Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

There’s something infinitely comforting about a one-skillet meal. It’s like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Today, I want to share with you a fantastic Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet—a dish so easy and delicious that you’ll be making it on repeat. Picture this: succulent ground turkey mingling with fresh zucchini and fragrant garlic, all enveloped in a creamy Parmesan blanket. Trust me; your taste buds will dance!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let’s talk about why this dish deserves a special place in your weeknight rotation. First off, the balance of flavors is pure magic. You’ve got the lean, hearty ground turkey that’s packed with protein—perfect for those health-conscious days. Then, there’s zucchini, which adds a delightful freshness and vibrant color that brightens up the plate. And can we take a moment to appreciate the aromatics? The garlic and onion cook down into sweet, savory perfection, while the crushed red pepper flakes give just the right kick.

Another win? This recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes. Yep, you heard that right! It’s quick, satisfying, and requires minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, the whole meal is nutritious—low in carbs yet filling, making it a stellar option for anyone looking to eat well without compromising on flavor.

Gather these ingredients

Before you dive into this culinary adventure, let’s gather our ingredients:

• Ground Turkey (1 pound): The star of the show! Lean and rich in flavor, ground turkey is a versatile protein that soaks up all the flavors beautifully. You can swap it for lean ground beef or chicken if you prefer.

• Zucchini (2 medium): Fresh, vibrant, and colorful. Zucchini isn’t just a superfood; it also adds moisture and a lovely texture. If you don’t have zucchini, yellow squash works wonderfully too!

• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): This healthy fat gives our skillet a luscious sheen and enhances the flavor of everything. Any cooking oil you prefer can be used here.

• Onion (1/2 medium): Sweet and aromatic—onions create a warm and savory base. Red onions can add a slightly different flavor if that’s what you have on hand.

• Garlic (2 cloves): You’ll want to mince these bad boys! Garlic is a game changer, adding that fragrant punch that brings the whole dish together.

• Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): This herb infuses a Mediterranean flair, elevating the dish from average to outstanding.

• Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Simple, yet necessary to bring out all the flavors.

• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon): For a hint of heat! Feel free to add more if your taste buds are craving it.

• Chicken Broth (1/4 cup): Use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake. This will add more depth to the dish.

• Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): The creamy finish that ties everything together. You can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste if that’s more to your liking.

Preparing Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

2. Sauté the Onions: Peel and finely chop the onion. Add it to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.

3. Add the Garlic: Peel and mince the garlic, then toss it into the skillet. Sauté for another 30 seconds until the aroma fills the kitchen.

4. Cook the Turkey: Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully browned and no longer pink.

5. Prep the Zucchini: While the turkey cooks, wash and trim the ends of the zucchinis. Slice them lengthwise and then into half-moon shapes, about 1/4 inch thick.

6. Incorporate the Zucchini: Add the zucchini to the skillet, stirring it into the meat mixture. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the zucchini starts to soften but still has some firmness.

7. Season It Right: Sprinkle the oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes over the skillet. Stir well to combine.

8. Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken broth and stir everything together. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing those delightful flavors to meld.

9. Finish with Parmesan: When the zucchini is tender and the broth has reduced slightly, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir until it melts, coating everything in a creamy goodness.

10. Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste; adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent.

Best way to enjoy it

This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side of brown rice or quinoa for added texture and heartiness. A crisp green salad is also a fantastic complement, cutting through the richness of the dish. You can even serve it over whole grain pasta if you’re in the mood for something comforting and filling. Trust me; you’ll want to savor every single bite!

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it cools down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. If you want to prolong its life, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. When you’re ready to devour it again, simply reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through.

Helpful cooking tips

• Season as You Go: Don’t wait until the end to taste—give it a little check-in during cooking. This way, you can adjust the flavors as needed.

• Veggie Add-Ins: Feel free to throw in other veggies like bell peppers or spinach towards the end for extra color and nutrition. You’re the chef—get creative!

• Add Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil or parsley on hand, sprinkle some in right before serving for an aromatic boost.

Creative Twists

This recipe is super versatile! Switch up the protein by using ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. You can change the cheese too. Try feta for a tangy kick or mozzarella for something melty and gooey. Don’t be afraid to swap in different seasonings—Cajun spices can introduce a new dimension, or even a dash of curry powder can turn this dish into a whole new culinary experience.

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

Directions to follow

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Peel and chop onion; sauté until soft (3-4 minutes).
3. Mince garlic; add to skillet and cook 30 seconds.
4. Crumble ground turkey into skillet; cook for 6-8 minutes until browned.
5. Wash, trim, and slice zucchinis into half-moons.
6. Add zucchini to skillet; cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened.
7. Season with oregano, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper.
8. Pour in chicken broth, reduce heat, and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
9. Sprinkle in Parmesan; stir until melted and creamy.
10. Taste and adjust seasonings; serve hot.

Your questions answered

• How do I store the leftovers?
  Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.

• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day before and reheat it, making those busy nights even easier.

• What can I serve with this?
  Pair with quinoa, brown rice, or a fresh green salad for a delightful meal.

• Is there a low-carb version?
  You can skip the cheese and add more zucchini or other veggies to keep it light.

• How spicy is it?
  It’s mildly spicy with the red pepper flakes. Adjust according to your heat preference!

This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy yet absolutely tasty meal that gathers your loved ones around the table—or allows you to indulge solo. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to gather all your favorite people, share a meal, and bask in the joy of good food. So go ahead, give it a whirl! And don’t forget to share your twists or thoughts below; I’d love to hear how it went!

Print Recipe

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Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Dinner, Main Course, Weeknight Recipe Keys: E Easy H Healthy High Protein Low Carb Quick Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 350

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a quick, nutritious, and delicious dish that combines lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, and aromatic garlic, all enveloped in creamy Parmesan.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground Turkey (Lean and rich in flavor.)
• 2 medium Zucchini (Fresh and vibrant, can substitute with yellow squash.)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Enhances flavor and provides healthy fat.)
• ¹⁄₂ medium Onion (Sweet and aromatic.)
• 2 cloves Garlic (Mince for best flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (Adds Mediterranean flavor.)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon Salt (To taste.)
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon Black Pepper (To taste.)
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (For a hint of heat.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup Chicken Broth (Low-sodium recommended.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (For creamy finish.)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Heat Olive Oil

   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   Mark as complete

2. Sauté the Onions

   Peel and finely chop the onion. Add it to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
   Mark as complete

3. Add the Garlic

   Peel and mince the garlic, then toss it into the skillet. Sauté for another 30 seconds until the aroma fills the kitchen.
   Mark as complete

4. Cook the Turkey

   Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully browned and no longer pink.
   Mark as complete

5. Prep the Zucchini

   While the turkey cooks, wash and trim the ends of the zucchinis. Slice them lengthwise and then into half-moon shapes, about 1/4 inch thick.
   Mark as complete

6. Incorporate the Zucchini

   Add the zucchini to the skillet, stirring it into the meat mixture. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the zucchini starts to soften but still has some firmness.
   Mark as complete

7. Season It Right

   Sprinkle the oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes over the skillet. Stir well to combine.
   Mark as complete

8. Pour in the Broth

   Add the chicken broth and stir everything together. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing those delightful flavors to meld.
   Mark as complete

9. Finish with Parmesan

   When the zucchini is tender and the broth has reduced slightly, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir until it melts, coating everything in a creamy goodness.
   Mark as complete

10. Taste and Adjust

    Give it a taste; adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent.
    Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 14g22%

Saturated Fat 4g20%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 85mg29%

Sodium 550mg23%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 20g7%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 4g

Protein 40g80%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 40 mg

Calcium 150 mg

Iron 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Stir frequently to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.

Keywords: ground turkey, zucchini, skillet meal, healthy recipe, quick dinner