Quick Ground Turkey Orzo with Broccoli and Lemon Recipe

Introduction

This quick ground turkey orzo recipe is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal. Packed with tender turkey, vibrant broccoli, and creamy orzo, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces broccoli
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound extra lean ground turkey
• 1 and 1/3 cups orzo (220 grams)
• 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• 2 and 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup milk
• 2 ounces shredded parmesan
• Red pepper flakes (to serve)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the broccoli into bite-size pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until slightly charred and vibrant green.
2. Step 2: Add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart, until fully cooked. Push turkey to one side of the skillet.
3. Step 3: Add the orzo to the empty side of the skillet. Toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and slightly golden.
4. Step 4: Stir in lemon pepper seasoning, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping any bits from the bottom. Add an additional 1 and 1/2 cups chicken broth. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until orzo is tender and broth absorbed.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat. Add butter, milk, and shredded parmesan. Stir until butter and cheese melt, forming a creamy mixture.
6. Step 6: Return broccoli to the skillet and gently combine. Serve warm, topped with extra parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

• If you prefer a lower sodium dish, substitute 1 cup of chicken broth with water (1.5 cups broth + 1 cup water total).
• For added flavor, try adding minced garlic when cooking the turkey.
• Swap broccoli for spinach or kale for a different green option.
• Use sharp or smoked parmesan for a more intense cheesy flavor.

Storage

Store 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 milk or broth to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or Israeli couscous can be substituted, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Is ground turkey necessary, or can I use another protein?

You can substitute ground chicken or ground beef, adjusting the cooking time as needed to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Quick Ground Turkey Orzo with Broccoli and Lemon Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 91 reviews

This Quick Ground Turkey Orzo recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender broccoli, lean ground turkey, and creamy orzo pasta. Sautéed broccoli is lightly charred for smoky depth, browned ground turkey adds savory protein, and nutty toasted orzo simmers in a lemon pepper-infused broth. A luscious finish of butter, milk, and parmesan brings this dish together in a rich, creamy texture. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner that feels both homely and vibrant.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 12 ounces broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces

Protein

• 1 pound extra lean ground turkey

Grains

• 1 and 1/3 cups orzo (220 grams)

Liquids and Dairy

• 1 and 1/2 cups chicken broth (plus 1 cup additional chicken broth for total 2 and 1/2 cups)
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 ounces shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)

Oils and Condiments

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
• Red pepper flakes, to serve

Instructions

1. Prepare and Sauté the Broccoli: Cut 12 ounces of broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add the broccoli and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until slightly charred and vibrant green, creating a smoky flavor.
2. Cook the Ground Turkey: Add an additional 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add 1 pound of extra lean ground turkey and brown, breaking it apart as it cooks until fully cooked through. Push turkey to one side of the skillet to make room for the next step.
3. Toast the Orzo: Add 1 and 1/3 cups (220 grams) orzo to the empty side of the skillet. Toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and slightly golden to enhance nutty flavor.
4. Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add 1 and 1/2 cups more chicken broth for a total of 2 and 1/2 cups. Stir and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until orzo is tender and broth is absorbed. Optionally substitute 1 cup broth with water if sensitive to salt.
5. Cream and Cheese Addition: Reduce heat and add 2 tablespoons butter, 1 cup milk, and 2 ounces shredded parmesan. Fold until butter and cheese melt and mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
6. Incorporate Broccoli and Serve: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet and gently mix to combine evenly into the creamy orzo and turkey mixture. Serve warm, topped with additional shredded parmesan and red pepper flakes for extra flavor if desired.

Notes

• You can substitute turkey with chicken or a plant-based ground alternative if desired.
• For a lower sodium version, replace 1 cup broth with water as suggested in the recipe.
• Adding red pepper flakes adds a nice heat but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for best melting and flavor.
• This dish reheats well making it great for meal prep lunches or dinners.

Keywords: ground turkey orzo, quick dinner, one pan meal, creamy orzo, healthy weeknight dinner, broccoli and turkey recipe