Low Carb Turkey Zucchini Skillet
A quick and nutritious low-carb dinner combining lean ground turkey and fresh zucchini in a flavorful skillet meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is easy to prepare, healthy, and packed with vibrant herbs and spices, offering a wholesome, satisfying one-pan dish with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchinis, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste or 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes and Variations
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper (for heat)
- Shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Additional veggies: bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms
- Coconut oil (for paleo/keto variation)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the zucchini into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic and onion. Having everything ready beforehand ensures a smooth cooking process and even flavor distribution.
- Cook the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent to create a flavorful base for the dish.
- Brown the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink and lightly golden to enhance flavor.
- Add Zucchini and Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped zucchini and tomato paste or diced tomatoes. Season with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer and Finish: Reduce heat slightly, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes until the zucchini is tender but still holds its shape. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Pat zucchini dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and a watery skillet.
- Add fresh parsley or basil right before serving for brightness and color.
- Cover while cooking to promote even cooking without burning the turkey.
- Do not overcook zucchini; keep it slightly firm for the best texture and appearance.
- Adjust salt towards the end to prevent over-seasoning, especially if using canned tomatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: low carb, turkey skillet, zucchini, healthy dinner, quick meal, one-pan, gluten free