Creamy Garlic Turkey Broccoli Orzo (Printable version)

A comforting one-pan pasta with tender turkey, broccoli, and orzo in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Ready in 40 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 pound lean ground turkey

→ Vegetables

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

→ Pasta and Dairy

05 - 9 ounces orzo pasta
06 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 3/4 cup whole milk
08 - 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
09 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese

→ Pantry

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
14 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

15 - Fresh parsley, chopped
16 - Extra parmesan cheese

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, approximately 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 if using. Cook while stirring for 2 minutes.
04 - Stir in orzo pasta and pour in chicken broth and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
05 - Cover skillet and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until orzo reaches al dente texture and broccoli is tender.
06 - Stir in cream cheese and parmesan until completely melted and sauce reaches desired creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Remove from heat and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
08 - Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional parmesan cheese before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single large skillet.
  • Nutritious & Lean: Packed with 33g of protein per serving and fresh green broccoli.
  • Creamy Texture: The combination of orzo, milk, cream cheese, and parmesan creates a rich sauce without the need for heavy cream.
  • Quick to Prepare: Goes from prep to table in just 40 minutes.
02 -
  • Fresh Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties for a smoother, creamier melt.
  • The Rest Period: Don't skip the 2-3 minute resting period at the end; this is when the sauce fully sets and reaches its ideal consistency.
  • Even Cooking: Cut the broccoli into small, uniform florets so they become perfectly tender in the same amount of time it takes to cook the orzo.
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