Creamy Garlic Turkey & Broccoli Orzo (Printable)

Creamy one-pan orzo with turkey, broccoli, and garlicky parmesan sauce ready in 40 minutes.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium head broccoli, cut into small florets (about 12 oz)
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Pasta & Dairy

05 - 9 oz orzo pasta
06 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
07 - ¾ cup whole milk
08 - ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
09 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese

→ Pantry

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
12 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
13 - ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
14 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

15 - Fresh parsley, chopped
16 - Extra parmesan cheese

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes.
02 - Add chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add broccoli florets, dried thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes.
04 - Stir in orzo and pour in chicken broth and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
05 - Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until orzo reaches al dente consistency and broccoli is tender.
06 - Stir in cream cheese and parmesan until melted and sauce reaches creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Remove from heat and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken.
08 - Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-pan preparation means minimal cleanup.
  • A balanced meal with lean protein and fresh vegetables.
  • The garlicky parmesan sauce is incredibly creamy and comforting.
  • Ready in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
02 -
  • Check your orzo packaging to ensure it is wheat-based, as different grains may require adjusted cooking times.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother melt and better flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Add an extra splash of broth when reheating leftovers to maintain the creamy consistency.
Go Back