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ground turkey and zucchini skillet - featured image

Easy Healthy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe for Low Carb Dinners

  • Author: Nora Winslow
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick, low carb, and flavorful skillet meal featuring lean ground turkey and tender zucchini, perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey (93%)
  • 2 medium zucchinis, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add ground turkey to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes, allowing some browned bits to form.
  4. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste evenly and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavors.
  5. Add diced zucchini and cook until just tender but still bright green, about 5-7 minutes. If the pan looks dry, splash in a tablespoon of water or broth to help steam.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.
  7. Turn off heat and sprinkle chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir gently to combine before serving.

Notes

If zucchini releases excess water, drain or increase heat slightly to evaporate it without drying out the turkey. Variations include adding bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or swapping seasonings for different flavor profiles. Great for meal prep and reheats well. Tomato paste tubes are convenient for quick flavor boosts.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
  • Calories: 280
  • Fat: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 8
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 30

Keywords: ground turkey, zucchini skillet, low carb dinner, healthy skillet, quick dinner, weeknight meal, meal prep

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Find it online: https://gentlerecipes.com/easy-healthy-ground-turkey-and-zucchini-skillet-recipe-for-low-carb-dinners/