Description
A creamy and comforting one-pan dish featuring lean ground turkey, tender orzo pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, finished with fresh baby spinach for a nutritious touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 2 small handfuls baby spinach
Pantry and Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- ¾ cup water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until they are softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Brown Turkey: Add the lean ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks and browns evenly. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to build flavor.
- Add Pasta and Sauce: Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, tomato sauce, and water. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer Covered: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly tender.
- Finish with Cream and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach. Continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the spinach to wilt.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Serve the dish hot and enjoy the creamy, savory flavors!
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey to keep the dish healthier and reduce fat.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt (add after removing the skillet from heat to avoid curdling).
- Baby spinach can be swapped for fresh kale or Swiss chard for varied texture and nutrition.
- Ensure the orzo is nearly tender before adding cream to achieve perfect texture.
