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Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 100 reviews

This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a quick, healthy, and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground turkey is sautĂ©ed with fresh zucchini, aromatic garlic and onion, and seasoned with oregano, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese, delivering a satisfying dish that’s low in fat and packed with protein. The addition of chicken broth creates a light sauce that keeps everything moist and tender.

Ingredients

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 olive oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables and meat.
  2. Prepare onion: Peel and finely chop 1/2 medium onion, then add it to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Prepare garlic: Peel and mince 2 cloves of garlic and add them to the skillet, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Cook ground turkey: Crumble 1 pound of ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally and cook for 6-8 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink inside.
  5. Prepare zucchini: While turkey cooks, wash 2 medium zucchinis, trim the ends, cut each in half lengthwise, then slice into 1/4-inch thick half-moon pieces.
  6. Add zucchini: Stir the sliced zucchini into the browned turkey mixture and cook for 4-5 minutes until the zucchini softens slightly but remains firm.
  7. Season: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes over the skillet contents.
  8. Add chicken broth: Pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth and stir well to combine all ingredients.
  9. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and broth to reduce slightly.
  10. Add cheese: Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet and stir until the cheese melts and coats the turkey and zucchini evenly.
  11. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the dish and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Use lean ground turkey to keep the dish light and healthy.
  • Try swapping Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
  • For a lower sodium version, reduce or omit the added salt and use low-sodium chicken broth.
  • Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors.
  • This skillet meal can be paired with cooked rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a more filling dish.