
Discover a restaurant-worthy meal that comes together in just one pan with this Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes. This luxurious dish combines succulent prawns, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and the intense flavor of sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce. It's a gourmet experience that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum satisfaction.
During my exploration of quick yet impressive dinner options, I discovered that toasting orzo before cooking dramatically enhances its nutty flavor. The moment those fragrant prawns meet the creamy pasta, you'll understand why this dish feels like something from an upscale restaurant.
Essential Components
- Prawn Selection: Large, succulent prawns provide the best texture and flavor
- Sun-Dried Tomato Quality: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes offer superior flavor intensity
- Orzo Toasting: This quick step adds significant depth to the final dish
- Vegetable Balance: Broccoli provides structure while spinach adds color and nutrients
- Cream Addition: Heavy cream creates a luxurious sauce that clings to every bite

Creating Your Masterpiece
- Perfect The Prawns:
- Season generously with spices before cooking. Sauté quickly just until pink, then remove to prevent overcooking.
- Master The Foundation:
- Sauté sun-dried tomatoes in the same pan to capture the prawn flavor, then toast orzo until lightly golden.
- Build The Flavor Base:
- Add broth gradually, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for maximum flavor.
- Create The Creamy Texture:
- Incorporate vegetables and cream once orzo is nearly tender, allowing them to marry with the pasta.
- Reunite The Elements:
- Return prawns to the pan just long enough to warm through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
This dish has become my go-to when I need to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The balance of sophisticated flavors and straightforward preparation makes it perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners.
Perfect Pairings
Complete your meal with thoughtful accompaniments. Serve with crusty garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the rich main dish. For wine pairing, choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay that complements the seafood while cutting through the creaminess.
Creative Variations
Adapt this versatile dish to create endless variations. Try a Spanish version with chorizo and smoked paprika. Create a Greek-inspired dish with feta cheese and kalamata olives. Make it vegetarian by substituting mushrooms for prawns and vegetable broth for chicken broth. For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Storage Success
This dish keeps beautifully for quick meals throughout the week. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency. For best results, warm gently over medium-low heat rather than using the microwave.
Through countless iterations of this recipe, I've found that respecting each ingredient's cooking time while building layers of flavor creates the most successful results. This dish proves that sophisticated, restaurant-quality meals can be achieved at home with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use shrimp instead of prawns?
- Yes, medium or large shrimp work perfectly as a substitute for prawns. Adjust cooking time slightly as smaller shrimp cook faster.
- → Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
- Half-and-half or whole milk can work, though the sauce will be less rich. For a dairy-free option, try full-fat coconut milk.
- → Can I use other pasta shapes?
- Small pasta shapes like risoni, stelline, or small shells work well. Cooking times may vary slightly based on the shape.
- → What vegetables can I substitute?
- Try asparagus, peas, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers in place of the broccoli or spinach.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- This dish is best fresh, but can be refrigerated for 1-2 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream as the pasta will absorb liquid.