Creamy Garlic Turkey & Broccoli Orzo

This Creamy Garlic Turkey & Broccoli Orzo is a comforting, creamy one-pan pasta dish that brings together tender turkey mince and fresh broccoli in a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce. A modern, lighter twist on the classic rotisserie chicken pasta, this easy-to-make meal is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

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By cooking the orzo directly in a mixture of chicken broth and milk, the pasta releases starches that create a naturally thick and velvety sauce. This method ensures every grain of orzo is infused with savory flavor, while the broccoli remains bright and tender.

Ingredients

• 500 g (1 lb) lean turkey mince
• 1 medium head broccoli, cut into small florets (about 350 g / 12 oz)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 250 g (9 oz) orzo pasta
• 700 ml (3 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
• 180 ml (¾ cup) whole milk
• 60 g (½ cup) finely grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey mince and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the broccoli florets, dried thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the orzo and pour in the chicken broth and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.

Step 5

Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is al dente and broccoli is tender.

Step 6

Stir in the cream cheese and parmesan until melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Remove from heat. Let stand for 2–3 minutes to thicken.

Step 8

Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best texture, ensure you stir the orzo occasionally while it simmers to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Letting the dish rest for a few minutes after removing it from the heat is key to achieving a perfectly thickened sauce.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If you prefer, ground chicken can be used as an easy substitute for the turkey mince. To incorporate even more greens, stir in a handful of fresh baby spinach during the final 2 minutes of cooking until just wilted.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this dish warm, accompanied by a crisp green salad or toasted garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, pairs wonderfully with the garlic and parmesan flavors.

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Simple, hearty, and full of flavor, this Creamy Garlic Turkey & Broccoli Orzo is a versatile addition to any recipe rotation. With its high protein content and vibrant vegetables, it is a complete meal that feels like a treat any day of the week.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely. Ground chicken works perfectly as a substitute for turkey mince. Both proteins are lean and mild, allowing the garlicky parmesan sauce to shine. The cooking time remains the same.

→ What other vegetables can I add to this orzo?

Baby spinach is excellent when stirred in during the last 2 minutes of cooking. You could also add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or frozen peas. For extra green goodness, try chopped kale or fresh basil along with the parsley garnish.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This orzo is best served fresh, as the pasta continues to absorb liquid and may become soft when reheated. If meal prepping, store the components separately and combine when ready to eat. Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 3 days—add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.

→ Is there a dairy-free alternative for the creamy sauce?

Yes. Substitute the whole milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, use dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan-style product. The sauce will still be creamy and satisfying.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

While orzo's small shape is ideal for this one-pan method, you could use other small pasta shapes like stelline, small shells, or ditalini. Adjust the liquid slightly and extend cooking time by 2-3 minutes for larger shapes.

→ How do I prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan?

Stir occasionally during simmering, especially toward the end when the sauce thickens. If the orzo absorbs all liquid before becoming tender, add more broth in ¼ cup increments. Using a skillet with a heavy bottom also helps prevent hot spots that cause sticking.