Ground Turkey Zucchini Chickpea Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Zucchini Chickpea Skillet is a quick and nutritious one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and warm spices, it offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.

A close-up view of a skillet filled with a mixed dish showing three main layers: the bottom layer is a cooked tomato sauce with small bits of translucent, soft onion; the middle layer consists of browned ground meat that looks crumbly and moist; the top layer includes whole chickpeas that are light beige and round, along with bright green zucchini cut into thick slices, sprinkled evenly over the mixture. Bits of fresh chopped green parsley are scattered on top, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors. The skillet is black with a thin silver rim, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
  • Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or beef if preferred.
  • Add chopped tomatoes or bell peppers for more color and flavor.
  • Serve over cooked rice or quinoa for a complete 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 can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a cooked dish in a black pan shows a mix of four layers: the first layer has golden brown ground meat with a slightly crumbly texture, the second layer contains round light beige chickpeas, the third layer features thick-cut pieces of green zucchini with white centers, and the fourth layer is made of small bits of orange tomato sauce spread throughout. The dish is topped with small green chopped parsley and sprinkled with tiny white cheese bits. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen zucchini instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen zucchini; just thaw and drain it well before adding to the skillet to prevent excess moisture.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This skillet meal holds up well when stored and reheated, making it ideal for preparing meals ahead of time.

Print

Ground Turkey Zucchini Chickpea Skillet Recipe

A hearty and healthy Ground Turkey Zucchini Chickpea Skillet that combines lean protein, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices for a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

  • Author: mia
  • 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

Protein

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

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

Spices and Oil

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
  2. Sauté onions: Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, enhancing the dish’s flavor base.
  4. Cook ground turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until fully browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add vegetables and spices: Mix in the diced zucchini, chickpeas, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. Simmer: Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini becomes tender and the flavors meld together.
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add red pepper flakes along with the spices.
  • Serve with cooked quinoa or rice for a more filling meal.
  • Ground turkey can be substituted with ground chicken or beef based on preference.
  • To keep it low-carb, omit any added grains or legumes.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: ground turkey skillet, zucchini chickpea recipe, healthy turkey skillet, one-pan meals, quick dinner recipes

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