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Delicious Recipe

Delicious Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 23 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Ground Turkey Orzo recipe combining lean ground turkey with tender orzo pasta in a rich tomato sauce, enhanced with aromatic herbs and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and nutritious.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Oil

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

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

Tomato and Seasonings

  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Grains and Liquids

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Dairy and Garnishes

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pan. Cook until softened, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes 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 let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Cook Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth, ensuring the orzo is submerged in the liquid. Add more broth if necessary. Bring back to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

  • Drain excess grease from the ground turkey to keep the dish light and prevent it from getting too oily.
  • Red pepper flakes are optional but add a subtle heat that balances the rich tomato sauce.
  • If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey orzo, turkey and pasta recipe, healthy ground turkey dinner, one pot orzo, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/delicious-recipe-10/