Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet: Light & Healthy (Print Version)
Healthy Ground Turkey & Zucchini Skillet Dinner is a speedy, flavorful weeknight meal. Easy to make, packed with veggies and lean protein for a satisfying dish.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High-Protein, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb lean ground turkey (93/7 or 99/1)
03 -
2 medium zucchini, diced (about 4 cups)
→ Aromatics & Flavor
04 -
1 medium onion, diced
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if possible), undrained
07 -
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
08 -
2 tsp Italian seasoning
→ Fresh Additions & Finishing
09 -
5 oz fresh spinach
10 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
11 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Alright, get your biggest skillet going over medium-high heat. A little olive oil, then toss in that lean ground turkey. Break it up with a spoon, let it get nice and browned, you want that good caramelization, you know? Once it's cooked through, drain any excess fat—don't be like me and forget this step! Then, push the turkey to one side, add your diced onion and minced garlic to the other, and let them get fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Oh, that smell, it's the start of something good!
02 -
Now, stir the turkey, onion, and garlic all together. Toss in your diced zucchini. Give it a good stir, letting those zucchini pieces get a little tender-crisp. After a few minutes, pour in the can of diced tomatoes, liquid and all, and a splash of chicken broth. This is where the magic starts to happen, creating that saucy goodness. Don't worry if the zucchini still has a bit of bite; it'll finish cooking.
03 -
Sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and some fresh black pepper. Give it all another good stir to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. This simmering time is crucial; it lets all those flavors meld together beautifully and tenderizes the zucchini without making it mushy. Trust the process!
04 -
Once the zucchini is tender, remove the lid. Stir in your fresh spinach. It’ll look like a mountain at first, but don't panic! It'll quickly wilt down into the dish. Just keep stirring until all the spinach has softened and integrated into the Healthy Ground Turkey & Zucchini Skillet Dinner. This step adds a lovely freshness and a pop of green, making the skillet even more vibrant.
05 -
Now for the most important step: taste! Grab a spoonful and check for seasoning. Does it need more salt? A little more pepper? Maybe a tiny dash of red pepper flakes if you like a kick? Adjust to your liking. Every batch is a little different, and your taste buds are the best guide. This is where you make it truly *yours*.
06 -
Once you're happy with the seasoning, remove the skillet from the heat. Ladle generous portions onto plates. I love to finish this Healthy Ground Turkey & Zucchini Skillet Dinner with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese and maybe a few fresh basil leaves if I have them lying around. It just adds that extra layer of flavor and makes it look so inviting. Dinner is served, my friend!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd your skillet when browning the turkey, or it'll steam instead of brown.
02 -
This skillet dinner keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
03 -
Ground chicken or even lean ground beef can be swapped for turkey in a pinch.
04 -
A sprinkle of fresh basil or a dash of balsamic vinegar at the end really elevates the flavors.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet (10-12 inch)
02 -
Wooden spoon or spatula
03 -
Measuring spoons and cups
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 320
Total Fat: 12g
Total Carbohydrate: 18g
Protein: 35g