This Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a vibrant and elegant one-pan meal that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your dinner table. The tender, juicy prawns pair beautifully with the chewy texture of orzo, all coated in a savory sauce enriched by the intense sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic garlic.

Perfect for busy weeknights yet sophisticated enough for entertaining guests, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare. With a touch of fresh herbs and a hint of lemon, it offers a refreshing and satisfying balance of flavors that will quickly make it a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Key Ingredients

• 1 pound large prawns (shrimp), peeled and deveined
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced (reserve 2 tablespoons of oil)
• 2 1/4 cups chicken stock
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, toss the prawns with 1 tablespoon of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the prawns for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the orzo, toasting the pasta for 3-4 minutes until it becomes lightly golden brown.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.
6. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese until the spinach is just wilted and the sauce is creamy.
7. Add the cooked prawns back into the skillet and toss gently to reheat through for 1-2 minutes.
8. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed and serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

This Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a stunning example of how a few high-quality ingredients can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. The combination of succulent prawns, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and tender orzo pasta results in a harmonious blend of Mediterranean flavors that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you are hosting a small dinner party or simply looking to elevate a weeknight meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its vibrant colors and rich, savory profile.

One of the best features of this recipe is its incredible versatility and ease of preparation, often coming together in under thirty minutes. You can easily customize the dish by adding fresh baby spinach for a pop of green, or a splash of heavy cream for a more decadent, velvety sauce. Serve it warm with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices, and you’ll have a new family favorite that you’ll want to return to again and again.