Go Back

Turkey Zucchini Skillet - A Fresh, Flavorful One-Pan Dinner

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean is a good balance)
  • 2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional, for color and sweetness)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan or crumbled feta, for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Warm the pan: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. When it shimmers, add the ground turkey.
  2. Brown the turkey: Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Stir in the onion and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
  4. Add garlic and spices: Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Cook the zucchini: Add the zucchini and 1 teaspoon salt. Spread into an even layer and let it sit for 1–2 minutes to get light color. Stir and cook another 3–4 minutes until just tender.
  6. Build the sauce: Push veggies to the edges. Add tomato paste to the center and toast for 30 seconds. Stir in chicken broth to loosen browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
  7. Bring it together: Return the turkey to the skillet. Add cherry tomatoes. Stir to combine and let simmer 2–3 minutes so flavors meld.
  8. Finish and season: Turn off the heat. Stir in lemon juice and fresh herbs. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.
  9. Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan or feta if you like. Spoon over rice, quinoa, couscous, or enjoy on its own.