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Ground Turkey Zucchini Chickpea Skillet

Ground Turkey Zucchini Chickpea Skillet
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A quick and easy Ground Turkey Zucchini Chickpea Skillet that combines lean protein, fiber-rich chickpeas, and fresh zucchini in a flavorful, one-skillet meal perfect for nutritious weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 2 medium zucchinis, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or equivalent cooked chickpeas)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Flavorings and Spices

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Chop the zucchini into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, finely chop the onion, and rinse the chickpeas if using canned. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
  2. Cook the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant. This step develops the base flavor that makes the dish so irresistible.
  3. Brown the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue until it’s evenly browned and no longer pink, which ensures a juicy texture without dryness.
  4. Add Zucchini and Chickpeas: Stir in the zucchini and chickpeas, mixing them with the turkey and aromatics. This is where the texture starts to get exciting, balancing tender meat with the freshness of veggies and creaminess from chickpeas.
  5. Season and Simmer: Mix in your spices, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the zucchini to soften to just the right bite.
  6. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a bright finishing touch that lifts the entire dish.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the zucchini; keep it slightly crisp to avoid mushy texture.
  • Use lean ground turkey to avoid excess grease and keep the meal light.
  • Toast the spices briefly in oil to unlock deeper flavors.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten flavors.
  • Fresh chickpeas are preferable but canned chickpeas work well too.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey, zucchini, chickpeas, skillet, easy dinner, healthy meal, gluten free, weeknight meal, meal prep

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/ground-turkey-zucchini-chickpea-skillet/