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Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

4.9 from 89 reviews

A flavorful and healthy one-pan meal featuring ground turkey cooked with fresh zucchini, aromatic herbs, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. This skillet dish is quick to prepare, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, balancing lean protein with tender vegetables and a subtle hint of spice.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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. Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
  2. Chop Onion: Peel and finely chop the onion to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
  3. Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to develop a sweet and mellow base.
  4. Prepare Garlic: Peel and mince the garlic cloves for infusing the dish with aromatic flavor.
  5. Cook Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn it.
  6. Add Ground Turkey: Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon for even cooking.
  7. Brown Turkey: Cook the turkey for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until completely browned and no longer pink.
  8. Wash Zucchinis: While the turkey cooks, wash the zucchinis thoroughly to remove any dirt or residues.
  9. Trim and Slice Zucchinis: Trim the ends and cut each zucchini in half lengthwise, then slice into 1/4-inch thick half-moons for quick cooking.
  10. Add Zucchinis: Incorporate the sliced zucchini into the skillet with the turkey mixture.
  11. Cook Zucchinis: Stir and cook the zucchini for 4-5 minutes until just tender but still crisp to maintain texture.
  12. Season: Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the mix to enhance flavors.
  13. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to combine all components.
  14. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the broth.
  15. Add Parmesan: Once zucchini is tender and broth reduced, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  16. Incorporate Cheese: Stir the cheese into the mixture until melted evenly coating the turkey and zucchini.
  17. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as preferred for balanced flavor.
  18. Serve: Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan if desired for an added savory touch.

Notes

  • Use lean ground turkey for a healthier option with less fat.
  • If chicken broth is unavailable, substitute with vegetable broth or water for a lighter taste.
  • For added depth, you can include a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Consider pairing with whole-grain rice or crusty bread for a more filling meal.

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