A flavorful and healthy one-pan meal featuring lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, and aromatic Italian herbs—this low-carb dish is ideal for busy weeknights and fits beautifully into a clean-eating lifestyle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made in just one pan for easy cleanup
- Low in carbs and high in protein
- Bursting with rich Italian flavors
- Quick and easy—ready in 35 minutes
- Great for meal prep or a family dinner
- Customizable with extra vegetables or spices
- Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
- Perfect for clean-eating and whole-food diets
- Can be served over cauliflower rice or grains
- A balanced, nutritious meal the whole family will enjoy
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes.
- Mix in diced zucchini and red bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors are well blended.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
- Serve warm as-is or over cauliflower rice for an extra low-carb option.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories per serving: 320 kcal
Variations
- Spicy sausage swap: Use hot Italian turkey sausage for extra heat
- Cheesy version: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella before serving
- Extra veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli
- Vegan version: Replace turkey with plant-based crumbles
- Hearty base: Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or couscous for more substance
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in portioned containers
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes, ground beef works well, though it may add more fat and calories.
Is this meal freezer-friendly?
Absolutely—cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
What can I use instead of zucchini?
Yellow squash, eggplant, or mushrooms are excellent substitutes.
Is this recipe Whole30 compliant?
Yes, if you use compliant canned tomatoes and skip the optional cheese.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s mildly spiced. Add or skip red pepper flakes to adjust the heat.
Can I meal prep this for the week?
Definitely—portion it into containers and refrigerate for grab-and-go meals.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, it tastes great reheated and can be made 1–2 days ahead.
What can I serve with this?
It’s great on its own or with cauliflower rice, mashed cauliflower, or a side salad.
How can I make this dish creamier?
Add a spoonful of cream cheese or a splash of coconut milk before serving.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger skillet or pot to accommodate the extra volume.
Conclusion
This Low-Carb Italian Turkey Zucchini Skillet is a healthy, hearty dinner that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. With its bold Italian flavors and nutrient-rich ingredients, it’s perfect for those looking to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re following a low-carb plan or just want a fresh, flavorful meal, this dish is sure to become a staple in your weeknight rotation.
Continue Your Healthy Cooking Journey
Looking for more nutritious, low-carb meal ideas? Here are some tasty and wholesome recipes you’ll want to explore next:
- Zucchini Breadwich – A creative low-carb sandwich using zucchini instead of bread.
- Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet – A skillet meal loaded with Italian flavors and creamy texture.
- Mediterranean Salmon Patties – Packed with omega-3s and herbs, these patties are a great protein-rich option.
- Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Gratin – A hearty, cheese-loaded low-carb side dish.
- Refreshing Cucumber Salad Recipe – A crisp and light salad to complement your main dish.
Low-Carb Italian Turkey Zucchini Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and healthy one-pan meal featuring lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, and aromatic Italian herbs—this low-carb dish is ideal for busy weeknights and fits beautifully into a clean-eating lifestyle.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes.
- Mix in diced zucchini and red bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors are well blended.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
- Serve warm as-is or over cauliflower rice for an extra low-carb option.
Notes
- For even lower carbs, replace canned tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great lunch option.
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 72 mg