Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This ground turkey and zucchini skillet is a quick, healthy dinner that combines lean protein with fresh vegetables. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Peel and finely chop the onion, then add it to the skillet. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Peel and mince the garlic cloves, add to the skillet, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
5. Step 5: Cook the turkey for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and no longer pink.
6. Step 6: While the turkey cooks, wash the zucchinis, trim the ends, and cut each in half lengthwise.
7. Step 7: Slice each zucchini half into 1/4-inch thick half-moon shapes.
8. Step 8: Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet with the turkey and stir to combine.
9. Step 9: Cook the mixture for 4-5 minutes until the zucchini starts to soften but remains slightly firm.
10. Step 10: Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the skillet.
11. Step 11: Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything to combine.
12. Step 12: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and broth to reduce slightly.
13. Step 13: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet and stir until melted and evenly coating the turkey and zucchini.
14. Step 14: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
15. Step 15: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if preferred.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground chicken or lean beef instead of turkey for a different flavor.
• Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
• For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of ricotta cheese at the end.
• Serve over cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta for a heartier meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can cook the skillet ahead of time and store it refrigerated. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but make sure the chicken broth you use does not contain gluten additives if you have sensitivities.

Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 150 reviews

A quick and healthy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet recipe that combines lean ground turkey with fresh zucchini, aromatic herbs, and a hint of Parmesan cheese for a flavorful low-carb meal prepared entirely on the stovetop.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats

• 1 pound ground turkey

Vegetables

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1/2 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic

Oils & Liquids

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Seasonings & Herbs

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
2. Prep the onion: Peel and finely chop the onion to ensure it cooks evenly and blends well with the meat.
3. Sauté onion: Add the chopped onion to the hot skillet and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, developing a mild sweetness.
4. Prep garlic: Peel and mince the garlic cloves finely for quick release of flavor.
5. Cook garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding burning.
6. Add turkey: Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon to ensure even browning.
7. Brown turkey: Cook the ground turkey for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully browned and no pink remains.
8. Prepare zucchini: While turkey cooks, wash the zucchinis, trim the ends, and cut each in half lengthwise.
9. Slice zucchini: Slice each zucchini half into 1/4-inch thick half-moons to ensure they cook evenly.
10. Add zucchini: Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet with the browned turkey mixture.
11. Cook zucchini: Stir the zucchini into the meat and cook for 4-5 minutes until just beginning to soften but still firm.
12. Season: Sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes evenly over the skillet mixture for flavor layering.
13. Add broth: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and stir it in to combine and create a slight sauce.
14. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes so flavors meld and broth reduces slightly.
15. Add cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet and stir until it melts, coating the turkey and zucchini evenly.
16. Final seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as preferred.
17. Serve: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Notes

• Use lean ground turkey to keep the dish light and healthy.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness according to your preference.
• You can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make the recipe slightly lighter.
• Grating fresh Parmesan gives much better flavor than pre-grated varieties.
• This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Keywords: ground turkey, zucchini, skillet dinner, quick healthy dinner, low-carb, one-pan meal