Description
A quick and delicious weeknight dinner combining ground turkey, fresh spinach, and orzo pasta in a creamy chicken broth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots (or 1 small onion), minced
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil, split
- 1 lb. ground turkey (or Italian turkey sausage)
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, split
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 12 oz. gluten-free orzo pasta (or regular orzo if not gluten-free)
- 4 packed cups spinach (or leafy greens of choice)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- Fresh basil (or herbs of choice)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Mince garlic and shallots, and chop spinach.
- Cook the Turkey: Heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil in a skillet, add turkey, seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until fully cooked.
- Sauté Garlic and Shallots: Add another Tbsp. of olive oil, then sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant.
- Brown the Orzo: Add orzo to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Cook in Broth: Add chicken broth and another ½ tsp. kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer until orzo is al dente.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in spinach, cooked turkey, and Parmesan cheese until combined.
- Finish Cooking: Fold gently until spinach wilts and cheese melts, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Squeeze lemon juice over the dish and top with more Parmesan and basil leaves.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: ground turkey pasta, spinach pasta, quick dinner, family meal, healthy recipe