Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This ground turkey orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender turkey, savory tomatoes, and tender orzo pasta, it comes together quickly and satisfies the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
2. Step 2: Add chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pan; cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Add dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Stir in orzo pasta and chicken broth. Make sure the orzo is submerged—add a bit more broth if necessary. Bring back to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot with additional Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
• Add chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the dish if it thickens upon cooling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like couscous, small shells, or ditalini work well as substitutes, but adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is ground turkey suitable for this recipe or can I use ground chicken?

Ground turkey is preferred for its flavor and moisture, but ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative with similar results.

Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 140 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Ground Turkey Orzo recipe featuring tender ground turkey, vibrant vegetables, and tender orzo pasta simmered in a savory tomato sauce, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This one-pan stovetop meal is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

Liquids and Sauces

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth

Spices and Herbs

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Pasta and Cheese

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish light.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant to enhance the flavor base.
3. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir to combine thoroughly. Add dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
4. Cook the orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth, ensuring the orzo is submerged; add extra broth if needed. Bring back to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Finish with cheese and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired for added heat.

Notes

• Drain excess grease after browning the turkey to reduce fat content and prevent the dish from being greasy.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder taste.
• If the sauce thickens too much before the orzo finishes cooking, add a bit more chicken broth to maintain moisture.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
• This recipe is easily adaptable to a gluten-free diet by substituting gluten-free orzo or similar gluten-free pasta.

Keywords: ground turkey orzo, one-pot meal, Italian pasta, healthy turkey recipe, quick dinner