You’ll love this ground turkey orzo recipe creamy, comforting, and perfect for festive gatherings. This dish brings warmth to your Christmas dinner and is easy to prepare, making it a delightful addition to your holiday table.
Table of Contents
Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Orzo
This ground turkey orzo recipe combines tender orzo pasta with flavorful ground turkey and vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. The delightful blend of lemon and spices adds a refreshing zing, making it a standout dish for your holiday meals. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning less cleanup for you!
Which Type of Ground Turkey Works Best?
For the best results, opt for extra lean ground turkey in this recipe. It keeps the dish light while still providing a hearty protein source. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use regular ground turkey, but remember it may increase the fat content of the dish.
Options for Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile! If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, use vegan butter, and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free alternative. To make it vegetarian, swap the ground turkey for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth. For added protein, consider incorporating white beans or chickpeas, and if you want more greens, spinach or sun-dried tomatoes work beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 1/3 cups orzo (uncooked)
- 1 lb extra lean ground turkey
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz broccoli (cut into florets)
- 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk (whole or plant-based)
- 2 oz shredded parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Broccoli
Chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the broccoli for 5-6 minutes until slightly charred and bright green.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
Add 1/2 tbsp olive oil to the skillet and then add the ground turkey. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Move the turkey to one side of the skillet.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
On the empty side of the skillet, add the orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant and slightly golden.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Liquid Ingredients
Stir in lemon pepper seasoning, dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth and cook for 6-8 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Cream and Cheese Addition
Lower the heat and mix in butter, milk, and parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Step 6: Incorporate Broccoli and Serve
Gently fold in the cooked broccoli and serve warm, optionally topped with additional parmesan and red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy texture.
What to Cook Next
If you’re looking for more delicious turkey recipes, you might enjoy these:
- Baked Ground Turkey Tacos With Avocado Sauce
- Ground Turkey Rice Bowls
- Ground Turkey And Peppers
- Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Creamy Orzo With Roasted Butternut Squash And Spinach
FAQs
What’s the best cooking method for ground turkey?
The best cooking method for ground turkey is to sauté it in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring it is cooked thoroughly and browned for flavor.
Can you put ground turkey in pasta?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great addition to pasta dishes for added protein and flavor.
Is orzo good in turkey soup?
Yes, orzo is an excellent choice for turkey soup, adding a nice texture and heartiness.
How to cook orzo without broth?
You can cook orzo in boiling water like pasta; just drain and add your desired sauce or seasonings.
Conclusion
This ground turkey orzo recipe is sure to impress your family and friends at your Christmas dinner. The combination of creamy textures and vibrant flavors will leave everyone asking for seconds. For more festive inspiration, don’t forget to check out our Pinterest page for even more delicious recipes.
be sure to check out Elly’s Recipes on Pinterest, where you can find inspiration for your next culinary adventure!
Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe: Cozy and Delicious Dinner
Equipment
- skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth low-sodium recommended
- 1 1/3 cups orzo uncooked
- 1 lb extra lean ground turkey
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz broccoli cut into florets
- 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk whole or plant-based
- 2 oz shredded parmesan cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Chop broccoli and sauté in 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until charred and bright green.
- Add 1/2 tbsp olive oil and ground turkey to the skillet, cooking until browned while breaking it apart.
- Toast orzo on the empty side of the skillet for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Stir in lemon pepper seasoning, dijon mustard, and lemon juice, then deglaze with 1 cup of chicken broth and add the remaining broth, cooking until orzo is tender.
- Mix in butter, milk, and parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Fold in the cooked broccoli and serve warm, optionally topped with additional parmesan and red pepper flakes.