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Turkey Zucchini Skillet

Turkey Zucchini Skillet
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This Turkey Zucchini Skillet is a quick, healthy, and flavorful one-pan meal combining lean ground turkey with fresh zucchini, aromatic onions and garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed tomatoes. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and offers a nutritious balance of protein and vegetables with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey

Vegetables

  • 2 medium fresh zucchinis, washed and diced into half-moons or small cubes
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or fresh basil, thyme, or oregano as alternatives)
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Oils and Fats

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Add-ins/Variations

  • Crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne (for a spicy kick)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (for cheesy twist)
  • Additional vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Wash and dice the zucchini into half-moons or small cubes. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic so everything is ready before heating the skillet.
  2. Brown the Ground Turkey: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Push the cooked turkey to one side and add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook until fragrant and translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add Zucchini and Seasonings: Stir in the diced zucchini and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook until the zucchini begins to soften, about 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
  5. Incorporate Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, mix thoroughly, and let the mixture simmer over low heat for 5-7 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and blend with the turkey and vegetables.
  6. Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Optionally, stir in cheese during the last few minutes to melt. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or sliced green onions if desired, and enjoy warm!

Notes

  • Use fresh zucchini to keep the dish tender yet crisp—avoid overripe zucchini.
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet; brown turkey in batches if necessary for even cooking.
  • Season gradually by adding salt and spices a little at a time for balanced flavors.
  • Drain excess liquid if zucchini releases too much moisture to prevent watery skillet.
  • Choose lean turkey to reduce grease but retain great flavor and texture.
  • For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice instead of grains or pasta.
  • To reduce watery zucchini, salt the slices and let them rest 10 minutes, then pat dry before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey skillet, zucchini skillet, healthy dinner, quick recipe, lean protein, one-pan meal, gluten free

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/turkey-zucchini-skillet/