One-Pot Prawn Orzo with Garlic and Lemon
A light and fresh one-pot orzo pasta with tender prawns, bright lemon, and garlic, perfect for a quick family meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 28 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, medium prawns, peeled and deveined for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 lb medium prawns, peeled and deveined
- 10 oz orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined medium prawns to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start turning pink.
- Step 3: Pour in 10 oz orzo pasta, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined. Serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Prawn Orzo with Garlic and Lemon take to make?
Total time is about 28 minutes (8 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Prawn Orzo with Garlic and Lemon?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Prawn Orzo with Garlic and Lemon?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Prawn Orzo with Garlic and Lemon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Prawn Orzo with Garlic and Lemon?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
