Ground Turkey Orzo in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Ground Turkey Orzo in Tomato Sauce is a comforting and quick meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean turkey with tender orzo and flavorful tomato sauce creates a satisfying dish the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Step 2: Stir in the orzo, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
- Step 3: Serve the dish warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic when cooking the turkey.
- Use turkey or chicken broth to keep the dish light but flavorful.
- Try swapping Parmesan with mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Add chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes for added greens.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, small pasta shapes like couscous or tiny shells work well, but cooking times may vary.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to avoid overcooked pasta.
PrintGround Turkey Orzo in Tomato Sauce Recipe
A delicious and hearty Ground Turkey Orzo in Tomato Sauce recipe that combines tender ground turkey with orzo pasta simmered in a savory tomato broth, seasoned with Italian herbs and topped with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Turkey: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until it is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for flavor.
- Add Orzo and Liquids: Stir in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes with their juices to the cooked turkey in the skillet.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the ground turkey and orzo mixture onto plates or bowls. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: ground turkey, orzo, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, easy dinner, quick recipe, skillet meal
