Creamy Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach
Make a delicious one-pan Creamy Prawn Orzo! This recipe features perfectly seasoned prawns, orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli, and spinach in a rich cream sauce.
Ingredients
Prawns:
- ▢ 1 1/2 lb raw king prawns (or large shrimp), peeled and deveined
- ▢ 1 tsp paprika powder
- ▢ 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ▢ 2 tsp garlic powder
- ▢ 1 tsp black pepper
- ▢ 1 tsp salt
- ▢ 2 tbsp olive oil
- ▢ 6 cloves garlic, minced
Orzo Pasta:
- ▢ 1 tbsp olive oil
- ▢ 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ▢ 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- ▢ 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- ▢ 1 cup broccoli, finely chopped
- ▢ 2 cups fresh spinach
- ▢ 1 cup heavy cream
- ▢ Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Season the Prawns:
- In a medium bowl, place the peeled and deveined raw prawns.
- Add the paprika powder, red pepper flakes (if using), garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Gently toss the prawns until they are evenly coated with the spices.
2. Cook the Prawns:
- Heat up a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn).
- Add the seasoned prawns to the hot pan in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).
- Cook until pink and opaque on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side. Do not overcook.
- Remove the cooked prawns from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Aromatics and Toast Orzo:
- To the same pan (don’t wipe it out), add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring.
- Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the pan. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute, allowing the orzo to toast slightly and get coated in the oils and flavorful bits left in the pan.
4. Cook the Orzo and Broccoli:
- Pour in the chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan – this adds great flavor!
- Add the finely chopped broccoli to the pan and mix it in well.
- Bring the broth to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let the orzo cook for 7-8 minutes. It’s important to stir 2-3 times during this cooking period to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
5. Finish the Creamy Sauce:
- After 7-8 minutes, check the orzo. It should be mostly tender (al dente).
- Add the fresh spinach, heavy cream, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir everything together gently. Continue to cook, uncovered, over low heat until the spinach wilts down completely and the sauce slightly thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Return Prawns and Serve:
- Add the cooked prawns (and any accumulated juices from the plate) back into the pan with the creamy orzo.
- Stir gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the prawns are heated through.
- Serve the Prawn Orzo immediately, nice and hot.