Description

A quick and flavorful ground turkey and zucchini skillet recipe, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Lean ground turkey is browned and simmered with fresh zucchini, onions, garlic, and a touch of tomato paste and Italian seasoning, resulting in a hearty, low-calorie dish bursting with savory, fresh flavors. Optional Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon zest add a bright finishing touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound (450g) ground turkey (93% lean)
2 medium zucchini (about 300g), sliced thin
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Garnishes

1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

Prep your ingredients: Slice the zucchini into thin half-moons about 1/4 inch thick. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves to prepare for cooking.
Sauté onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, spreading it out evenly. Let it cook without stirring for 2 minutes to allow browning. Then stir and break up the meat. Continue cooking until no pink remains and turkey is browned, about 6-8 minutes total.
Season mixture: Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens slightly to develop deeper flavor.
Cook zucchini: Add the sliced zucchini and pour the chicken broth over the mixture. Stir to combine, reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Evaporate excess liquid: Remove the lid and cook uncovered for 1-2 minutes to evaporate any remaining liquid. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Finish and serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon zest if using for a fresh and flavorful finish. Serve warm.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium chicken broth and limit added salt.
Optional Parmesan, parsley, and lemon zest add brightness but can be left out for a dairy-free or simpler version.
Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to make it a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: ground turkey skillet, zucchini recipe, healthy turkey dinner, quick skillet dinner, low fat turkey recipe, easy weeknight meal