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Easy One-Pan Zucchini Ground Turkey Skillet with Parmesan

one-pan zucchini ground turkey skillet - featured image
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A quick, healthy, and satisfying one-pan meal combining lean ground turkey, tender zucchini, and sharp Parmesan cheese for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (preferably 93% lean or organic)
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice two medium zucchinis into thin rounds (about 1/4 inch thick). Dice one small yellow onion finely, and mince three garlic cloves. Grate half a cup (50g) of Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Warm until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add diced onion to the pan and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, careful not to burn it.
  4. Crumble and add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until no pink remains and the meat starts to brown a little. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
  5. Stir the sliced zucchini into the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender but still has a slight bite. If the pan looks dry, splash in a tablespoon of water or broth to help steam the veggies.
  6. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if using, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the mixture, coating everything in a creamy, cheesy layer.
  7. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the skillet before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Avoid overcooking zucchini to prevent mushiness; keep it tender with a slight bite. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. If turkey dries out, add a splash of broth during cooking. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; freezing is possible but may affect zucchini texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan, zucchini, ground turkey, Parmesan, healthy dinner, quick meal, weeknight dinner, easy recipe

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/easy-one-pan-zucchini-ground-turkey-skillet-with-parmesan-recipe-for-quick-healthy-dinners/