Description
A savory and healthy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet recipe that combines lean ground turkey with tender zucchini, aromatic herbs, and Parmesan cheese for a quick and flavorful one-pan meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound ground turkey
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
Pantry & Seasonings
- 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
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics and cooking the turkey.
- Prepare onion: Peel and finely chop the onion to ensure it cooks evenly and releases its sweetness.
- Sauté onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent, building a flavorful base.
- Prepare garlic: Peel and mince the garlic cloves finely to maximize flavor release.
- Cook garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add ground turkey: Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet and break it up with a spoon to promote even cooking.
- Brown turkey: Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned fully and no longer pink inside.
- Prepare zucchinis: While turkey cooks, wash the zucchinis, trim their ends and cut lengthwise in half.
- Slice zucchinis: Slice each half into 1/4 inch thick half-moon shapes for even cooking.
- Add zucchini to skillet: Add the sliced zucchini to the browned turkey and stir to combine.
- Cook zucchini: Sauté the mixture for 4-5 minutes, allowing zucchini to soften but keep a bit of firmness.
- Season: Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the skillet and stir in thoroughly.
- Add broth: Pour 1/4 cup chicken broth into the skillet and stir to deglaze and combine flavors.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors and reduce liquid slightly.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet and stir until melted and evenly coats the ingredients.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and add extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired to customize flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan for added richness.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey for a healthier option and less grease.
- Fresh grated Parmesan gives better melting and flavor than pre-grated.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
