Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet with Zucchini Recipe

Dish of lasagna inspired ground turkey and orzo with zucchini dish topped with fresh basil leaves.

Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet with Zucchini Recipe

This Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet with Zucchini is a cozy, lasagna-inspired one-pan dinner with tender orzo, creamy ricotta, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella. Ready in about 30 minutes!

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Servings: servings

Calories: 369kcal

Author: Stephanie Wilson

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.

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