Ground Turkey Zucchini Chickpea Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Zucchini Chickpea Skillet is a quick and wholesome meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and warm spices, it’s satisfying and full of flavor. Plus, it comes together in just one pan for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 medium zucchinis, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Step 5: Mix in the diced zucchini, chickpeas, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring to coat everything evenly.
6. Step 6: Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and the flavors blend together.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
• Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten flavors.
• Serve over cooked quinoa or rice for a more filling meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen zucchini instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen zucchini but be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet to avoid sogginess.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This one-pan skillet holds up well for meal prep and reheats easily, making it a convenient option for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ground Turkey Zucchini Chickpea Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 156 reviews

A wholesome and flavorful Ground Turkey Zucchini Chickpea Skillet recipe that combines lean turkey, fresh zucchini, and protein-packed chickpeas with aromatic spices. Quick and easy to prepare, this one-pan dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 1 lb ground turkey

Vegetables

• 2 medium zucchinis, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pantry Items

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, preparing the pan to sauté the onions and garlic.
2. Sauté onions: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, enhancing the flavor base of the dish.
4. Cook turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until it is fully browned and no longer pink.
5. Add zucchini and chickpeas: Mix in the diced zucchini, drained chickpeas, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Simmer: Cook the mixture for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and the flavors meld together.
7. Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve the dish warm.

Notes

• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of lemon juice before serving.
• You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
• This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: ground turkey, zucchini, chickpeas, skillet recipe, healthy dinner, quick meal, one-pan dish