Description
A wholesome and flavorful Ground Turkey Zucchini Chickpea Skillet featuring tender ground turkey, fresh zucchini, chickpeas, and a vibrant blend of Mediterranean spices. This one-pan meal is quick to prepare, gluten-free, and perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Oils & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta or grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent, developing a fragrant base for the dish.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t brown to avoid bitterness.
- Cook the turkey: Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent clumps.
- Season the meat: Mix in smoked paprika, cumin, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat the turkey evenly with the spices.
- Cook the zucchini: Add diced zucchini to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp, allowing it to retain texture.
- Add chickpeas and tomatoes: Stir in the drained chickpeas and canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Adjust seasoning and garnish: Taste the mixture and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro. Add crumbled feta or grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving if desired.
Notes
- This skillet dish is delicious on its own or served over rice, quinoa, or couscous for a more filling meal.
- For an extra burst of brightness, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
- Optional red pepper flakes can be omitted if you prefer a milder dish.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or mint as a garnish alternative for varied flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
