Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots or 1 small onion, minced
- 1 lb. ground turkey or Italian turkey sausage
- 4 packed cups spinach or leafy greens of choice (kale, Swiss chard, collards, or arugula)
Pantry and Seasonings
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- ½ tsp. pepper
- 12 oz. gluten free orzo pasta or regular orzo pasta
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
Dairy and Herbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- Fresh basil or herbs of choice
Instructions
- Prepare aromatics: Mince the 6 cloves of garlic and 2 shallots (or 1 small onion). Roughly chop 4 packed cups of fresh spinach or other greens like kale or Swiss chard for later use.
- Cook the turkey: Heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb. ground turkey with 1 tsp. Italian seasoning, ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, ½ tsp. kosher salt, and ½ tsp. pepper. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, breaking up the meat until fully cooked. Remove turkey from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the remaining 1 Tbsp. olive oil to the skillet. Once hot, add the minced garlic and shallots. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Toast the orzo: Add 12 oz. orzo pasta to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring often to slightly brown the pasta and enhance flavor.
- Cook pasta in broth: Pour in 4 cups low sodium chicken broth and add the remaining ½ tsp. kosher salt. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a low boil and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and the mixture becomes creamy.
- Combine ingredients: Lower the heat to low. Stir in chopped spinach, cooked ground turkey, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and the zest of 1 lemon. Fold ingredients gently until combined.
- Finish cooking: Continue to cook over low heat for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and freshly torn basil or your preferred herbs. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with plant-based ground meat or mushrooms.
- Use regular orzo if gluten free options are not required.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or omit if preferred mild.
- Kale, Swiss chard, collards, or arugula make excellent alternatives for spinach.
- This recipe can be prepared in one large skillet or deep sauté pan for convenience and less cleanup.
- Adjust salt levels if using salted broth or different seasoning blends.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
