Introduction:

Bright, fresh, and full of flavor, this Lemon Pepper Ground Turkey and Broccoli Orzo is the perfect one-skillet meal for busy weeknights. The bold lemon zest and cracked pepper elevate lean ground turkey, while tender broccoli and orzo make it feel hearty and satisfying. It’s light, nourishing, and irresistibly vibrant with every bite!

Ingredients:

1 pound ground turkey
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo according to package directions (about 8–10 minutes). In the final 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until fully browned and cooked through.
Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss until well combined.
Add cooked orzo and broccoli to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Variation

Use ground chicken instead of turkey – Ground chicken works just as well and has a similar lean profile. It absorbs the lemony seasoning beautifully and gives a slightly different texture while keeping things light and protein-rich.
Swap orzo for couscous or quinoa – If you don’t have orzo on hand or want a gluten-free alternative, try using cooked couscous or quinoa. Both soak up the flavors nicely and add a fun twist to the dish.
Add grated Parmesan or crumbled feta – Stir in a handful of Parmesan or sprinkle some feta over the finished skillet for a creamy, tangy punch that pairs perfectly with lemon and herbs.

Cooking Notes

For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta before serving.
Swap in whole wheat orzo or a gluten-free pasta for a different dietary need.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2–3 days—great for lunch meal prep!

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of warm pita or garlic bread – A slice of crusty garlic bread or warm pita can be perfect for scooping up all the lemony juices left on your plate.
Top with extra herbs and a lemon wedge – A little extra parsley or fresh dill and a wedge of lemon on the side makes this dish feel fresh and restaurant-worthy.
Pair with a light cucumber yogurt salad – The cooling crunch of cucumber and creamy yogurt balances the warmth and spice of the orzo skillet beautifully for a refreshing touch.

Tips

Toast the orzo before boiling for a nutty depth – Toss the dry orzo in a bit of olive oil and lightly toast it in a pan until golden before boiling. It adds a subtle nutty flavor and more dimension to the final dish.
Double the batch for meal prep – This meal keeps well for several days, so consider making a double portion. It reheats well and makes for an easy, satisfying lunch or dinner.
Use a nonstick skillet to avoid sticking – Ground turkey can stick to the pan if you’re not careful. A good nonstick skillet or well-oiled stainless steel pan will help prevent that and make cleanup a breeze.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 620mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Just add it to the orzo a minute or two earlier than fresh to ensure it fully heats through without becoming overly soft.
Is orzo gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free orzo at most health food stores or substitute with gluten-free rice-shaped pasta or quinoa.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is already dairy-free unless you choose to add cheese as a variation. Just skip any cheese toppings and you’re good to go.

Conclusion

This Lemon Pepper Ground Turkey and Broccoli Orzo is a quick, healthy, and flavorful one-skillet meal that delivers brightness and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking for a fresh weeknight dinner idea, this dish brings together simple ingredients with bold results. Give it a go and see how lemon and pepper can totally transform your dinner game! 🍋💛

Lemon Pepper Ground Turkey and Broccoli Orzo

Author: Avery
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground turkey
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo according to package directions (about 8–10 minutes). In the final 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until fully browned and cooked through.
Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss until well combined.
Add cooked orzo and broccoli to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta before serving.
Swap in whole wheat orzo or a gluten-free pasta for a different dietary need.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2–3 days great for lunch meal prep!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meal
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 9.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Lemon Pepper Ground Turkey, Broccoli Orzo, One Skillet Meal, Easy Weeknight Dinner