Description
This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a quick, healthy, and flavorful one-pan meal featuring lean ground turkey cooked with fresh zucchini, garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs. Finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it makes a perfect low-carb dinner that is easy to prepare on the stovetop.
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
Cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Prepare the onion: Peel and finely chop 1/2 medium onion into small pieces for even cooking.
- Sauté onions: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Prepare garlic: Peel and mince 2 cloves of garlic finely to maximize its flavor.
- Add garlic: Stir minced garlic into the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook ground turkey: Crumble 1 pound ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns.
- Brown the turkey: Continue cooking the turkey for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until it is fully browned with no pink remaining.
- Prepare zucchini: While the turkey cooks, wash 2 medium zucchinis thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Trim and cut zucchinis: Trim the stem ends, cut each zucchini in half lengthwise.
- Slice zucchini: Slice each half into 1/4 inch thick half-moon pieces for even cooking.
- Add zucchini to skillet: Incorporate the sliced zucchini into the skillet with the browned turkey.
- Cook zucchini: Stir and cook the zucchini for 4-5 minutes until it softens slightly but retains some firmness.
- Add seasonings: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes evenly over the mixture.
- Add chicken broth: Pour 1/4 cup chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine the flavors.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the broth reduce slightly.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet and stir until the cheese melts and coats the ingredients.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- To make this dish spicier, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use low-fat Parmesan cheese to reduce calories without compromising taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This skillet meal pairs well with a side of steamed rice or a fresh green salad.
