Creamy Prawn Orzo

why make this recipe

Creamy Prawn Orzo is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of prawns with the comforting texture of orzo pasta. The creamy sauce, enhanced by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh garlic, makes it a perfect meal for both special occasions and casual dinners. This recipe is quick to make and requires minimal prep time, which makes it ideal for busy weeknights. Moreover, it’s a great way to impress family and friends with a flavorful homemade dish.

how to make Creamy Prawn Orzo

Ingredients:

  • 200g prawns
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  2. Add prawns to the pan and cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Add the orzo and broth to the pan, bringing it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the orzo is cooked, about 10 minutes.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until creamy.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

how to serve Creamy Prawn Orzo

Serve Creamy Prawn Orzo hot, straight from the pan. You can plate it in bowls or on individual plates. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top not only adds a nice color but also fresh flavor. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine complements this dish perfectly.

how to store Creamy Prawn Orzo

To store Creamy Prawn Orzo, allow it to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to 2 months. Remember to reheat it on low heat, adding a little extra broth or cream to bring back its creaminess.

tips to make Creamy Prawn Orzo

  • Make sure not to overcook the prawns; they should be pink and tender.
  • You can use frozen prawns if fresh ones are not available. Just thaw them before cooking.
  • Adjust the cream quantity according to your preference for creaminess.
  • Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can enhance the flavors.

variation

If you’d like, you can add some vegetables like spinach or peas to the dish for added nutrition. You could also swap prawns for chicken or a combination of seafood.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes, but cooking time may vary.

2. What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use fresh tomatoes or omit them; however, they add a nice depth of flavor.

3. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Creamy Prawn Orzo stores well and tastes just as good when reheated.

Creamy prawn orzo served in a bowl with herbs and garnishes

Creamy Prawn Orzo

Creamy Prawn Orzo is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of prawns with a comforting texture of orzo pasta, enhanced by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh garlic.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 200 g prawns Make sure not to overcook; they should be pink and tender.
  • 1 cup orzo pasta You can use other small pasta shapes, but cooking time may vary.
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped If unavailable, fresh tomatoes can be used.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream Adjust for preferred creaminess.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish as needed Fresh parsley Adds flavor and color.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  2. Add prawns to the pan and cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Add the orzo and broth to the pan, bringing it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the orzo is cooked, about 10 minutes.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until creamy.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve hot, paired with a side salad or crusty bread. A glass of white wine complements this dish perfectly. To store, allow it to cool and transfer to an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze and reheat on low heat, adding broth or cream as needed.

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