is softened, add the fresh spinach, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to mix everything together.
10. Step 10: Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Return the cooked prawns to the pan and heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Frozen prawns work well—just thaw completely before cooking. For a different protein, try chicken or scallops instead of prawns.
• If you don’t have paprika, smoked cayenne or chipotle powder are great substitutes to add smoky heat.
• Sun-dried tomatoes boost the flavor, but you can swap with oven-roasted cherry tomatoes for a fresher taste.
• Use vegetable broth and coconut or cashew cream for a plant-based version.
• Try swapping broccoli for cauliflower, zucchini, peas, or kale to change up the vegetable mix.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, frozen prawns are fine as long as they are fully thawed before cooking. This ensures they cook evenly and retain their texture.

What can I use if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, oven-roasted cherry tomatoes provide a nice alternative with a milder, fresher flavor. Simply roast cherry tomatoes until soft and use them in the recipe.

Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

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5 from 70 reviews

A flavorful and creamy prawn orzo dish infused with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices. This quick one-pan meal combines tender king prawns, roasted orzo, and a rich sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Prawns

• 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

Orzo

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 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

1. Season the Prawns: In a bowl, combine the king prawns with paprika powder, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Toss gently to ensure the prawns are evenly coated with the spices.
2. Cook Garlic and Prawns: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the seasoned prawns and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink. Remove the prawns from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 30 seconds to release their flavor.
4. Toast the Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo to the pan with the sun-dried tomatoes. Roast the orzo for 1 minute, stirring thoroughly to coat the pasta with the oils and spices.
5. Add Broth and Broccoli: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the pan to lift any browned bits. Stir in the chopped broccoli. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring 2-3 times to prevent sticking.
6. Wilt Spinach and Add Cream: Once the orzo is tender, stir in the fresh spinach, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Reheat Prawns and Serve: Return the cooked prawns to the pan, warming them through for 2-3 minutes. Mix well and serve immediately.

Notes

• Frozen prawns can be used but ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
• Substitute chicken or scallops for prawns if preferred.
• For a plant-based version, use vegetable broth and substitute heavy cream with cashew or coconut cream.
• Sun-dried tomatoes add essential flavor; if unavailable, oven-baked cherry tomatoes are a good alternative.
• You can swap orzo for short-grain rice to create a risotto-style dish.
• Vegetable alternatives like cauliflower, zucchini, or peas can replace broccoli.
• For a lighter cream option, use half-and-half.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.

Keywords: prawn orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy pasta, quick dinner, seafood pasta, healthy prawn recipe