Can I make One-Pot Lemon Garlic Prawn and Pea Orzo ahead?

Yes. Prep the ingredients or cook the full dish ahead, then reheat gently so the texture stays close to freshly made.

What cookware works best?

Use a heavy pot or Dutch oven and avoid crowding so the recipe cooks evenly.

How do I know it is done?

Follow the recipe timing, then check the main ingredient for tenderness, bubbling, browning, or safe doneness before serving.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, herbs, or heat in small amounts.

Back to Recipes

One-Pot Pasta

One-Pot Lemon Garlic Prawn and Pea Orzo

Name: One-Pot Lemon Garlic Prawn and Pea Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: 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)

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.

Prep 10 min

Cook 15 min

Total 25 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired

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)

Ingredients for One-Pot Lemon Garlic Prawn and Pea Orzo

Instructions

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

One-Pot Lemon Garlic Prawn and Pea Orzo cooking in the recommended pan or pot

Tips

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.

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 .

Cookware Swap Guidance

Designed as a one-pot pasta dish, this recipe maximizes simplicity using one stovetop pan.

Leftovers Quality

Reheat gently and add a splash of liquid when needed to keep the texture moist and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make One-Pot Lemon Garlic Prawn and Pea Orzo ahead?: Yes. Prep the ingredients or cook the full dish ahead, then reheat gently so the texture stays close to freshly made.
What cookware works best?: Use a heavy pot or Dutch oven and avoid crowding so the recipe cooks evenly.
How do I know it is done?: Follow the recipe timing, then check the main ingredient for tenderness, bubbling, browning, or safe doneness before serving.
Can I adjust the seasoning?: Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, herbs, or heat in small amounts.

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: 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.

Storage and Reheating

Cool One-Pot Lemon Garlic Prawn and Pea Orzo before storing. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze portions for longer storage when the ingredients are freezer-friendly. Reheat gently with a splash of liquid if the dish looks dry.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

More Recipes

Explore more recipes you may like.

Reviews

Rate this recipe and share a photo of your result.

No reviews yet.

One-Pot Lemon Garlic Prawn and Pea Orzo

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions