Ground Turkey Zucchini Chickpea Skillet – A Cozy One-Pan Dinner

There’s something magical about a skillet meal that brings everything together in one pan – the sizzling sounds, the mingling aromas, the way the flavors layer and deepen as they cook. This Ground Turkey Zucchini Chickpea Skillet is one of those weeknight saviors, the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something wonderful in under 30 minutes.

Picture this: tender ground turkey browned with garlic and onions, chunky zucchini that holds its bite, hearty chickpeas for texture, and a tomato base that bubbles into a rich, flavorful sauce. All of it finished with a sprinkling of cheese that melts just enough to make it irresistible. It’s healthy, filling, and yet feels indulgent – the best of both worlds.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 medium zucchinis, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, 5–7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
4. Stir in diced zucchini and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
5. Add chickpeas and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well, reduce heat, and let simmer for 8–10 minutes until flavors meld.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and let cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Tricks:

• Swap chickpeas with white beans for a different texture.
• Add spinach or kale in the last few minutes for extra greens.
• For extra flavor, stir in a spoonful of pesto before serving.

Variations:

• Make it spicy by adding jalapeños or doubling the red pepper flakes.
• Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey.
• Top with feta instead of mozzarella for a Mediterranean twist.

Ground Turkey Zucchini Chickpea Skillet

A healthy and hearty one-pan meal made with lean ground turkey, zucchini, chickpeas, and tomatoes, topped with melted mozzarella.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Dish

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, 5–7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
4. Stir in diced zucchini and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
5. Add chickpeas and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well, reduce heat, and let simmer for 8–10 minutes until flavors meld.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and let cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

This skillet is a quick, healthy dinner option that also works great for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve over rice, quinoa, or couscous for a heartier meal.
• Scoop into warm pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired wrap.
• Pair with a simple green salad and crusty bread.

Storage Information:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in skillet or microwave.

FAQ:

• Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, just skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
• What if I don’t like chickpeas? Substitute with beans or corn.
• Can I meal prep this? Absolutely – it reheats beautifully.

History / Fun Facts:

• Chickpeas have been a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking for thousands of years.
• Zucchini, though treated like a vegetable, is technically a fruit!
• Skillet meals date back to early farmhouse cooking, where one pan over the fire had to feed the whole family.