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Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

A healthy one-pan dinner with lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, garlic, and Parmesan that's ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Calories: 245
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey 93% lean recommended
  • 2 medium zucchinis about 6-8 inches long
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 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 freshly grated preferred

Equipment

  • Large 12-inch skillet
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • cutting board and knife

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  4. Crumble ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and no longer pink. If excess liquid accumulates, drain it off.
  5. While turkey cooks, trim zucchini ends, cut each in half lengthwise, then slice into 1/4-inch half-moon shapes.
  6. Add sliced zucchini to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 4-5 minutes until zucchini is tender but still has a slight bite.
  7. Sprinkle in oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to distribute evenly.
  8. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  9. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth for best texture. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Substitutions: Ground chicken or 90% lean ground beef work well. Use vegetable broth for a lighter option. Skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for dairy-free. Make-ahead: This recipe is excellent for meal prep. Portion into containers and pair with different sides throughout the week. Serving suggestions: Serve over rice, quinoa, pasta, or cauliflower rice. Also delicious on its own for a low-carb meal.