Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a simple, healthy meal made in one pan, ideal for busy days. It features lean ground turkey cooked with fresh zucchini, onions, garlic, and basic seasonings to create a tasty and filling dish. Since everything is made in a single skillet, cleanup is quick and easy. A touch of Parmesan cheese added at the end brings comfort and flavor without making the meal too heavy. It’s an excellent option for a light lunch or low-carb dinner.

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

• Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Peel and finely dice the onion.
• Add the onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
• Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.
• Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
• Cook the turkey for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and no longer pink.
• While the turkey cooks, rinse the zucchinis and cut off the ends.
• Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise, then cut into half-moon pieces about 1/4 inch thick.
• Add the zucchini slices to the skillet with the turkey.
• Stir well and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the zucchini starts to soften but still has some firmness.
• Sprinkle in the oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
• Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
• Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
• When the zucchini is tender and most of the broth has cooked off, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the skillet.
• Stir until the cheese melts and evenly coats the ingredients.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Serve warm, adding extra Parmesan on top if desired.

Tips

Zucchini naturally releases water during cooking. To avoid a watery dish, don’t add extra broth and let it simmer uncovered if needed.

For a firmer texture, cook the zucchini separately for a few minutes before mixing it with the turkey.

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer flavor and smoother melting.

You can replace chicken broth with vegetable broth or a splash of white wine if preferred.

Adding fresh lemon juice at the end gives the dish a bright, fresh taste.

Variations

• Add more vegetables like chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost color and nutrition.
• Use a different protein by swapping ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or plant-based crumbles.
• Make it spicier by increasing crushed red pepper flakes or adding a splash of hot sauce.
• Try different cheeses such as mozzarella or feta instead of Parmesan for a new flavor.
• Serve the skillet over grains like rice, quinoa, or pasta to make the meal more filling.

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Conclusion

This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a fast, healthy, and delicious meal perfect for any day of the week. Made with simple ingredients and cooked all in one pan, it’s easy to prepare and clean up. The mix of lean turkey, fresh zucchini, and tasty seasonings creates a filling dish that is nutritious and low in carbohydrates. Whether you need a light dinner or a meal to keep you energized during a busy day, this recipe is an excellent option. Try it and enjoy a wholesome homemade dinner with little effort.