Creamy Garlic Turkey & Broccoli Orzo (Printable)

Tender turkey mince and broccoli florets with orzo pasta in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. A comforting one-pan dish ready in 40 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium head broccoli, cut into small florets (about 12 oz)
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Pasta & Dairy

05 - 9 oz 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
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, then pour in chicken broth and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
05 - Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until orzo is al dente and broccoli is tender.
06 - Stir in cream cheese and parmesan until fully 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.
08 - Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor absorption from the pan.
  • It's naturally lighter than cream-heavy pastas but still feels indulgent thanks to the garlic-parmesan magic.
  • Ready in 40 minutes flat, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you refuse to order takeout.
  • The combination of tender turkey, bright broccoli, and silky orzo creates layers of texture that feel way more special than it should be.
02 -
  • Don't skip the rest time at the end, I learned this the hard way by trying to serve immediately and ending up with broth instead of sauce.
  • Freshly grated parmesan is non-negotiable here because pre-grated cheese won't melt smoothly and you'll end up with grainy sauce instead of silky.
  • Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks in the broth to prevent those frustrating stuck clumps at the bottom of the pan.
03 -
  • Use low-sodium broth so you control the salt level as the liquid reduces, preventing an overly salty final dish.
  • Cut your broccoli into consistently small florets so every piece cooks at the same rate and you avoid mushy bits mixed with raw stems.
Go Back