
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.
Ingredients
- 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
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
Instructions
- 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. 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. 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. 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. Stir in the dry orzo and cook for 1 minute so it gets coated with the oil and aromatics.
- 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. 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. 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. 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 imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori 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
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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