This Italian Turkey Zucchini Skillet is a healthy, flavorful one-pan meal packed with lean ground turkey, zucchini, tomatoes, and Italian seasonings. It’s quick to make, light on calories, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.

Italian Turkey Zucchini Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the ultimate comfort food with an Italian twist. The ground turkey provides lean protein, while zucchini and bell peppers add freshness and texture. The Italian seasoning ties everything together with bold, aromatic flavors, making this skillet meal both delicious and nutritious. Plus, it’s made in one pan, making clean-up a breeze!

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
2 medium zucchinis, diced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil (optional garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat Olive Oil – Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Sauté the Aromatics – Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Cook the Turkey – Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it loses its pink color (about 10 minutes).
Simmer with Tomatoes – Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add Zucchini – Stir in the diced zucchini and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
Season & Serve – Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Serve Over a Base – For a heartier meal, serve this skillet over rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or spaghetti squash.
Add More Veggies – Customize with extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more flavor and texture.
Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.

Storage

Storing Leftovers – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing – This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken can be substituted for turkey. It will have a slightly different flavor but will work just as well in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this skillet meal ahead of time and store it in the fridge for later. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.

What other vegetables can I add?

You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or even eggplant to suit your taste and make the dish even more nutritious.

Can I add cheese to this dish?

Yes, for added richness, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the label on the diced tomatoes to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.

Conclusion

This Italian Turkey Zucchini Skillet is a simple, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy nights. With lean turkey, fresh veggies, and Italian herbs, it’s a wholesome dinner that’s low in fat but high in taste. Serve it with your favorite grain or enjoy it on its own—either way, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!