Creamy Express Pumpkin Orzo with Rosemary Turkey and Spinach
⏲️ Under 30 Minutes
Easy

Creamy Express Pumpkin Orzo with Rosemary Turkey and Spinach

A fast, comforting orzo dish made creamy with pumpkin purée, golden rosemary turkey strips, fresh spinach, and a touch of nutmeg and Parmesan. Perfect for a dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

10 minPrep
18 minCook
28 minTotal
4Servings
High Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 220 g dry orzo (pasta corta tipo arroz)
  • 450 g turkey breast, sliced into strips (skinless)
  • 240 g pumpkin purée (without sugar)
  • 90 g fresh spinach (lightly packed)
  • 80 g red onion, finely chopped
  • 10 g garlic, minced
  • 720 ml chicken broth (hot)
  • 120 ml heavy cream
  • 40 g grated Parmesan (more extra for servir optional)
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 2 g dried rosemary
  • 1 g ground nutmeg
  • 2 g sweet paprika
  • 2 g lemon zest
  • 5 g salt (or to taste)
  • 1 g black pepper (or to taste)

Nutrition facts

per serving

481 kcal
Calories
33 g
Protein
35 g
Carbs
22 g
Fat
3 g
Fiber
32 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairy

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. In a bowl, mix the turkey strips with 1 tablespoon olive oil, dried rosemary, sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.

  2. 2

    2. Heat a large skillet or wide pot over medium-high heat for 1 minute. If you want to preheat the oven to keep the dish warm, set it to 200°F/95°C, though it is not needed for the main cooking.

  3. 3

    3. Add the seasoned turkey to the skillet and brown for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring once or twice, until fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.

  4. 4

    4. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, the red onion, and the garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until the onion softens.

  5. 5

    5. Stir in the dry orzo and cook for 1 minute so it gets coated with the oil and aromatics.

  6. 6

    6. Pour in the hot chicken broth and add the pumpkin purée, nutmeg, and remaining salt. Mix well and cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and creamy.

  7. 7

    7. Add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, fresh spinach, and lemon zest. Cook 2 minutes more, stirring, until the spinach wilts and the sauce turns silky.

  8. 8

    8. Return the turkey to the skillet and stir for 1 minute to warm it through and combine the flavors. Taste and adjust with more salt or black pepper if needed.

  9. 9

    9. Serve immediately, with a little extra grated Parmesan on top if desired.

Chef tips

For a looser texture, add 60 to 120 ml (1/4 to 1/2 cup) extra broth at the end. Stir often so the orzo starch creates a creamy sauce without sticking.

Substitutions

You can replace the turkey with chicken strips. The heavy cream can be swapped for plant-based cream, though the flavor will change. Parmesan can be replaced with Pecorino. If you do not have rosemary, use dried thyme.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon

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