Garlic Butter Prawn Orzo is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender prawns sautéed in a buttery, garlicky sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and finished with fresh herbs and Parmesan. This one-pan meal is quick, comforting, and packed with bold flavors that make it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
I first made Garlic Butter Prawn Orzo when I wanted a seafood dish that felt luxurious yet easy to prepare, and it quickly became a favorite. The combination of juicy prawns, silky butter sauce, and the slightly chewy texture of orzo creates a dish that’s both satisfying and elegant. What I love most about this recipe is how quickly it comes together—just a few simple ingredients, one pan, and about 30 minutes!
What’s great about this dish is its versatility. You can add spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness, spice it up with red pepper flakes, or swap the prawns for scallops or chicken. Whether served with a side of crusty bread or enjoyed on its own, Garlic Butter Prawn Orzo is a rich, comforting dish that always impresses!
Perfect for:
- Quick weeknight dinners
- Seafood lovers
- Elegant yet easy meals
- Date nights at home
- Meal prep and leftovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Garlic Butter Prawn Orzo will be a favorite in your kitchen:
- Rich Garlic Butter Flavor: The combination of butter and garlic creates a decadent, savory sauce.
- Perfectly Cooked Prawns: Juicy, tender prawns soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Creamy Yet Light: The orzo absorbs the sauce beautifully, creating a silky texture.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes this dish even more appealing.
- Versatile Dish: Works as a main course or a side for grilled meats and vegetables.
- Restaurant-Quality Meal: Feels gourmet but is simple to make at home.
- Customizable Flavors: Add chili flakes, parmesan, or extra lemon for a personal touch.
- Great for Meal Prep: Tastes just as delicious the next day.
- Balanced Meal: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and comforting pasta.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Prawns:
- 1 lb (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
The Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup baby spinach (optional)
- ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for extra creaminess)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup grated parmesan (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Ingredient Highlights
- Prawns: A great source of lean protein, adding a juicy bite to the dish.
- Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Garlic Butter: The heart of this dish, providing richness and depth.
- Lemon Juice: Adds freshness and balances the butteriness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but great for adding a subtle kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Orzo:
- Toast the Orzo: In a large pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter and toast the orzo for 2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add Broth & Simmer: Pour in the broth, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Cook the Prawns:
- Sauté the Garlic: In a separate pan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Prawns: Add the prawns, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice and toss the prawns to coat them in the sauce.
Combine and Serve:
- Mix It All Together: Add the cooked prawns and garlic butter sauce to the orzo. Stir in cherry tomatoes and spinach (if using) until just wilted.
- Optional Creamy Finish: If using cream, stir it in now for extra richness.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, parmesan, and extra lemon juice before serving.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Garlic Butter Prawn Orzo:
- With Crusty Bread: Mop up the delicious garlic butter sauce with warm bread.
- Alongside a Fresh Salad: Serve with an arugula or Greek salad for a refreshing contrast.
- With Extra Parmesan: Add more grated parmesan for a richer taste.
- Topped with Chili Flakes: For those who love extra heat.
- With a Side of Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus or zucchini for a balanced meal.
- For Meal Prep: Store in airtight containers and reheat for a quick lunch.
- As a Holiday Dish: Great for a seafood-inspired Christmas or Easter dinner.
- With Grilled Chicken: Swap prawns for chicken for a different protein option.
- In a Pasta Bar Spread: Serve alongside other pasta dishes for variety.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Prawns – Fresh prawns give the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw them properly and pat dry before cooking.
- Toast the Orzo – Lightly toasting the orzo in butter before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Infuse the Butter – Let the butter melt slowly with garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a deeper, richer taste.
- Use Seafood Stock – Cooking the orzo in seafood or chicken stock instead of water intensifies the overall flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Prawns – Prawns cook quickly! Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque to keep them juicy.
- Finish with Lemon Zest – A touch of lemon zest at the end brightens up the dish without making it too sour.
- Add Fresh Herbs – Toss in parsley, basil, or chives for a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Incorporate Parmesan or Feta – Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for a creamy, umami boost.
- Let It Rest – Allow the dish to sit for a couple of minutes before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Recipe Variations
- Creamy Parmesan Twist – Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan for a rich, velvety sauce.
- Spicy Cajun Kick – Add Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne for bold, smoky heat.
- Lemon Herb Refresh – Toss in fresh basil, parsley, and extra lemon zest for a bright, summery touch.
- Mediterranean Style – Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta for a Mediterranean flair.
- Tomato Basil Blend – Simmer cherry tomatoes in the garlic butter before adding the orzo for a burst of sweetness.
- Surf & Turf Upgrade – Add sliced chorizo or crispy pancetta for a meaty contrast to the prawns.
- Garlic Butter Scampi Style – Swap the orzo for linguine and double the garlic butter for a classic shrimp scampi vibe.
- Asian Fusion – Use sesame oil, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger for a unique umami twist.
- Veggie Boost – Stir in baby spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrients and texture.
- Cheesy Bake – Transfer the cooked orzo to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil for a golden, cheesy finish.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – For cooking the prawns and orzo evenly.
- Microplane or Garlic Press – To finely mince or grate fresh garlic.
- Zester – For adding fresh lemon zest to brighten up the dish.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – Ideal for stirring and preventing sticking.
- Fine Mesh Strainer – For rinsing the orzo before cooking.
- Kitchen Tongs – Helps flip and handle prawns without breaking them.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient portions.
- Grater – For freshly grating Parmesan or other cheese toppings.
- Citrus Juicer – To easily extract fresh lemon juice.
- Serving Platter or Bowl – For a beautiful presentation of your finished dish.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes! Thaw them in cold water and pat dry before cooking. - What if I don’t have orzo?
You can substitute with small pasta like ditalini or couscous. - How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, cook the prawns fresh before serving. - What’s the best way to reheat it?
Gently warm in a pan with a splash of broth or butter to loosen the pasta.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Prawn Orzo is a rich, flavorful dish that brings together tender, juicy prawns with perfectly cooked orzo, all coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce. The combination of buttery, garlicky goodness with a touch of lemon and fresh herbs makes every bite irresistible. It’s light yet satisfying, making it perfect for both a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress!
You can customize it by adding cherry tomatoes, spinach, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra depth. Serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, and you have a dish that’s guaranteed to be a new favorite!
I can’t wait to see how your Garlic Butter Prawn Orzo turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this dish your own!