Introduction:
This one-pan Ground Turkey Orzo is your go-to weeknight dinner savory, satisfying, and packed with tender veggies and herbs. Juicy ground turkey, sautéed onions, garlic, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes mingle with tender orzo in a flavorful broth, all topped off with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s wholesome comfort in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika.
- Add zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3–4 minutes until tender.
- Stir in orzo and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley. Garnish with Parmesan if using. Serve warm and enjoy!
Variation
- Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey
If you don’t have ground turkey on hand, ground chicken or lean ground beef works just as well. Ground chicken will keep the dish light, while beef brings a richer, heartier flavor. Adjust the seasoning slightly depending on your meat choice to complement its natural flavor. - Swap zucchini with other veggies like spinach or bell peppers
Zucchini adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor, but you can mix things up by using chopped spinach, shredded carrots, or diced bell peppers. Spinach cooks down quickly and blends well with orzo, while bell peppers add a nice crunch and pop of color. - Add a creamy twist with a spoonful of cream cheese or Greek yogurt
Stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt right before serving for a silky texture and a hint of tanginess. This is an easy way to make the dish feel more indulgent without heavy cream.
Cooking Notes
- Sauté aromatics first for better depth of flavor
Starting with onion and garlic gives your skillet a rich base of flavor. Make sure to cook them until translucent and fragrant before adding the meat this little step makes a big difference in taste. - Toast the orzo briefly for a nuttier flavor
For an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting the dry orzo in the skillet for 1–2 minutes before adding the broth. This gives it a slightly nutty, toasted edge that complements the savory turkey. - Simmer covered for tender orzo and rich absorption
Keeping the skillet covered while simmering allows the orzo to fully absorb the broth without drying out. If it starts to look too dry before the orzo is tender, add a splash more broth or water to finish cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad or cucumber-tomato salad
A fresh, crisp salad adds a cooling contrast to the warm, savory orzo skillet. A light vinaigrette or lemon dressing keeps the meal bright and balanced. - Add a slice of crusty bread or garlic toast on the side
A slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect for scooping up every last bite. It also adds a satisfying texture and makes the meal feel more complete. - Top with a poached or fried egg for extra richness
For a heartier twist, top each serving with a soft poached or fried egg. The runny yolk adds luxurious richness and a boost of protein perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner.
Tips
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness
Orzo absorbs a lot of liquid, so using low-sodium broth gives you more control over the final salt level. You can always add more seasoning later, but you can’t take it out once it’s in! - Chop veggies into uniform sizes for even cooking
Dicing the zucchini and tomatoes to similar sizes ensures they cook at the same rate and blend well into each bite. It also gives the dish a neater presentation. - Make it ahead and reheat gently
This dish reheats well, making it great for meal prep. Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the orzo from drying out. Avoid high heat, which can make the orzo mushy.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, pearl couscous, or even quinoa can be swapped in. Just adjust the liquid and cook time as needed based on the pasta you choose. -
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to bring back its creamy texture. -
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It can be frozen, but keep in mind that orzo may soften a bit upon reheating. Freeze in single portions for easy lunches and reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of extra broth. -
How can I make this dairy-free?
Just skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The rest of the dish is naturally dairy-free and still packed with flavor.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet is everything you want in a cozy weeknight dinner easy, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. It’s versatile enough to tweak based on what you have in your fridge, and it all comes together in just one pan. Whether you serve it straight from the skillet or jazz it up with a fried egg or fresh herbs, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite. Ready to dig in?
Print
Ground Turkey Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This one-pan Ground Turkey Orzo is your go-to weeknight dinner savory, satisfying, and packed with tender veggies and herbs. Juicy ground turkey, sautéed onions, garlic, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes mingle with tender orzo in a flavorful broth, all topped off with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s wholesome comfort in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika.
- Add zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3–4 minutes until tender.
- Stir in orzo and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley. Garnish with Parmesan if using. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Want it creamier? Stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of ricotta at the end.
- Swap zucchini with bell peppers or spinach for a fun twist.
- For extra protein, top with a poached egg or serve with a side of Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: ground turkey, orzo, turkey skillet, one-pan dinner, easy dinner, healthy orzo recipe