Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe
A quick and nutritious Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet recipe featuring lean ground turkey cooked with fresh zucchini, aromatic garlic, and onion, seasoned with oregano and red pepper flakes, and finished with Parmesan cheese for a delicious, low-carb meal.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 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
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Prep onion: Peel and finely chop the onion into small pieces for even cooking and flavor release.
- Sauté onion: Add the chopped onion to the hot skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent, building a flavorful base.
- Prep garlic: Peel and mince the garlic cloves finely to release their aroma and flavor quickly.
- Cook garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet with the onion and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
- Add turkey: Crumble ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon evenly as it cooks.
- Brown turkey: Cook the ground turkey for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully browned and no longer pink to ensure thorough cooking.
- Prep zucchini: Wash zucchinis, trim ends, cut in half lengthwise, and slice into 1/4 inch half-moon shapes for even cooking.
- Add zucchini: Incorporate the sliced zucchini into the skillet with the turkey mixture, stirring to combine.
- Cook zucchini: Cook for 4-5 minutes until zucchini softens but still retains slight firmness, maintaining texture.
- Season: Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the mixture to infuse aromatic spice and flavor.
- Add broth: Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine all ingredients, adding moisture and deglazing the skillet.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes letting flavors meld and broth reduce slightly for richness.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the skillet mixture and stir until cheese melts and coats everything evenly.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired to perfect the flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if preferred for an added savory touch.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey to keep the dish low in fat.
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh chili.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
- Chicken broth can be replaced with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To keep the zucchini firm, avoid overcooking and monitor the sauté time closely.
Keywords: ground turkey, zucchini skillet, healthy dinner, low carb, quick recipe, easy weeknight meal, parmesan cheese, sautéed vegetables