Description
This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a quick, healthy, and delicious one-pan meal combining lean ground turkey with fresh zucchini and aromatic herbs. Sautéed to perfection with garlic, onion, and a hint of crushed red pepper, then finished with Parmesan cheese, it offers a savory, satisfying dish perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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
Finishing Touch
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil to warm up, preparing it for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onions: Peel and finely chop the onion, then add it to the skillet. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, building the flavor base.
- Add garlic: Peel and mince the garlic cloves, add them to the skillet, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant to enhance the aroma.
- Cook ground turkey: Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Prepare zucchini: Wash and trim the zucchinis, then slice them into 1/4-inch thick half-moon shapes for even cooking.
- Cook zucchini with meat: Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and stir well to combine. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the zucchini begins to soften but retains some firmness.
- Add seasonings: Sprinkle oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes evenly over the skillet to infuse flavor throughout the dish.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stir to combine, then reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3–4 minutes so the flavors meld and the zucchini finishes cooking.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the skillet and stir until it melts and evenly coats the meat and vegetables for a creamy, savory finish.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the dish and adjust the salt or spices as needed. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a lower sodium meal, reduce or omit added salt and use low-sodium chicken broth.
- Fresh Parmesan is recommended for the best melting texture and flavor.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Serve with a side of whole grains like quinoa or brown rice for a balanced meal.
- To make it spicier, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
