If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s both wholesome and packed with flavor, the Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish brings together lean, tender ground turkey with fresh, vibrant zucchini all cooked in one pan for an effortless meal that feels like a warm, comforting hug. The blend of aromatic garlic and onion, a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan create a dish that’s satisfying and nourishing without any fuss. It’s a perfect recipe to enjoy any day of the week, bursting with color, texture, and incredible taste.

Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe truly shine, you only need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in layering flavors, adding moisture, or contributing just the right texture to make each bite exciting.

1 pound ground turkey: The lean protein that keeps the dish light yet hearty.
2 medium zucchinis: Adds juiciness and a lovely green color, plus great texture.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing, helping to develop that delicious golden base.
1/2 medium onion: Brings subtle sweetness and depth when softened.
2 cloves garlic: Adds a fragrant punch that elevates the overall flavor.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: A herbaceous note that ties the dish together beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides mild heat and complexity.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Gives a gentle kick for those who love a bit of spice.
1/4 cup chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and helps meld flavors during cooking.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, creamy finish that makes every bite irresistible.

How to Make Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

Start by warming up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This creates the perfect base to gently cook your onion and garlic, unlocking their sweet and savory aromas.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Peel and finely chop the onion before adding it to your skillet. Cook it until it’s soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds a comforting flavor foundation that’s essential for the dish’s overall taste.

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Peel and mince the garlic cloves, then toss them into the skillet with the onions. Let the garlic cook just 30 seconds until fragrant—overcooking it can bring bitterness, so watch it closely!

Step 4: Brown the Ground Turkey

Next, crumble in the ground turkey and cook it for 6 to 8 minutes. Stir frequently to break the meat into small pieces and ensure it browns evenly. This step not only cooks the turkey thoroughly but adds those rich, savory browned bits that make a skillet dish unforgettable.

Step 5: Add the Zucchini

Wash, trim the ends, then slice the zucchinis. Add them to the skillet right on top of the browned turkey. The zucchini wilts slightly during cooking, lending a tender texture and fresh flavor that complements the meat beautifully.

Step 6: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the mixture for that perfect flavor balance. Pour in the chicken broth and let everything simmer together for about 3 to 4 minutes. This step melds the flavors and keeps the turkey and zucchini delightfully moist.

Step 7: Stir in Parmesan

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over your skillet, stirring it in until it melts into a creamy, savory layer that perfectly finishes the dish. This cheesy touch turns simple ingredients into something special.

Step 8: Adjust Seasoning

Always give your skillet a taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. Maybe a tad more salt or an extra pinch of pepper—this ensures it’s customized perfectly for your palate.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a final sprinkle of Parmesan and serve your skillet piping hot. It’s ready to enjoy as-is or paired with your favorite sides to round out a fabulous meal.

How to Serve Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil bring a bright contrast that livens up this dish. You can also add a small drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra fresh burst.

Side Dishes

This skillet pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices, or even a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes. You can also serve it over quinoa or rice for a heartier experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, stuff the cooked ground turkey and zucchini mixture into roasted bell peppers or serve it atop baked sweet potatoes. Presentation can turn this humble skillet into a stunning, restaurant-worthy meal that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the textures fresh and the flavors vibrant for easy next-day meals.

Freezing

You can freeze the Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, nutritious dinner anytime you want.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until warmed through to avoid drying out the turkey. Adding a splash of broth or water while reheating can help restore the original moistness.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken will work just as well and provide a similar lean protein option. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and Parmesan cheese.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor variation.

How spicy is this dish?

The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but you can easily adjust or omit them for a milder version suited for all tastes.

What can I substitute for Parmesan?

If Parmesan isn’t your favorite or is unavailable, try Pecorino Romano or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that still delivers umami depth.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about a dish that’s quick, nutritious, and bursting with flavor, and this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe hits all those marks beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking for a comforting meal that won’t weigh you down, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and make it your go-to skillet supper. It’s simple, customizable, and downright delicious—what more could you ask for?

Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

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4 from 59 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A quick and healthy one-pan meal featuring ground turkey and fresh zucchini, cooked in a flavorful blend of garlic, onion, and herbs. This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, combining lean protein and vegetables with savory Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein 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

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Instructions

Heat oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
Sauté onion: Peel and finely chop the onion, then add to the skillet and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to build flavor.
Add garlic: Peel and mince garlic cloves, add to skillet, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant to enhance aroma.
Cook turkey: Crumble ground turkey into the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully browned and cooked through.
Prepare zucchini: Wash, trim ends, and slice zucchinis, then add them to the skillet with the cooked turkey.
Season and simmer: Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the mixture. Pour in chicken broth; simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors and soften zucchini.
Add Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet contents and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the skillet mixture and adjust salt or pepper as needed for desired flavor balance.
Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired and serve the dish hot for best taste.