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One-Pot Pasta

One-Pot Lemon Garlic Prawn and Pea Orzo

By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished Apr 12, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026
Mediterranean-Inspired 25 mins onepotquickeasypescatarianfamily-friendlylightglutenfreeweeknightlemon garlic prawn recipe

Bright and fresh, this Mediterranean-inspired one-pot orzo pasta recipe combines lemon, garlic, prawns, and peas for a quick, easy, and gluten-free meal ideal for busy weeknight dinners and family-friendly meals.

One-Pot Lemon Garlic Prawn and Pea Orzo
Prep 10 min
Cook 15 min
Total 25 min
Servings 4
Difficulty easy
Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired

Recipe Details

Prep10 min
Cook15 min
Total25 min
Servings4
Difficultyeasy
CuisineMediterranean-Inspired
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Ingredients

Servings 4
  • 1 lb (450g) raw prawns, peeled and deveined
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (gluten-free if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable or seafood stock, low sodium
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent, avoiding browning.
  3. Add the orzo pasta and stir well to coat with oil and aromatics for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in vegetable or seafood stock, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 8-10 minutes.
  6. Add prawns and frozen peas, stirring gently. Cook for 3-4 minutes until prawns turn pink and peas are heated through.
  7. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice, butter (if using), and chopped parsley. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

To adapt this One-Pot Lemon Garlic Prawn and Pea Orzo for different diets or ingredient availability, consider these swaps:

  • Prawns: Substitute shrimp, scallops, or firm white fish. For vegetarian or vegan options, use king oyster mushrooms or seasoned chickpeas for protein and texture.
  • Orzo Pasta: Replace with gluten-free orzo, other small pasta shapes, gluten-free rice, or quinoa.
  • Broth: Use homemade or low-sodium store-bought vegetable or seafood stock. Chicken stock is acceptable if not pescatarian.
  • Butter: Omit or swap for dairy-free margarine or extra olive oil for vegan or dairy-free needs.
  • Peas: Fresh peas or seasonal vegetables like asparagus tips or green beans can be used.
  • Olive Oil: Substitute with avocado oil or other mild-flavored oils.

These options help maintain quick, easy, and family-friendly nature while accommodating gluten-free, pescatarian, vegan, and dairy-free diets.

Pan Or Pot Required

For this One-Pot Lemon Garlic Prawn and Pea Orzo, use a large, deep skillet or medium-wide pot ideal for sautéing aromatics and simmering orzo with broth without spillovers. A heavy-bottomed pan ensures even heat distribution preventing sticking, crucial for tender, perfectly cooked orzo in flavorful broth.

This cookware supports the one-pot pasta method by minimizing dishes and maximizing fresh Mediterranean flavors. A lid is helpful for gently cooking the prawns at the end.

Choose a deep skillet or sauté pan, or a medium pot (~3-4 quarts) that accommodates sautéing, simmering, and stirring easily. Avoid shallow pans that cause quick broth evaporation or risk spills. The right pot makes this healthy, gluten-free dinner effortless and delicious.

Cookware Size Guidance

Use a large, deep skillet or medium pot with 3 to 4 quarts (3 to 4 liters) capacity for best results with this One-Pot Lemon Garlic Prawn and Pea Orzo. This size offers enough depth and surface area to evenly cook orzo, hold the broth and prawns, and provide room for stirring.

A pan too small can cause overcrowding and uneven cooking; overly large pans risk broth evaporating rapidly. A wide sauté pan, shallow Dutch oven, or medium saucepot in this range works well for evenly cooking and serving 4 with leftovers.

Cookware Swap Guidance

Designed as a one-pot pasta dish, this recipe maximizes simplicity using one stovetop pan. Ideal cookware is a large, deep skillet or medium pot with a lid to help simmer broth and cook ingredients evenly.

If unavailable, these alternatives work well:

  • Medium Dutch Oven or Saucepot: Excellent heat retention and spacious.
  • Deep Sauté Pan with Lid: Provides the necessary depth and room for stirring.
  • Large Nonstick Frying Pan with High Sides: Use with caution on liquid levels to avoid sticking or burning.

Avoid shallow pans, baking dishes, or oven vessels—they don’t support proper simmering or stirring for creamy, tender orzo.

Slow cooker or pressure cooker adaptations require ingredient and time adjustments.

Leftovers Quality

This One-Pot Lemon Garlic Prawn and Pea Orzo keeps well refrigerated up to 2 days in an airtight container. Due to the seafood, consume leftovers promptly for safety and freshness.

Cool to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid condensation which can affect texture and flavor. Freezing is possible in airtight portions for up to 1 month but may alter texture slightly; thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat stirring occasionally, or microwave at medium power in short increments, stirring between. Adding a splash of broth while reheating helps maintain moisture.

This makes a quick, light, and flavorful leftover for busy weeknights when stored and reheated properly.

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