Description
A quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight meal featuring lean ground turkey and zucchini simmered in marinara sauce, all cooked in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7 or 99/0)
- 2 medium zucchini, diced into half-inch cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce (low-sugar recommended)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup small-curd cottage cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Add ground turkey, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess liquid if necessary.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper over the turkey. Stir to coat and cook for 1 minute to toast spices.
- Add diced zucchini to the skillet. Toss with turkey and spices, cooking for 5-6 minutes until zucchini begins to soften and turn golden.
- Pour in marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until zucchini is tender-crisp and sauce thickens slightly.
- If using, stir in cottage cheese and cook for 1-2 minutes until melted and creamy.
- Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil, and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper sautéing. Salt zucchini 10 minutes before cooking to draw out excess moisture if time permits. This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The base dish freezes well for up to 3 months, but avoid freezing if cottage cheese is added.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cu
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 32
Keywords: ground turkey, zucchini, one-skillet, healthy dinner, quick meals, low carb, gluten-free, weeknight dinner, easy recipe