Looking for a dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and full of bright flavors? Creamy Lemon Pepper Ground Turkey and Broccoli Orzo is exactly what you need! This dish brings together ground turkey, tender orzo, and crisp-tender broccoli, all wrapped in a creamy lemon pepper sauce that’s perfectly tangy and rich. It’s a simple one-pan wonder that’s both easy to make and delicious enough to impress your friends or family. Seriously, this is the weeknight dinner you’ve been dreaming of—light, creamy, and packed with flavor in every bite!
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Why You’ll Love Creamy Lemon Pepper Ground Turkey and Broccoli Orzo
Here’s why this dish will quickly become one of your favorites:
Creamy Goodness: The creamy sauce makes every bite velvety and satisfying, while the fresh lemon pepper seasoning gives it that zingy brightness.
Flavor-Packed: The ground turkey is seasoned just right with lemon, garlic, and pepper, while the broccoli adds a nice crunch to balance out the creamy texture.
One-Pan Wonder: This dish comes together in just one pan—less mess, more time to relax and enjoy your meal!
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something hearty but simple.
Healthy and Filling: With lean ground turkey, broccoli, and orzo, you get a deliciously balanced meal that’s packed with protein, fiber, and healthy carbs.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious dish to life:
- Ground Turkey: Lean and flavorful, it’s the perfect base for this creamy dish.
- Orzo: The tiny pasta that absorbs all the creamy goodness and pairs wonderfully with the turkey and broccoli.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh and tender, they add crunch and color to the dish.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the turkey and vegetables, helping them cook up perfectly.
- Garlic: For a rich, savory flavor that enhances the lemon pepper seasoning.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: The star of the show, adding a zesty and bold flavor that makes this dish shine.
- Heavy Cream: For the rich and creamy sauce that brings everything together.
- Chicken Broth: To help create the sauce and keep everything nice and moist.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a touch of nuttiness and depth to the creamy sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the dish just right.
(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make this creamy, flavorful dish:
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for about 3-4 minutes, just until they’re tender but still vibrant and crisp.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Combine: Add the cooked orzo to the pan with the turkey and broccoli, tossing everything together so the orzo absorbs all that creamy sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve this creamy lemon pepper goodness in bowls or plates, garnish with extra Parmesan if you like, and dig in!
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Pepper Ground Turkey and Broccoli Orzo
While this dish is hearty enough on its own, you can pair it with a few sides to complete your meal:
- Side Salad: A fresh, light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would be a refreshing complement to the creamy richness of the orzo.
- Garlic Bread: If you’re craving something extra indulgent, warm garlic bread on the side is always a great choice to mop up any extra sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots or zucchini would add some extra color and flavor to your plate.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make this dish even better:
- Make It Spicy: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in extra veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or peas to pack in even more nutrients.
- Use Ground Chicken or Beef: If you prefer, you can swap the ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef, depending on your taste.
- Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prepping! Make a batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick meal.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A1: Yes, frozen broccoli will work just fine! Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the pan.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A3: Definitely! You can swap the orzo for other small pasta shapes, like penne or fusilli, if you prefer.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes, this dish freezes well! Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.
Q6: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A6: Use a dairy-free cream (like coconut cream) and omit the Parmesan cheese to make this dish dairy-free.
Q7: Can I add other seasonings to the sauce?
A7: Absolutely! You can experiment with adding herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil to give the sauce more depth.
Q8: How do I know when the turkey is cooked through?
A8: Make sure the ground turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes, you can double the recipe! Just make sure to use a large enough pan or cook in batches if needed.
Q10: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
A10: While this dish is designed for the stovetop, you can cook the ground turkey and veggies in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours and then stir in the cream and seasonings at the end.
Conclusion
Creamy Lemon Pepper Ground Turkey and Broccoli Orzo is the kind of dish that will fill you up and leave you craving more. The creamy, zesty sauce paired with the tender turkey, broccoli, and orzo makes every bite a delightful experience. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Creamy Lemon Pepper Ground Turkey and Broccoli Orzo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Lemon Pepper Ground Turkey and Broccoli Orzo is a light, high-protein dish that’s bursting with flavor. Lean ground turkey, fresh broccoli, and al dente orzo come together in a creamy lemon pepper sauce, making it a perfect meal for high-protein meal prep or a quick, satisfying dinner. The creamy sauce adds richness while the lemon pepper gives it a zesty kick!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Lower the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and lemon pepper seasoning. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the orzo for a gluten-free pasta or quinoa if preferred.
- If you like a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- This dish works great for meal prep – store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg