Cheesy Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet with Zucchini
This Cheesy Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet with Zucchini is a cozy, lasagna-inspired one-pan dinner made in about 30 minutes. Ground turkey, tender zucchini, orzo, tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella make it an easy weeknight meal the whole family can enjoy.
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Why You'll Love This Skillet
It has all those comforting lasagna flavors without layering noodles or turning on the oven. Everything cooks in one skillet, and the orzo makes it hearty enough to serve as a complete meal.
Key Ingredients
- Ground turkey: A lean, mild base that works especially well with the tomato, herbs, and cheeses. I also use it in these Mediterranean Ground Turkey Bowls for another easy weeknight dinner.
- Zucchini: Thinly sliced half-moons cook quickly and add vegetables without overwhelming the skillet.
- Orzo: Toasting the dry pasta briefly before adding the liquids gives it especially good texture and flavor.
- Tomato sauce and chicken broth: Create the flavorful cooking liquid for the orzo.
- Ricotta and mozzarella: Ricotta makes the tomato sauce creamy, while mozzarella melts over the finished skillet.
- Italian seasoning and basil: Give the dish its lasagna-inspired flavor.
Recipe Testing Notes:
After testing this skillet several ways, I preferred briefly toasting the dry orzo before adding the sauce and broth. I also found that stirring the ricotta directly into the sauce gave the skillet a creamier, more evenly combined texture than adding it in dollops.
How to Make Cheese Turkey Zucchini Orzo Skillet
- Step 1: Brown the ground turkey in a large skillet, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
- Step 2: Add the sliced zucchini and cook briefly, then stir in the dry orzo and toast for about 1 minute.
- Step 3: Stir in the tomato sauce, broth, ricotta, and seasonings. Simmer until the orzo is tender and the sauce is creamy, about 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Sprinkle mozzarella over the skillet, cover, and let stand until the cheese melts. Finish with fresh herbs and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet with Zucchini Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini quartered then sliced thinly into half moon shapes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 (14.5-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-oz) can chicken broth
- 6 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese about ¾ cup
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves or ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese about 1 cup
- salt and pepper to taste
- red pepper flakes optional for serving
- chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or basil), optional for serving
Instructions
To Prep:
- Halve the zucchini lengthwise and then thinly slice into half-moon shapes. Thinly slice the basil if using fresh herbs.
For the Skillet:
- Warm olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until no pink remains, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the zucchini and cook, stirring often, for about 1 minute. Add the orzo to the skillet and cook for 1 more minute.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and basil until combined. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the orzo cooks evenly. Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Turn off the heat and sprinkle mozzarella over the top; cover the skillet until the cheese has melted. Serve with additional freshly chopped herbs (like basil or parsley) and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Orzo: Briefly toasting the dry orzo in the skillet before adding the liquid gives it especially good flavor and texture.
- Ricotta: For the creamiest sauce, stir the ricotta into the tomato mixture rather than adding it in dollops.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
More Skillet Dinners to Try
If you love quick one-pan meals, you may also enjoy these easy skillet recipes:
- Mediterranean Ground Turkey Skillet
- Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Skillet
- Easy Skillet Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe with Sausage
- One Pan Tuscan Chicken and Rice Skillet
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We love Italian inspired dinner recipes, and when they can take 30 minutes or less, everyone comes to the table happily. This skillet recipe has become a favorite anytime we're craving quick lasagna-inspired flavors. I love the added zucchini, the creamy tomato sauce, and the 30-minute delicious dinner option!