This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is the perfect weeknight dinner, packed with flavor and simple ingredients. The ground turkey is perfectly browned and combined with tender zucchini, all cooked in a savory broth and finished with melted Parmesan cheese. It’s healthy, delicious, and ready in about 30 minutes, making it a go-to meal for busy nights or when you want something wholesome and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This skillet dish is both light and satisfying. The combination of lean ground turkey and fresh zucchini provides a great balance of protein and vegetables, while the savory broth and Parmesan cheese add rich flavor. The dish is easy to customize with your favorite seasonings or vegetables, and it’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s low in carbs and high in protein, making it perfect for a healthy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Heat the Olive Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Onion:
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 Garlic:
Peel and mince the garlic cloves. Add them to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Cook the Ground Turkey:
Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and no longer pink.
5. Prepare the Zucchini:
While the turkey is cooking, wash the zucchinis. Trim the ends and cut them in half lengthwise, then slice each half into half-moon shapes about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Add Zucchini to the Skillet:
Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet with the ground turkey. Stir to combine and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the zucchini starts to soften but still retains some firmness.
7. Season the Mixture:
Sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over the skillet mixture. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
8. Add Chicken Broth:
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, stirring everything together. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly.
9. Add Parmesan Cheese:
Once the zucchini is tender, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts and coats the turkey and zucchini evenly.
10. Adjust Seasoning:
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
11. Serve:
Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the skillet for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Option: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick or add a drizzle of hot sauce when serving.
- Swap the Meat: If you prefer, you can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or a plant-based alternative.
- Herbs: For a fresh twist, try adding fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or thyme at the end of cooking for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes! If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or any other cheese that melts well.
Can I use zucchini from a can?
Fresh zucchini is recommended for the best texture, but you can use canned zucchini in a pinch. Just make sure to drain and pat it dry before adding to the skillet.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it and add the Parmesan cheese.
What can I serve this with?
This dish pairs well with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread or pasta for a heartier meal.
Can I use a different type of broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth or even white wine for a different flavor. Chicken broth will give it a richer taste, but vegetable broth is a great option for a lighter meal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you’re using a gluten-free broth and ensuring no added gluten in the Parmesan cheese.
How do I prevent the zucchini from getting too soft?
To keep the zucchini from getting too soft, avoid overcooking it. Stir it in for just 4-5 minutes so it retains a little firmness while still being tender.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is an easy, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy nights. With tender zucchini, lean turkey, and a savory sauce, it’s a well-balanced dish that’s light yet satisfying. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or paired with your favorite sides, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy!
Print
Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With lean ground turkey, tender zucchini, savory seasonings, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it’s a satisfying one-pan dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
1 pound ground turkey
2 medium zucchinis
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion
3 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
For Garnish:
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Heat the Olive Oil:
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Onion:
-
Peel and chop the onion. Sauté in the skillet for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Add Garlic:
-
Mince the garlic and add it to the skillet, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Cook the Ground Turkey:
-
Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and no longer pink.
5. Prepare the Zucchini:
-
While the turkey cooks, wash the zucchinis, trim the ends, and slice them into half-moon shapes (about ¼ inch thick).
6. Add Zucchini:
-
Add the zucchini to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened but still slightly firm.
7. Season the Mixture:
-
Sprinkle oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the skillet. Stir to combine.
8. Add Chicken Broth:
-
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly.
9. Add Parmesan Cheese:
-
Once the zucchini is tender, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and coats the turkey and zucchini evenly.
10. Adjust Seasoning:
-
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
11. Serve:
-
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Add More Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Option: Increase crushed red pepper flakes or add hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Swap the Meat: Ground chicken, beef, or plant-based proteins like tempeh can replace ground turkey.
Herbs: Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme can be added for a fresh twist at the end of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet-cooked
- Cuisine: American
