Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe
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.
- Author: reem
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
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
- Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Chop Onion: Peel and finely chop the onion to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- 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.
- Prepare Garlic: Peel and mince the garlic cloves for infusing the dish with aromatic flavor.
- Cook Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn it.
- Add Ground Turkey: Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon for even cooking.
- Brown Turkey: Cook the turkey for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until completely browned and no longer pink.
- Wash Zucchinis: While the turkey cooks, wash the zucchinis thoroughly to remove any dirt or residues.
- 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.
- Add Zucchinis: Incorporate the sliced zucchini into the skillet with the turkey mixture.
- Cook Zucchinis: Stir and cook the zucchini for 4-5 minutes until just tender but still crisp to maintain texture.
- Season: Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the mix to enhance flavors.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to combine all components.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the broth.
- Add Parmesan: Once zucchini is tender and broth reduced, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir the cheese into the mixture until melted evenly coating the turkey and zucchini.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as preferred for balanced flavor.
- 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