Can I use frozen prawns?

Absolutely. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning—they’ll sear up beautifully and taste fresh.

What if I can’t find orzo?

No worries! Any small pasta shape or even rice will do (though you may need to adjust the cooking liquid and timing for rice).

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use a plant-based cream or coconut milk for the sauce. It will give a slightly different flavor profile but still work nicely.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked prawns?

You can, but add them only in the last minute of cooking just to warm through, or they may get tough.

Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the kind of dinner you’ll want to put on repeat—because this Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe is a weeknight dream come true! In just about half an hour, you’ve got a creamy, savory pasta dish with juicy prawns, hearty orzo, and pops of sun-dried tomato tang. It’s rich, satisfying, and so much easier than it looks—perfect for those evenings when time is short but you’re craving something extra delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Weeknight-friendly: All done in one pan and ready in under 30 minutes—from fridge to table with minimal fuss.
Unbeatable flavor: The prawns bring a sweet savoriness, the orzo becomes perfectly creamy, and sun-dried tomatoes add just the right tang. Every bite is a mix of comfort and sophistication.
Nutrient-packed: With broccoli and fresh spinach folded in, you get gorgeous color and a health boost, too.
Customizable: You can switch up veggies, adjust the spice, or swap out proteins without losing the magic of this dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick rundown of what you need and why each ingredient deserves its spot:

King Prawns (Peel them for convenience! Great for quick cooking, with a sweet yet briny flavor that stands out.)
Paprika Powder (Adds a subtle smokiness and depth—this simple spice does a lot of flavor lifting.)
Red Pepper Flakes (For those who like a hint of heat, but totally optional.)
Garlic Powder (Works alongside fresh garlic for a double dose—each adds unique aroma.)
Black Pepper & Salt (Essential basic seasoning to enhance every ingredient.)
Olive Oil (Used twice—for sautéing prawns and for the orzo. Keep things light yet flavorful.)
Fresh Garlic (Minced for a bold, aromatic kick that’s absolutely irresistible with prawns.)
Orzo Pasta (Tiny rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully—tender yet slightly chewy.)
Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Brings an intense, tangy-sweet punch that transforms the entire dish—they’re so much more than a garnish!)
Chicken Broth (Infuses the orzo with savory depth as it cooks; much more flavor than water.)
Broccoli (Finely chopped so it cooks fast and melts right into the sauce, adding pops of color and nutrients.)
Fresh Spinach (Wilts down, adding silkiness and extra greens.)
Heavy Cream (The secret to a rich, luscious sauce that coats every bite—decadent but not heavy.)
Salt & Black Pepper to Taste (Adjust at the end to balance everything perfectly.)

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it can be. Here’s how to make it your own:

Go Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick.
Protein Swap: Use diced chicken breast, scallops, or even tofu for a different twist.
Veggie Boost: Toss in peas, asparagus, or mushrooms—whatever’s looking good in your fridge.
Lighten it Up: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter sauce (note, this will change the flavor and texture).
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free orzo or small pasta alternative.

How to Make Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Step 1: Prepare and Season

Start by patting the prawns dry and tossing them with paprika, a touch of red pepper flakes, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Massage all those flavors in—this step sets the foundation!

Step 2: Quick Sear

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the seasoned prawns and give them just a couple of minutes, turning once, until they’re pink and opaque. Remove to a plate, so they don’t overcook.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Lower the heat and add fresh olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir till everything is fragrant—this takes less than a minute but makes your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Now, add the orzo straight into the skillet. Stir until it’s glossy and coated with all those garlicky, tomatoey flavors. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and let the orzo soak up all that goodness—stir often so nothing sticks.

Step 5: Add the Veggies

When the orzo is about halfway done, mix in the broccoli and spinach. The greens should wilt, and the broccoli becomes just-tender.

Step 6: Creamy Finish

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently—this brings the sauce together into a silky, luxuriously creamy consistency. Season with salt and black pepper, and taste to check the seasoning.

Step 7: Return the Prawns

Add the prawns (plus any juices!) back to the pan, letting everything mingle for a minute or two, just until hot. That’s it!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Prawns: They go from perfect to rubbery in seconds. Sear just until pink, then remove and return at the very end.
Use the Right Pan: A wide, deep skillet lets you stir the orzo easily and incorporate the veggies well.
Stir the Orzo Often: It likes to stick—keep it moving for that perfect creamy texture.
Taste as You Go: Chicken broth can vary in saltiness, so hold off on extra salt until the end.

How to Serve

This dish shines on its own as a main course but can be paired beautifully if you’re feeding a crowd or want a little extra:

Side Salad: Crisp greens with a simple vinaigrette cut through the richness.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
Wine Pairing: Something bright and zesty—think Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Pinot Grigio.

To really elevate the meal, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon right before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days—ideal for next-day lunches.

Freezing

Because it’s a creamy pasta dish, freezing isn’t recommended; the sauce may separate on thawing. However, if you need to freeze, store in single portions and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. It only needs a few minutes—prawns should be heated through, not cooked further.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns?

Absolutely. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning—they’ll sear up beautifully and taste fresh.
What if I can’t find orzo?

No worries! Any small pasta shape or even rice will do (though you may need to adjust the cooking liquid and timing for rice).
Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use a plant-based cream or coconut milk for the sauce. It will give a slightly different flavor profile but still work nicely.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked prawns?

You can, but add them only in the last minute of cooking just to warm through, or they may get tough.

Final Thoughts

This Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes isn’t just a meal—it’s comfort, color, and pure joy in a bowl. If you’re looking for something easy but extraordinary for tonight’s dinner, give this a go. You’ll be amazed at how quick, flavorful, and downright satisfying home-cooked weeknight food can be. Let yourself get creative and make the dish truly yours—happy cooking!