Creamy Shrimp and Corn Pasta (Orzo)
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I love how this creamy shrimp and corn pasta manages to incorporate all of my favourite ingredients. It’s comforting, yet luxurious, with the added bonus of topping the recipe with king prawns.
Table of Contents
Why this recipe works
You couldn’t find a more healthy orzo recipe – by cooking orzo within the onions and corn, we’re incorporating all of the nutrients within the veggies and the sauce. Adding the king prawns makes this the ideal special weekend dinner.
What is Orzo?
What is orzo?
Orzo is rice shaped pasta. Sounds confusing right? Due to its shape, many people think that orzo is a form of rice, but it’s actually made from semolina which comes from durum wheat.
Usually orzo is cooked through boiling in salted water. With this shrimp orzo pasta recipe, the starch in the orzo thickens with the stock, onions and sweetcorn to form a delicious and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Sweetcorn
I used frozen sweetcorn, packed with nutrients and so delicious.
King Prawns
Sweet, succulent and so delicious, these prawns are one of the most versatile option to add to your orzo recipe. Coated with paprika and seasoned to make this perfect date night summer shrimp pasta
See the recipe card for full information on all ingredients and quantities.
How to make Creamy Shrimp and Orzo
- Start by adding the chopped onion and half of the oil into a large non-stick saucepan. Saute the onions for around 5 – 6 minutes until translucent, adding the minced garlic to fry for the last few minutes. You don’t want to burn the garlic! Season with salt (Image 1).
- Then add the frozen sweetcorn, orzo and stock into the pan. Bring up to a low simmer (this may take a bit of time due to the frozen corn) and set a timer for 12 minutes. Stir occasionally (Image 2).
3. Now to prepare the defrosted prawns. Place them on a paper towel to absorb any moisture and pat dry. Add to a bowl and then coat with the paprika, the remaining oil and a pinch of salt (Image 3).
4. In a separate non-stick frying pan, increase the heat to high and fry the prawns on each side for around 2 minutes (Image 4).
5. Cook the orzo with the fried onions and stock according to the packet instructions (Image 5).
6. When the orzo is cooked and the stock has absorbed to form a sauce, turn off the heat and add the creme fraiche, lime juice and coriander (Image 6).
7. Stir and season with salt and pepper (Image 7).
8. Serve the creamy sweetcorn orzo with a portion of prawns and a handful of chopped coriander. Add an extra squeeze of lime to taste (Image 8).
Other fish recipes you should try out …Simple Prawn Red Thai Curry, Easy Tomato Tuna Pasta Bake and Basa Fillet Recipe with Creamy Tuscan Sauce
Tips for the best result
- Cook the orzo until al dente to maintain a good texture.
- Season the shrimps with plenty of paprika, garlic and seasoning to ensure the ultimate flavours achieved.
- Adjust the consistency of the sauce, adding a bit of reserved pasta water.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
- Add some fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- A touch of lime at the end can brighten up the dish and add a refreshing note.
For pasta lovers, here are some of my latest pasta recipes for you to try : Chicken and Mushroom Pasta, Spicy Chicken Pasta Recipe and Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
To make a more substantial meal, add a starter and serve one of my delicious soup recipes ; Roasted Vegetable Soup, Creamy Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup and
FAQs
Absolutely, feel free to use your favourite pasta. I would also suggest smaller pasta such as ditalini, macaroni, so the king prawns don’t get lost!
I’d recommend you make this dish just before you want to serve. It’s best fresh, but you can prep components in advance.
Yes definitely, peas are also my favourite or roasted red peppers can add a sweet and colourful twist.
Here are some other side dishes to try: Italian Sausage Stuffed Peppers, Sauteed Broccoli (in 10 minutes!) and the Best Buttered Sauteed Leeks
If you tried this Creamy Shrimp and Corn Pasta recipe, it would be mean so much to me if you could leave a review & a star rating to let me know how you found it! I love hearing about your experiences – it motivates me to keep creating more and more recipes for you guys 💛 Let’s get cooking! – Mimi x
Creamy Sweetcorn Orzo with Paprika Prawns
Ingredients
- 1 onion, diced (£0.09)
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped (£0.69/3)=(£0.23)
- 300 g orzo (£0.65)
- 500 g frozen sweetcorn (£1.00/2)=(£0.50)
- 3 tbsp creme fraiche (£1.10/£0.37)
- 400 g raw/frozen king prawns, defrosted (£5.25)
- ½ lime, juiced (£0.20)
- 1 bunch fresh coriander, finely chopped (£0.50)
Cupboard Essentials
- 800 ml chicken stock
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
Method
- Start by adding the onion and half of the oil into a large non-stick saucepan. Season with salt and saute until translucent, adding the garlic half way, for around 6 minutes.
- Next, add the orzo, frozen sweetcorn and stock into the pan. Bring up to a low simmer (this may take a bit of time due to the frozen corn) and set a timer for 12 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Meanwhile, pat the defrosted prawns dry with a paper towel and add to a bowl. Coat with the paprika, remaining oil and a pinch of salt. In a separate non-stick frying pan, increase the heat to high and fry the prawns on each side for 2 minutes.
- When the orzo is cooked and the stock has absorbed and formed a sauce, turn off the heat and add the creme fraiche, lime juice and coriander. Stir and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the creamy sweetcorn orzo with a portion of prawns and an extra sprinkle of coriander. Add an extra squeeze of lime to taste.
Notes
- Cook orzo al dente for ideal texture.
- Season shrimp generously with paprika, garlic, and seasoning for maximum flavor.
- Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp; they should turn pink and opaque. Finish with fresh herbs and a touch of lime for brightness.
Nutrition
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