Creamy Ground Turkey and Mushroom Orzo

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Introduction

This Creamy Ground Turkey and Mushroom Orzo is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal! With just one pan, you get a hearty and satisfying dish packed with juicy ground turkey, earthy mushrooms, and tender orzo pasta. The creamy Parmesan sauce ties everything together for a meal that’s both simple and indulgent.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes until fully browned. Season with salt, black pepper, and thyme.
  3. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3–4 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
  4. Mix in the orzo, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the broth is mostly absorbed.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes until fully heated.
  6. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Variation

  1. Make it Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a lighter version while still keeping it creamy. This reduces the fat content while adding a slight tangy flavor.
  2. Use a Different Protein: Ground turkey is great, but this dish also works beautifully with ground chicken, beef, or even Italian sausage for a bolder flavor.
  3. Go Vegetarian: Skip the ground turkey and replace it with an extra cup of mushrooms or plant-based ground meat. Add spinach or zucchini for extra veggies and color.

Cooking Notes

  1. For extra richness, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or add a splash of white wine while cooking the mushrooms.
  2. Want a protein boost? Stir in cooked chicken or shrimp for a twist.
  3. Make it lighter! Use whole wheat orzo and swap the heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Pair with a Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the creamy orzo and adds a refreshing contrast.
  2. Add a Side of Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce, making every bite even more satisfying.

Tips

  1. Season as You Go: Ground turkey can be mild in flavor, so be sure to season at every stage of cooking when browning the turkey, when adding the mushrooms, and when mixing in the orzo.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Since orzo is small, it can easily become mushy if overcooked. Keep an eye on it and taste for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
  3. Use Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor: While dried thyme works well, fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley can add a burst of freshness to the dish just before serving.

Prep Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 28g
  • Sodium: 720mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
    Yes! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well. Just adjust the liquid ratio as needed since different pastas absorb liquid differently.

  2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

  3. Can I freeze this dish?
    While you can freeze it, the texture of the orzo may become softer upon thawing. If freezing, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat with additional broth to refresh the consistency.

  4. What can I substitute for mushrooms?
    If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, try zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. These vegetables will add texture and color while keeping the dish hearty.

Conclusion

This Creamy Ground Turkey and Mushroom Orzo is the perfect one-pan meal for busy nights. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with comforting flavors. Whether you make it lighter, swap the protein, or customize it with extra veggies, it’s a dish that easily adapts to your taste. Try it out and enjoy a cozy homemade dinner with minimal effort!

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Creamy Ground Turkey and Mushroom Orzo

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Ground Turkey and Mushroom Orzo is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal! With just one pan, you get a hearty and satisfying dish packed with juicy ground turkey, earthy mushrooms, and tender orzo pasta. The creamy Parmesan sauce ties everything together for a meal that’s both simple and indulgent.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  • Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes until fully browned. Season with salt, black pepper, and thyme.
  • Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3–4 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
  • Mix in the orzo, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the broth is mostly absorbed.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes until fully heated.
  • Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

  • For extra richness, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or add a splash of white wine while cooking the mushrooms.
  • Want a protein boost? Stir in cooked chicken or shrimp for a twist.
  • Make it lighter! Use whole wheat orzo and swap the heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One-Pan
  • Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: creamy turkey orzo, ground turkey pasta, one-pan turkey recipe, creamy orzo skillet, mushroom orzo, turkey and mushroom dinner

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