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Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet

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A cozy, one-pan dinner featuring ground turkey, orzo pasta, and colorful veggies simmered in savory broth and tomatoes. This easy skillet meal is quick, balanced, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 large bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted if possible)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
  • Juice from 1/2 lemon (about 1 tablespoon, optional)
  • 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep all ingredients: dice onion and bell pepper, mince garlic, chop spinach if using, and measure out orzo and broth.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink and starting to brown. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in orzo pasta and toast for 2 minutes, stirring often, until slightly golden.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  7. Stir in spinach (if using) and let wilt for 1-2 minutes. Squeeze in lemon juice and adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or serve on the side. Serve hot, straight from the pan.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free orzo. To make it dairy-free, skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. Add extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or peas as desired. If the skillet gets dry before the orzo is cooked, add more broth 1/4 cup at a time. Leftovers thicken as they sit; add a splash of broth when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey, orzo, skillet dinner, one pan, easy dinner, weeknight meal, healthy, meal prep, comfort food, family friendly

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/ground-turkey-orzo-skillet-recipe-easy-one-pan-dinner-youll-love/