Description
Savory “creamy lemon pepper ground turkey and broccoli orzo” delivers a zesty Mediterranean-inspired comfort meal packed with protein and bold flavors. Balanced textures and quick preparation make this dish perfect for busy weeknight dinners you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Pasta, Liquid, and Seasonings:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm a spacious skillet with olive oil over medium temperature, ensuring an even coating across the cooking surface.
- Introduce ground turkey into the skillet, methodically crumbling the meat with a wooden utensil while promoting uniform browning throughout, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Incorporate finely chopped garlic and allow aromatic notes to develop for an additional minute, releasing robust flavors.
- Gently fold in broccoli florets, sautéing until they transform into a vibrant green with a slight crisp texture, roughly 3-4 minutes.
- Cascade orzo pasta and chicken broth into the skillet, triggering a gentle simmer. Seal with a lid and permit the mixture to cook, allowing orzo to tenderize and liquid to reduce, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Reduce heat and integrate Greek yogurt, creating a luxurious base. Fold in Parmesan cheese, bright lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, and zesty lemon pepper seasoning until a silky, uniform sauce emerges.
- Sample the dish and calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.
- Transfer to serving plates immediately, optionally adorning with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Boost protein content by adding extra ground turkey or swapping with chicken breast for more muscle-building nutrition.
- Perfect for meal prep: this dish stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it ideal for quick work lunches.
- Lower carbohydrate option by replacing orzo with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly alternative.
- Balance flavors by adjusting lemon juice and zest according to personal preference, ensuring a bright yet not overpowering citrus profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg