Name: Italian Ground Turkey Spinach Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey (lean, such as Butterball); 12 oz orzo pasta (Barilla recommended); 2.5 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 4.5 cups chicken broth; 1.25 tsp Italian seasoning; 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes; 1.25 tsp salt; 0.75 tsp black pepper; 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg; 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; 0.66 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 lemon (zested and cut into wedges); Fresh basil leaves, torn by hand for garnish

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Introduction

This Italian Ground Turkey Spinach Orzo is a flavorful one-pot meal that combines lean ground turkey, tender orzo pasta, and fresh spinach in a savory broth. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a touch of lemon, it’s a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

The image shows a wooden bowl filled with a creamy orzo dish layered with small browned ground meat pieces, vibrant green wilted spinach, and pale yellow orzo pasta mixed evenly throughout. On top, thin strands of bright yellow lemon zest and finely grated white cheese are scattered, adding texture and color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred yellow bottle in the background, enhancing the fresh and warm feeling of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey (lean like Butterball)
12 oz orzo pasta (Barilla recommended)
2.5 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced (1/4-inch pieces)
6 garlic cloves, minced
4.5 cups chicken broth
1.25 tsp Italian seasoning
0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
1.25 tsp salt
0.75 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
4 cups spinach, roughly chopped
0.66 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 lemon (zested and cut into wedges)
Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the aromatics and spice blend. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Roughly chop the spinach and zest the lemon, then cut it into wedges. In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and nutmeg for a well-mixed spice blend.
Step 2: Brown the ground turkey. Heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks for 8–10 minutes, until no longer pink and starting to brown. Sprinkle the spice blend over the meat and stir well. Transfer the cooked turkey to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Toast the orzo and build the broth base. In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and just soft (avoid browning the garlic). Add the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring until lightly golden. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Simmer the orzo. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender but still slightly firm. The liquid should reduce significantly but not fully evaporate. Monitor to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
Step 5: Finish the dish. Return the cooked turkey to the pot and stir in the chopped spinach, letting it wilt for about 30 seconds. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into the warm pasta (off heat if the pot is very hot to avoid grainy cheese). Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, extra Parmesan, and torn fresh basil on top.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a creamier finish rather than pre-grated to avoid graininess.
Add mushrooms or cherry tomatoes during Step 3 for extra flavor and texture.
Substitute baby kale for spinach if you prefer a slightly different green.
For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
Toast the orzo carefully without burning for the best nutty flavor enhancement.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep the orzo creamy and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Avoid reheating at very high heat to prevent drying out the cheese and spinach.

How to Serve

A close-up of a wooden bowl filled with creamy pasta made with small, rice-shaped orzo, mixed with wilted green spinach leaves and browned ground meat chunks. The top has a light sprinkle of grated cheese and thin yellow lemon zest strips, creating a textured look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred olive oil bottle in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken or lean ground beef can be great substitutes. Adjust cooking times as needed and keep an eye on fat content that may affect texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, omit the turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra spinach or mushrooms to keep it filling and flavorful.