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Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet – Easy One-Pan Dinner with Broccoli & Cheddar

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This creamy, cheesy ground turkey orzo skillet is a comforting one-pan dinner packed with juicy turkey, tender orzo, crisp broccoli, and melty cheddar. It’s quick, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or 1/2 tsp dried oregano + 1/2 tsp dried basil)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, chopped into small bite-sized pieces)
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color; optional)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 2 tablespoons milk (whole, 2%, or unsweetened dairy-free alternative)
  • Fresh chopped parsley or chives (optional, for serving)
  • Extra shredded cheddar (optional, for serving)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink and starting to brown. Spoon off excess fat if needed.
  2. Stir in diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
  3. Sprinkle in dry orzo, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat orzo in pan juices and spices. Toast orzo for 1 minute.
  4. Add chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Uncover and stir in broccoli florets and bell pepper. Push veggies down so they’re mostly submerged. Cover and cook 5–7 more minutes, until orzo is tender and broccoli is bright green but crisp-tender. Add more broth or water if mixture looks dry.
  6. Turn off heat. Stir in cream cheese cubes and milk until melted and smooth. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over skillet, then cover for 2 minutes to melt.
  7. Gently stir to combine. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Add a splash more milk for a thinner sauce if desired.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, extra cheddar, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.

Notes

Toast the orzo for extra flavor. Add more broth if the mixture looks dry. For gluten-free, use small gluten-free pasta or cooked rice. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and dairy-free milk/cream cheese. Add extra veggies like spinach or peas for variety. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey, orzo, skillet dinner, one-pan, broccoli, cheddar, easy dinner, family meal, comfort food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/ground-turkey-orzo-skillet-easy-one-pan-dinner-with-broccoli-and-cheddar/