Description
A delicious and nutritious one-pan meal combining tender ground turkey, toasted orzo pasta, and vibrant broccoli in a creamy, lemony sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner on the table quickly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces broccoli
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound extra lean ground turkey
- 1â…“ cups orzo (220 grams)
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- ¼ cup lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 2½ cups chicken broth, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk
- 2 ounces shredded parmesan
- Red pepper flakes (to serve)
Instructions
- Prepare and Sauté the Broccoli
- Cut the broccoli into bite-size pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until slightly charred and vibrant green, developing a pleasant smoky flavor. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Turkey
- Add the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the ground turkey and brown it thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks until no pink remains. Once cooked, push the turkey to one side of the skillet to create space for the orzo.
- Toast the Orzo
- Add the orzo to the empty side of the skillet. Toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. This toasting step enhances the orzo’s natural nutty flavor and adds depth to the dish.
- Add Seasonings and Liquid Ingredients
- Stir in the lemon pepper seasoning, dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Add the remaining 1½ cups of chicken broth and stir to combine everything. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Create the Creamy Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low and add the butter, milk, and shredded parmesan to the skillet. Stir gently until the butter and cheese are completely melted and incorporated, creating a rich, creamy sauce that coats the orzo and turkey.
- Incorporate Broccoli and Serve
- Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet and fold it into the creamy orzo mixture until evenly distributed. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Notes
- For a time-saving option, you can use pre-cut broccoli florets.
- This dish reheats well for leftovers. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to maintain creaminess.
- For added nutrition, you can incorporate other vegetables such as spinach, peas, or bell peppers.
- The lemon pepper seasoning provides most of the salt in this recipe, so taste before adding additional salt.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the orzo with rice or gluten-free pasta, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: One Pot & One Pan
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg