Creamy Garlic Turkey & Broccoli Orzo (Printable View)

Juicy turkey and tender broccoli orzo pasta in a silky garlic cream sauce, ready in 40 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Proteins

01 - 1.1 lbs ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium head broccoli, cut into small florets (about 9 oz)
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Pasta

05 - 9 oz orzo pasta

→ Dairy

06 - ¾ cup heavy cream
07 - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter

→ Liquids

09 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
10 - ½ cup milk

→ Herbs & Spices

11 - 1 tsp dried thyme
12 - ½ tsp dried oregano
13 - ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Other

15 - 1 tbsp olive oil
16 - Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for garnish)
17 - Extra Parmesan, for serving

# How to Make:

01 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
02 - Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in turkey mince, season with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Cook, breaking up the meat with your spoon, until browned and just cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
04 - Add orzo to the pan, stirring to coat in the aromatics and turkey fat for 1 minute.
05 - Pour in broth and milk. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Add broccoli florets, stir, and cover again. Cook for another 5–6 minutes, until orzo is al dente and broccoli is just tender.
07 - Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir until the sauce is creamy and coats the orzo. Adjust seasoning and add red pepper flakes if using.
08 - Remove from heat. Let rest for 2 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve hot, garnished with lemon zest and extra Parmesan if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Complete meal: A balanced combination of lean protein, fresh vegetables, and grains.
  • One-pan simplicity: Most of the cooking happens in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
  • Luxurious texture: The orzo releases starch as it cooks, creating a naturally creamy base that pairs perfectly with Parmesan.
02 -
  • Cut the broccoli into small, even florets to ensure they cook through perfectly in the same amount of time as the orzo.
  • Don't skip the resting period; those two minutes allow the sauce to settle and fully coat the pasta.
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