Introduction:
This Savory Ground Turkey Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a cozy, one-skillet wonder that brings bold Mediterranean flavors to your table with minimal effort. Hearty ground turkey, tender orzo, and sweet-tangy sun-dried tomatoes come together in a creamy, Parmesan-kissed finish. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll want to keep in rotation!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, followed by the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Variation
- Swap in ground chicken or beef – If ground turkey isn’t your favorite or what you have on hand, ground chicken or lean ground beef both work beautifully in this dish. Each brings a slightly different flavor profile, with beef offering a richer, heartier taste.
- Make it creamy – Stir in 1/4 cup of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier texture. This adds a luxurious touch that makes the dish feel indulgent and comforting.
- Use different pasta – Orzo is ideal for this dish, but you can substitute with other small pasta like ditalini or small shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid slightly depending on the pasta type.
Cooking Notes
- Let the onions fully soften – Cooking the onions until they’re translucent and just starting to caramelize adds depth and sweetness to the base flavor. Don’t rush this step it makes a difference.
- Toast the orzo for added nuttiness – Before adding the broth, you can toast the orzo for a couple of minutes with the turkey and sun-dried tomatoes. It deepens the flavor and gives the pasta a subtle nuttiness.
- Keep an eye on liquid absorption – Orzo tends to absorb liquid quickly. If the mixture gets too dry before the pasta is fully cooked, add a splash of broth or water and continue cooking gently.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad – A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and contrast to the warm, savory flavors of the orzo skillet. It helps balance out the richness.
- Serve with garlic bread or toasted ciabatta – A slice of crusty garlic bread makes this meal feel complete and is perfect for scooping up every last bite of the orzo.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables – Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make a colorful and nutritious side that pairs perfectly with the Mediterranean flavors in the dish.
Tips
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for better flavor – They tend to be more flavorful and tender than the dry-packed version. Drain them slightly and give them a rough chop before using.
- Grate your own Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has a stronger, more authentic flavor compared to the pre-shredded varieties. It really brings the whole dish together.
- Don’t skip the parsley garnish – A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end doesn’t just add color it also adds a pop of freshness that lifts the whole dish and balances the savory richness.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats well and can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen it up. -
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
You can, but keep in mind that fresh tomatoes will add more moisture and less concentrated flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes provide that intense, slightly sweet and tangy punch that really sets this dish apart. -
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
While it can be frozen, the orzo may become a bit softer upon reheating. If freezing, cool it completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly with added broth for best texture. -
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also stir in a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Conclusion
This Savory Ground Turkey Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is the kind of cozy, flavorful weeknight dinner that feels both satisfying and refreshingly simple. With just one pan, pantry-friendly ingredients, and bold Mediterranean flavor, it’s a go-to recipe that’s as comforting as it is quick. Whether you’re feeding your family or prepping lunch for the week, it’s sure to become a staple. What would you pair it with on your table tonight? 🍽️
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Savory Ground Turkey Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Savory Ground Turkey Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a cozy, one-skillet wonder that brings bold Mediterranean flavors to your table with minimal effort. Hearty ground turkey, tender orzo, and sweet-tangy sun-dried tomatoes come together in a creamy, Parmesan-kissed finish. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll want to keep in rotation!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, followed by the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese.
- Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly lighter flavor.
- Add baby spinach or chopped kale at the end for a pop of green and added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: ground turkey orzo, sun-dried tomato orzo, skillet dinner, one-pot pasta, easy turkey recipe