Description
This one-pot Ground Turkey Orzo is a Mediterranean-inspired weeknight hero. Juicy ground turkey simmers with tender orzo, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and fragrant herbs in a savory chicken broth — all in a single skillet. Light yet satisfying, it’s ready in 30 minutes and topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan. Perfect for busy families, meal prep, or when you crave a cozy, balanced meal without a mountain of dishes.
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 or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in orzo pasta.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat. Stir in fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Let rest for 2 minutes, then serve warm. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan.
Notes
Tips: For a creamier texture, add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end. Substitutions: Use ground chicken or lean beef instead of turkey. Swap orzo with any small pasta (ditalini, stelline). For gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or rice. Make it dairy-free by omitting Parmesan or using nutritional yeast. Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to loosen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: B
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: ground turkey orzo, one pot pasta, turkey orzo skillet, easy weeknight dinner