Description
This Ground Turkey Zucchini Chickpea Skillet is a healthy, quick, and flavorful one-pan meal combining lean protein, fresh vegetables, and wholesome chickpeas. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and features a vibrant medley of spices and fresh herbs, making it a balanced, family-friendly dish with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchinis, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes with juices (canned or fresh)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Fresh Herbs and Garnishes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Optional garnishes: Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes. This forms the flavorful foundation of your skillet.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 6-7 minutes or until fully browned and no longer pink, seasoning with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika as it cooks to build rich flavor.
- Add Zucchini and Chickpeas: Stir in chopped zucchini and drained chickpeas. Cook for another 5-6 minutes until the zucchini softens slightly but still has a little crunch. This keeps the dish vibrant and full of texture.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and give everything a good stir. Reduce the heat and let the skillet simmer gently for 7-8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to thicken into a luscious sauce.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the top. This bright finish adds freshness and a pop of green that complements the warm spices.
Notes
- Use freshly ground cumin for more vibrant flavor.
- Don’t overcook the zucchini; keep it slightly firm to preserve texture and color.
- Drain and rinse chickpeas well to avoid excess liquid in the dish.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning at the end to suit your taste.
- Using a nonstick skillet helps prevent sticking and makes cooking the turkey easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg