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–+ servings
Ground Turkey Orzo

Savory Ground Turkey Orzo in Under 30 Minutes

A quick and healthy Ground Turkey Orzo recipe packed with nutritious ingredients, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey or ground chicken or plant-based option
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta or gluten-free orzo
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or canola oil
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian option
For the Vegetables
  • 1 Yellow Onion or shallots
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper any bell pepper
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes fresh can substitute if in season
  • 3 cloves Garlic fresh is best, but garlic powder is a backup
For Flavoring
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce homemade or low-sodium varieties for healthier option
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano or fresh oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil or Italian seasoning blend
  • 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional for heat
  • Salt to taste
  • Black Pepper to taste
For the Finish
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley or basil or chives

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned.
  2. Add chopped yellow onion and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 5–7 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Incorporate diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring in oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Pour in orzo pasta and chicken broth. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the orzo is tender.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Stir the orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking. Adjust seasoning before serving for enhanced flavors. Prep vegetables in advance for quicker cooking.

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