This Prawn Saganaki with Orzo Pasta is a vibrant Mediterranean dish that blends the bold flavors of Greek cuisine into a rich, satisfying one-pan meal. Plump prawns are simmered in a garlicky tomato sauce, accented with chili flakes, oregano, and finished with a generous crumble of tangy feta cheese. Tossed with tender orzo and brightened with lemon juice and fresh herbs, it’s a warm, rustic meal that’s as comforting as it is elegant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish captures the heart of Mediterranean comfort cooking with its deep, savory tomato base, tender seafood, and creamy feta topping. The orzo soaks up the sauce, delivering a silky texture in every bite. It’s quick and simple to make, yet refined enough to serve on special occasions. With its balance of acidity, heat, and creaminess, this Greek-inspired prawn saganaki is perfect for lovers of bold yet fresh flavors.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb (450 g) raw prawns, peeled and deveined
1 cup orzo pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of 1/2 lemon
directions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped red onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and chili flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add the prawns and cook for 3–4 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Stir in the cooked orzo and lemon juice, mixing well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and top with crumbled feta and chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 470 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add greens: Stir in baby spinach or kale just before serving for added nutrients.
- Use shrimp: Substitute prawns with large shrimp or even scallops.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream at the end for a more luxurious texture.
- Herb twist: Try dill or mint in place of parsley for a different herbal note.
- Spice adjustment: Reduce or increase chili flakes to match your preferred spice level.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as prawns can become rubbery when overheated.
FAQs
What is saganaki?
Saganaki refers to a Greek dish prepared in a small skillet, often involving seafood or cheese in a flavorful tomato sauce.
Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes. Thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess liquid.
Is orzo the same as rice?
No. Orzo is a short-cut pasta shaped like rice but has a pasta texture and flavor.
Can I substitute the feta?
Yes. Try ricotta salata or goat cheese for a similar crumbly, tangy profile.
How do I know when the prawns are done?
They should be pink, opaque, and slightly curled. Overcooked prawns become tough and rubbery.
Can I make this dish ahead?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the tomato base in advance and add prawns and orzo just before serving.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Assyrtiko complements the dish beautifully.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written. To make it gluten-free, substitute orzo with a gluten-free pasta or rice.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Omit prawns and add chickpeas or grilled eggplant for a hearty meatless version.
How spicy is the dish?
It has mild heat. You can easily adjust the chili flakes to suit your preference.
Conclusion
Prawn Saganaki with Orzo Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish that showcases the best of Greek-inspired home cooking. From the juicy prawns and rich tomato base to the creamy feta and refreshing herbs, every component contributes to a deeply satisfying meal. Quick to prepare and full of bold, rustic charm, it’s a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.
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Prawn Saganaki with Orzo Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A Greek-inspired comfort dish, Prawn Saganaki with Orzo Pasta combines tender prawns in a rich tomato and feta sauce, flavored with garlic, oregano, chili, and fresh herbs. Served with orzo pasta, it’s a quick and flavorful Mediterranean meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) raw prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté red onion for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and chili flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes to thicken.
- Add prawns to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until pink and just cooked through.
- Stir in the cooked orzo and lemon juice, tossing to combine.
- Top with crumbled feta and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh prawns for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust chili flakes based on desired spice level.
- Feta can be stirred in for a creamier sauce or left crumbled on top for texture.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
