Quick, nutritious, and full of flavor—this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is everything a weeknight dinner should be. Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, it’s a wholesome meal you can feel good about, and it all comes together in just one pan!
💬 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total weeknight win. It’s gluten-free, low-carb, and full of flavor without needing complicated ingredients. The turkey brings the protein, zucchini adds freshness and fiber, and a light blend of seasoning ties it all together.
✅ Ready in 25 minutes
✅ One pan, no fuss
✅ Great for meal prep
✅ Family-approved and budget-friendly
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 500g ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchini (about 350g), diced
- 1 medium onion (120g), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic (6g), minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15ml)
- 1 tsp salt (5g)
- ½ tsp black pepper (1g)
- 1 tsp paprika (2g)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or oregano (1g)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (30g)
- 100ml chicken broth or water
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey
- Add ground turkey to the skillet.
- Break it up with a spatula and cook for 6–8 minutes, until browned and fully cooked.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs.
Step 3: Add Zucchini and Simmer
- Stir in the diced zucchini and tomato paste. Mix until well combined.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for another 7–8 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and a sprinkle of parmesan if desired.
- Serve hot on its own, or over rice, quinoa, or pasta.
📊 Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 305 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
👨🍳 Tips & Tricks
- Add more veggies: Bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes work great.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick.
- Make it cheesy: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella at the end for a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- Serve it with: Rice, cauliflower rice, baked potatoes, or even stuffed in a pita!
❤️ A Note From Me
I love this skillet because it feels like comfort food without the heaviness. The turkey keeps it lean, the zucchini adds natural moisture and fiber, and the tomato paste adds that deep, savory note that makes it taste like it’s been cooking for hours. It’s my go-to when I want something cozy, quick, and nourishing.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just yourself after a long day, this dish hits the sweet spot between health and flavor. It’s simple—but not boring.
