Make It Count Kitchen

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and comforting dinner that feels a little elevated without being complicated, this Creamy Basil Pesto Orzo with Ground Turkey is the answer. It’s a one-pot wonder: tender orzo pasta simmered with fresh pesto, parmesan, and a splash of creaminess, paired with savory ground turkey. The result? A cozy, herby dish that tastes like something from a restaurant, but comes together in about 30 minutes right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pot = easy cleanup.
• Balanced & satisfying. Lean ground turkey keeps it lighter, while parmesan and pesto bring depth and richness.
• Fast weeknight dinner. Done in around 30 minutes.
• Customizable. Swap in spinach, peas, or even cherry tomatoes for a veggie boost.

Ingredients

For the pesto:

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup walnuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the orzo dish:

• 2 tbsp avocado oil (divided)
• 1 lb ground turkey
• ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
• 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ⅓ cup whole milk
• ½ cup pesto (prepared above)
• ½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Make the pesto
   In a food processor or blender, combine basil, walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of water if needed for consistency.
2. Cook the turkey
   In a large pot or deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté aromatics & toast orzo
   Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to the same pot. Sauté the onion and garlic for about 2 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Stir in the orzo and cook for another 2 minutes, letting it toast slightly for extra flavor.
4. Build the creamy base
   Pour in the chicken broth, milk, pesto, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 10 minutes, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the orzo is tender.
5. Finish with freshness & cheese
   Turn off the heat. Stir in lemon juice and parmesan cheese until creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Bring it all together
   Return the cooked turkey to the pot and stir to combine. Serve in shallow bowls topped with fresh cracked pepper, grated parmesan, and chopped basil.

Tips & Variations

• Veggie boost: Stir in a handful of spinach, roasted broccoli, or peas before serving.
• Nut swap: Use pine nuts, almonds, or cashews in the pesto if you prefer.
• Make it richer: Swap whole milk for heavy cream for extra indulgence.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Basil Pesto Orzo with Ground Turkey is the kind of dinner that feels special but is simple enough for any night of the week. The bright, herby pesto pairs beautifully with tender orzo and savory ground turkey, creating a balanced dish that’s both hearty and fresh. It’s comfort food with a twist—and one you’ll definitely want to make on repeat.