Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner option? Look no further than this Zucchini & Ground Turkey Skillet with Ricotta recipe! Packed with flavor and simple to prepare, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or as a meal prep option for the week ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of ground turkey, zucchini, and ricotta cheese creates a flavor profile that is both savory and satisfying.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple steps, you can have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for meal prep: This recipe is great for preparing ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Olive oil: Used for cooking and adding flavor to the dish. Can be substituted with avocado oil or coconut oil.
- Ground turkey: Lean and protein-packed, ground turkey is a healthier alternative to ground beef. Can be substituted with ground chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Zucchini: Adds texture and freshness to the dish. Can be substituted with yellow squash or eggplant.
- Marinara sauce: Provides a rich tomato base for the skillet. Opt for a high-quality store-bought sauce or make your own for an extra special touch.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and decadent, ricotta cheese adds a luxurious finish to the dish. Can be substituted with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the ground turkey with salt and Italian seasoning until browned. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook zucchini with garlic until tender. Add the turkey back to the pan and pour in the marinara sauce. Simmer until warmed through.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, and basil to create the ricotta topping. Spoon over the skillet and let it melt into the sauce.
- Serve with additional basil, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the zucchini while cooking.
- Top with fresh arugula or spinach for a pop of color and added nutrients.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad, crusty bread, or a glass of red wine.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the zucchini to maintain its texture and freshness.
- Customize the dish by adding your favorite herbs or spices for a personal touch.
Serving Suggestions:
This Zucchini & Ground Turkey Skillet with Ricotta pairs well with a side of garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or a glass of Chianti. For a complete meal, serve with roasted vegetables or a simple pasta dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey? Yes, ground beef can be used as a substitute for ground turkey in this recipe.
- Can I freeze this dish? While it is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the ground turkey and add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Conclusion:
Try out this Zucchini & Ground Turkey Skillet with Ricotta recipe for a flavorful and easy dinner option that is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy this delicious dish with your loved ones!
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Zucchini & Ground Turkey Skillet with Ricotta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Zucchini & Ground Turkey Skillet with Ricotta recipe is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of ground turkey, zucchini, and ricotta cheese creates a delicious and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon no-salt-added Italian seasoning
- 3 medium zucchini, diced (about 4 cups)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ¼ cups good-quality marinara sauce (about a 15.5 ounce jar)
- Ricotta Topping:
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan, freshly grated
- ¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Ground Turkey: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a skillet, cook ground turkey with salt and Italian seasoning until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Cook Zucchini: In the same pan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil, cook zucchini with salt until tender. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Add turkey back to the pan, pour in marinara sauce, and simmer until warmed through.
- Make Ricotta Mixture: Mix ricotta, Parmesan, and basil in a bowl until smooth.
- Finish Dish: Turn off heat, spoon ricotta mixture over the top, sprinkle with basil, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for best results.
- Consider making homemade marinara sauce for a more elevated dish.