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Ground turkey forms the heart of this dish. It is lean, tasty, and cooks quickly. I use one pound for a family of four. The turkey gives protein and keeps the meal light. Orzo pasta adds a nice texture. It looks like rice but tastes like pasta. One cup is all you need for this recipe. The orzo soaks up the flavors, making each bite delicious. For colors and taste, I add: - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 zucchini, diced These veggies add sweetness and crunch. The onion and garlic bring aroma that makes your kitchen smell great. Seasonings give depth to the dish. I use: - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste) - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste) Fresh parsley adds a pop of color for garnish. It also brightens the flavors. Each of these ingredients works together to create a savory one-pan meal you’ll love! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Set your heat to medium. Once the oil is hot, add one finely chopped onion. Cook it until it turns translucent, which takes about three to four minutes. Next, stir in two minced garlic cloves. Cook for another minute until you smell the garlic. Now it’s time for the star of the dish: one pound of ground turkey. Add it to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it into smaller pieces. Cook the turkey until it is browned and no longer pink. This should take about five to seven minutes. Stir often to ensure even cooking. Next, we’ll add some color and crunch. Dice one bell pepper, either red or yellow, and one zucchini. Toss them into the skillet with the cooked turkey. Stir everything together and let it cook for about three to four minutes. You want the veggies to begin softening. Add one can of diced tomatoes, including the juices. Pour in two cups of chicken broth along with one teaspoon of dried oregano and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Now, let’s bring in the orzo. Add one cup of orzo pasta to the boiling mixture. Stir it in, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about ten to twelve minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. This helps prevent the orzo from sticking. Once the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is gone, remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the flavors meld together. When ready to serve, use a fork to fluff the orzo. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright touch. Enjoy your delicious one-pan meal! To cook ground turkey well, use a large skillet. Heat olive oil first. This helps brown the turkey. Break it apart while cooking. Aim for a light brown color. This adds flavor. Stir often to cook evenly. When you add veggies, let them soften. This makes the dish tasty. Seasonings make your dish shine. Start with the basic amounts. You can always add more. If you like spice, try more black pepper. For a smoky flavor, boost the smoked paprika. Taste as you go. This helps you find the right balance. Fresh herbs can also add brightness. Try adding them at the end. This recipe is all about ease. You cook everything in one skillet. This saves time on cleanup. Start with the turkey, then add veggies. Finally, mix in orzo and broth. Everything cooks together. The orzo absorbs flavors from the dish. This makes for a hearty meal. Once it’s done, serve right from the pan. Beautiful and simple! Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep the dish healthy while still being flavorful. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to substitute or add vegetables like spinach, carrots, or mushrooms based on your preference. Cheese It Up: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of feta or Parmesan cheese just before serving. Store Leftovers Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days for easy reheating. {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet. Just add more veggies! Try carrots for a sweet crunch. Spinach adds color and nutrients. Broccoli is another great choice; it cooks quickly and tastes fresh. You can also use peas or corn for a pop of sweetness. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have at home. If you want to swap out the ground turkey, there are many options. Ground beef works well and gives a richer flavor. You can use ground chicken for a leaner choice. For a plant-based meal, try lentils or chickpeas; they add protein and fiber. These swaps keep your dish tasty and nutritious while catering to different diets. While orzo is delightful, you can use other pasta shapes too. Small shells or ditalini work nicely in this dish. If you prefer whole grain, choose whole wheat orzo for added health benefits. Gluten-free pasta is an option as well; just follow the cooking time on the package. Each type of pasta will bring its own unique texture to your meal. After enjoying your Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. Let the skillet cool down first before sealing it. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. This meal tastes great even after a day or two. To reheat, simply place your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in a bowl for about two minutes, stirring halfway through. Make sure it gets hot all the way through before eating. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a good option. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as it will expand when frozen. This meal can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it as mentioned above. Enjoy a warm and tasty meal anytime! Yes, you can use regular pasta. Just cook it according to the package instructions. Adjust the cooking time in the recipe so the pasta doesn't get mushy. You can use penne or fusilli. Both work great, and they hold the sauce well. This dish lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. When you reheat it, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. This helps the flavors stay fresh. Yes! You can swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta. There are many gluten-free options available today. You can also use quinoa or rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Check the package for specific instructions. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad. A green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness. You can also serve it with garlic bread or crusty rolls. For a more filling meal, add some roasted vegetables on the side. In this blog post, we explored the tasty Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet. We covered the main ingredients, from turkey to veggies. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking and serving. I shared tips to perfect your meal. You can even try variations to switch things up. Lastly, we discussed how to store and reheat leftovers. Cooking can be fun and easy. Give this dish a try, and enjoy!

Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet

A hearty and flavorful one-pan dish featuring ground turkey, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
  • 1 zucchini , diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Incorporate the diced bell pepper and zucchini, stirring to combine. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  • Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the orzo pasta. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly and allow the flavors to meld.
  • Before serving, fluff the orzo with a fork and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls garnished with extra parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful touch.
Keyword one-pan meal, orzo, skillet, turkey