Quick Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a skillet full of tender orzo and savory ground turkey, all simmered together in a flavorful, one-pan meal. The aroma alone—rich garlic, herbs, and a hint of tomato—feels like a warm hug after a long day.

this Recipe

I first made this dish on a frantic Tuesday evening with just 30 minutes to spare and a pound of ground turkey to use up. It instantly became a staple in our dinner rotation—hearty, quick, and so satisfying. Whether you're cooking for picky kids or just need something fast and filling, this one’s a keeper.

It’s time to dive into what makes this Quick Ground Turkey Orzo so irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Ground Turkey Orzo

Get ready to meet your new weeknight dinner hero. This quick ground turkey orzo recipe checks all the boxes: it’s flavorful, budget-conscious, and ready in under 30 minutes.

First and foremost, this dish is seriously fast. Start to finish, you’re looking at 25–30 minutes total, including prep time. Perfect for busy nights when takeout is tempting but you want something homemade.

It’s also family-friendly and picky-eater approved. Ground turkey is mild yet hearty, and the creamy tomato sauce clings to the orzo just right. Add a sprinkle of cheese, and even your toughest critics will be going back for seconds.

Budget-conscious? Absolutely. With just a handful of pantry staples—ground turkey, broth, tomato paste, orzo—you’ve got a complete meal that feeds a family of four for well under $15.

And don’t overlook the one-pan magic. Less mess, fewer dishes, and easier cleanup make this recipe an easy choice when you’re short on time and energy.

Whether you're a meal prepper or a last-minute dinner scrambler, this recipe flexes with you. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into it.

Ingredient Notes

The beauty of this dish is how simple, everyday ingredients come together to create a bold, savory flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters.

Ground turkey is the star of the show. I prefer 93% lean for the perfect balance between flavor and texture—it browns beautifully and stays juicy, especially when simmered with broth and sauce. You can substitute ground chicken if needed, but turkey has a slightly richer flavor for this style of dish.

Orzo pasta is your base. Though it looks like rice, it’s actually a tiny pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavor like a dream. You’ll want to toast it briefly in the skillet to deepen the flavor and keep it from turning mushy as it simmers.

Tomato paste adds richness and depth. Just a couple tablespoons bring bold umami flavor and give the dish its vibrant color. Don’t skip this—it’s essential for that slow-simmered taste in a fraction of the time.

Garlic and onion build the aromatic backbone. Mince your garlic fine and dice the onion small so they melt into the sauce. A touch of Italian seasoning or dried oregano rounds out the savory profile perfectly.

You’ll also need chicken broth—low sodium is ideal. This adds both moisture and flavor to cook the orzo and create a light, creamy sauce as the starch releases. If you're out of broth, water with a bouillon cube will do in a pinch.

No fancy tools required here—just a deep skillet or sauté pan with a lid, a wooden spoon, and a measuring cup. Simple and stress-free!

How To Make This Quick Ground Turkey Orzo

Creating this satisfying skillet dinner is as easy as it gets. Everything comes together in one pan, with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes, letting it get a little golden for that extra flavor.

Once the turkey is browned, stir in the onion and garlic. Let them cook down for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened. At this stage, sprinkle in some Italian seasoning or dried oregano to bloom the spices right in the oil.

Now it’s time to add the tomato paste. Stir it in and cook for 1–2 minutes until it darkens slightly—this caramelization brings deep flavor. Then, pour in the dry orzo, stirring to coat each grain with the seasoned mixture. Let it toast for about a minute before adding any liquid.

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.

If you like a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or a handful of grated Parmesan cheese right at the end. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

From prep to plate, you’re looking at just 30 minutes, and you’ll be rewarded with a cozy, filling meal that feels like it took much longer.

Storage Options

One of the best parts of this recipe? The leftovers are just as delicious the next day.

Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The orzo will continue to absorb the sauce, so it may thicken slightly over time.

For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to label and date them—frozen, it’ll keep for up to 2 months.

To reheat, simply add a splash of broth or water and warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. The microwave works too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through to prevent drying out.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll start thinking of all kinds of delicious ways to make it your own.

Try swapping ground turkey for ground beef, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a heartier, spicier version. Just keep an eye on fat content and drain any excess grease if needed.

For a veggie boost, stir in chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers when you add the broth. They’ll cook right along with the orzo and add color and nutrients to your dish.

Want it creamier? Add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese right before serving. You can also stir in grated Parmesan for extra richness.

Looking for a dairy-free version? Skip the cheese and cream entirely—it’s still flavorful without them. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy vibe without the dairy.

Spice lovers can add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some smoked paprika to give it a deeper, bolder kick.

Once you see how flexible this recipe is, don’t be afraid to riff on it with what you have in your fridge or pantry. That’s the beauty of a dish like this—it works with you, not against you.

Print