---

Ingredients

For the Prawns

• 1 pound (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Orzo

• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups chicken or seafood stock
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Finishing Ingredients

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges for serving

---

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Prawns

Place the cleaned prawns in a mixing bowl.

Add:

• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss until the prawns are evenly coated.

Allow them to sit while preparing the remaining ingredients.

Preparation Intensity

• Time: 5 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Temperature: Room temperature

---

Step 2: Cook the Prawns

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add a tablespoon of olive oil.

Cooking Intensity

• Heat Level: Medium-High
• Temperature: Approximately 375°F (190°C)
• Cook Time: 2–3 minutes per side

Arrange the prawns in a single layer.

Cook until pink, opaque, and lightly golden.

Avoid overcooking, as prawns become tough when cooked too long.

Remove from the skillet and set aside.

---

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if necessary.

Add:

• Onion
• Garlic

Cooking Intensity

• Heat Level: Medium
• Temperature: Approximately 325°F (163°C)
• Cook Time: 3–4 minutes

Cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

---

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Oregano
• Basil
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook until the tomatoes begin to soften.

Cooking Intensity

• Heat Level: Medium
• Cook Time: 3 minutes

The tomatoes should release some of their juices and create a flavorful base.

---

Step 5: Toast the Orzo

Add the dry orzo directly to the skillet.

Stir continuously.

Cooking Intensity

• Heat Level: Medium
• Cook Time: 2 minutes

Lightly toasting the orzo enhances its nutty flavor and improves texture.

---

Step 6: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in the stock.

Stir thoroughly to combine.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cooking Intensity

• Heat Level: Medium-Low
• Temperature: Approximately 200°F (93°C)
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally.

The orzo will gradually absorb the liquid and become tender.

If needed, add a small amount of additional stock during cooking.

---

Step 7: Return the Prawns

Once the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, return the cooked prawns to the skillet.

Gently stir to combine.

Cooking Intensity

• Heat Level: Low
• Cook Time: 2 minutes

This step warms the prawns without overcooking them.

---

Step 8: Finish the Dish

Remove the skillet from heat.

Add:

• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice
• Fresh parsley

Stir gently until the cheese melts into the orzo.

Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

---

Time and Temperature Summary

---

Tips for Perfect Prawn Orzo

Use Fresh Prawns

Fresh or high-quality frozen prawns provide the best flavor and texture.

Don’t Overcook the Seafood

Prawns cook quickly. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Stir Frequently

Orzo can stick to the bottom of the pan if left unattended.

Add Vegetables

Consider adding:

• Spinach
• Zucchini
• Asparagus
• Peas
• Bell peppers

Use Homemade Stock

A flavorful stock significantly improves the overall taste of the dish.

---

Variations

Creamy Prawn Orzo

Add:

• ½ cup heavy cream
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Stir in during the final minutes of cooking.

---

Spicy Prawn Orzo

Increase the red pepper flakes and add diced chili peppers.

---

Mediterranean Prawn Orzo

Add:

• Kalamata olives
• Feta cheese
• Sun-dried tomatoes

---

Garlic Butter Prawn Orzo

Finish with:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• Additional minced garlic

This creates an extra-rich sauce.

---

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container.

• Shelf Life: Up to 3 days

Reheating

Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Add a splash of stock or water to loosen the orzo.

Freezing

While possible, freezing may slightly alter the texture of both the prawns and orzo.

• Freeze for up to 1 month.

---

Serving Suggestions

Serve Prawn Orzo with:

• Garlic bread
• Green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Steamed asparagus
• Lemon wedges

A crisp sparkling water or fresh lemonade pairs beautifully with the bright flavors of this dish.

---

Nutrition Information

Per Serving

• Calories: 445
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 4g
• Total Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 190mg
• Sodium: 710mg
• Potassium: 520mg
• Calcium: 140mg
• Iron: 3mg
• Vitamin C: 18% Daily Value
• Vitamin A: 10% Daily Value