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Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe

Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 20 reviews

A comforting and easy one-pot meal featuring ground turkey, orzo pasta, and a savory tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. This wholesome dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is packed with flavor and protein.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

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

Liquids and Sauces

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

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 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. Cook the Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine. 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 simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Cook Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth, making sure the orzo is fully submerged. If needed, add a bit more broth or water. Bring back to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Finish the Dish: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
  6. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, optionally topped with extra red pepper flakes for heat.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground chicken or lean ground beef for the turkey if preferred.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace ground turkey with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth.
  • To make it spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some crushed black pepper.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey, orzo pasta, tomato sauce, Italian herbs, one-pot dinner, healthy dinner, quick meals, weeknight recipe

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/ground-turkey-orzo-recipe/