One-Pot Turkey and Pea Orzo Skillet Recipe

This easy one-pot orzo with turkey and peas is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Ground turkey simmers in a tomato passata sauce with garlic, Italian seasoning and orzo, then finishes with bright peas and freshly grated Parmesan for a comforting, family-friendly meal.

One-pot skillet dinners like this are ideal when you want minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is a practical staple to make on repeat whenever you need a quick, satisfying dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Orzo Recipe

• Ready in around 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Rich, layered flavor from tomato passata, garlic and Italian seasoning.
• Uses mostly pantry and freezer staples for quick, last-minute cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Olive oil — or any neutral oil you prefer.
• Ground turkey — can be swapped for ground chicken, pork or beef, or a mix.
• Aromatics — finely diced onion and minced garlic.
• Seasoning — salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.
• Orzo — rice-shaped short-cut pasta (also called risoni).
• Broth — turkey, chicken or vegetable broth will work.
• Passata — smooth sieved tomatoes (about one jar).
• Peas — frozen peas are convenient; fresh peas also work.
• Parmesan — freshly grated is best and helps thicken the sauce.

How To Make This One Pot Orzo Recipe

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and break it up with a spatula. Cook 1–2 minutes, then add the diced onion and cook another minute until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic, orzo, salt and pepper and cook for about 30 seconds to toast the orzo slightly.

• Add the broth and passata, then stir in the Italian seasoning.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently so the orzo cooks evenly.

• Stir in the peas and freshly grated Parmesan. Continue cooking until the peas are heated through and the orzo is tender.
• If the sauce seems thin, simmer a bit longer to reduce it, or add more Parmesan to thicken.
• Serve with additional Parmesan on top if you like.

Recipe Variations

• Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
• Replace peas with other quick-cooking vegetables like frozen corn or spinach.
• Use a different ground meat: chicken, pork or beef all work well.
• Substitute chicken or vegetable broth for turkey broth.
• Swap diced onions for shallots for a milder, sweeter flavor.

Tips and Notes

• The sauce will thicken as it cools, so expect a firmer texture after resting.
• Dice the onion finely so it softens quickly and blends into the sauce.
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and improves texture compared with pre-shredded cheese.
• Use a large skillet or a pot with enough room so the orzo won’t overflow when you add liquid and stir.
• Garnish with ribboned basil for a fresh, aromatic finish.

Recipe

One Pot Orzo with Turkey and Peas

A creamy, one-pan orzo with ground turkey, tomato passata, peas and Parmesan—ready in about 30 minutes.

4.50 from 4 votes

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4– 6 servings

Equipment

• Large nonstick skillet (12″ or similar) or a large pot

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• ½ onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 cup orzo
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups turkey or chicken broth
• 600 mL passata (about 1 jar)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ¼–½ cup freshly grated Parmesan

Instructions

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey and break it up with a spatula. Cook 1–2 minutes, then add the diced onion and cook another minute.
• Add the minced garlic, orzo, salt and pepper. Stir for about 30 seconds.
• Pour in the broth and passata, then stir in the Italian seasoning.
• Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender.
• Stir in the frozen peas and Parmesan and cook until the peas are heated through. If needed, simmer a little longer or add more Parmesan to thicken the sauce.
• Serve topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving
|
Calories: 428 kcal

Course: One Pot

Cuisine: American

Author: Carmy

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