Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Introduction & Inspiration

Some nights you just want a cozy, creamy pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor — but without the hassle of multiple pans or complicated steps.

That’s exactly why I created this Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe.

It’s packed with tender, juicy prawns, vibrant vegetables, and rich, creamy orzo, all cooked in one single pan.

It feels elegant enough for a special dinner, but it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.

Fresh, hearty, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors — this is one dish that checks all the right boxes.

Nostalgic Appeal

Seafood dishes always bring back warm memories of summer vacations by the coast, where fresh prawns and seafood pastas were always the highlight.

I remember long, leisurely dinners where dishes like this would appear — creamy, fragrant, and filled with the kind of ingredients that taste like sunshine.

This Prawn Orzo captures that feeling perfectly, with juicy prawns, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and silky, tender pasta.

It’s the kind of meal that feels like a mini escape — a little taste of the seaside, right in your own kitchen.

And every time I make it, it takes me right back to those sunny, joyful moments.

Homemade Focus

Making this creamy prawn orzo at home means you get to use real, wholesome ingredients and build flavor from scratch.

You season the prawns yourself, infusing them with just the right amount of spice and savoriness.

You cook the orzo right in the same pan, soaking up all the delicious bits and flavors left from searing the prawns.

And you finish it all with a swirl of fresh cream, a handful of spinach, and that magical salty-sweet burst from the sun-dried tomatoes.

Homemade food doesn’t have to be complicated — it just has to be made with care, and this dish proves it in every creamy, delicious bite.

Flavor Goal

The flavor goal for this recipe was all about balance: juicy, spiced prawns, creamy rich pasta, and pops of freshness from the vegetables.

The prawns are seasoned boldly with paprika, garlic, and pepper to make sure every bite is packed with flavor.

The sun-dried tomatoes bring a deep, concentrated sweetness that plays beautifully against the creamy sauce.

The orzo is cooked in chicken broth, picking up all the savory richness from the pan.

Fresh broccoli adds texture and color, while spinach wilts perfectly into the sauce, keeping everything light and vibrant.

Together, it’s rich but not heavy, flavorful but balanced — a true weeknight dinner hero.

Ingredient Insights

Every ingredient in this Prawn Orzo recipe plays a starring role in creating the final dish.

King prawns, already peeled, make cooking quick and easy, while paprika and garlic powder add depth and spice.

Red pepper flakes bring a subtle kick, but you can adjust to suit your heat preference.

Olive oil adds richness and helps carry all the spices into the prawns and pasta.

Fresh garlic infuses the entire dish with a deep, mouthwatering aroma.

Sun-dried tomatoes add bursts of savory sweetness that lift the creamy sauce beautifully.

Orzo pasta is perfect here because it cooks quickly and soaks up all the wonderful flavors from the broth and seasonings.

Chicken broth adds savory depth and helps create a silky sauce as the orzo cooks.

Broccoli adds a little crunch and freshness, while spinach wilts perfectly into the sauce for color and nutrition.

Heavy cream gives the final sauce its luxurious texture, making the dish feel decadent and satisfying.

Essential Equipment

You don’t need fancy gadgets to make this dish happen — just a few basics.

A large sauté pan or deep skillet is essential, preferably one with a lid for simmering the orzo.

A sturdy wooden spoon or spatula makes stirring and scraping up flavorful bits easy.

A sharp knife and cutting board help with prepping garlic, broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Measuring cups and spoons ensure perfect amounts for a balanced, creamy sauce.

One pan, a few tools, and a delicious meal are all within easy reach.

Ingredients with Measurements

For the Prawns:

• 1½ lb raw king prawns, peeled
• 1 teaspoon paprika powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced

For the Orzo Pasta:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup broccoli, finely chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:
In a bowl, season the prawns with paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
Toss gently to coat them evenly.

Step 2:
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3:
Add the seasoned prawns to the pan.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, just until pink and opaque.
Remove the prawns from the pan and set aside.

Step 4:
In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Cook for about 30 seconds to release their flavor.

Step 5:
Add the uncooked orzo to the pan and stir to coat it in the oils and spices.
Toast for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 6:
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
Add the finely chopped broccoli and stir to combine.

Step 7:
When the broth starts bubbling, lower the heat and cover the pan with a lid.
Simmer for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is almost tender.

Step 8:
When the orzo has softened, add the fresh spinach, heavy cream, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 9:
Return the cooked prawns to the pan.
Stir gently to coat them in the creamy sauce and warm them through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 10:
Serve hot, garnished with extra black pepper or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Troubleshooting

If the orzo sticks to the pan, make sure to stir it a few times during cooking and use enough broth to keep it from drying out.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.

Be careful not to overcook the prawns — they only need a few minutes per side to stay juicy and tender.

Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving; a little extra salt or black pepper can make all the flavors pop.

Tips and Variations

Swap broccoli for asparagus, peas, or zucchini for a seasonal twist.

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright, tangy finish.

Toss in some grated Parmesan for an extra layer of cheesy, savory flavor.

Use shrimp instead of king prawns if that’s what you have on hand — they work beautifully too.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this creamy prawn orzo with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.

Pair with a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a light rosé for a perfect match.

For a heartier meal, add some crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce.

It’s elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a cozy night in.

Nutritional Information

This dish offers a great balance of protein from the prawns, carbs from the orzo, and plenty of fiber from the broccoli and spinach.

The heavy cream adds richness, but you can adjust the amount to suit your dietary needs.

It’s a satisfying, nutrient-rich meal that’s still light enough not to weigh you down.

Perfect for nights when you want something special without feeling overly heavy.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

This Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is creamy, flavorful, and packed with juicy prawns, tender orzo, and vibrant veggies.

Can I make it ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can cook the prawns and orzo separately and combine them before serving.

Can I use frozen prawns?
Absolutely — just thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.

How can I make it spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for more heat!

This dish is creamy, fresh, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress — even if it’s just a Tuesday night dinner!