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Easy Skillet Zucchini Turkey Pasta Recipe with Burst Cherry Tomatoes for Quick Healthy Meals

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A quick and healthy skillet meal featuring lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini noodles, and burst cherry tomatoes that create a vibrant, flavorful sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is light yet satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
  • 3 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
  • 2 cups (300 g) burst cherry tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the zucchini noodles using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler. Set aside in a colander to drain excess moisture (about 10 minutes).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir occasionally to brown evenly.
  5. Add burst cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Gently press some tomatoes to release juices and create a fresh sauce. Cook for 4-5 minutes until tomatoes soften and sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Pour in ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan. Simmer for 3 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Add zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss gently to coat with sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until noodles are warmed through but still firm. Avoid overcooking.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
  9. Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
  10. Serve immediately with an optional drizzle of olive oil or a lemon wedge.

Notes

Drain zucchini noodles before cooking to prevent watery sauce. Do not overcook zucchini noodles to avoid mushiness. Brown turkey well for better flavor. Use broth to deglaze pan and keep mixture moist. Fresh herbs added at the end brighten the dish. Parmesan cheese is optional and can be omitted for dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini noodles, turkey pasta, healthy dinner, quick meal, burst cherry tomatoes, low-carb, gluten-free, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/easy-skillet-zucchini-turkey-pasta-recipe-with-burst-cherry-tomatoes-for-quick-healthy-meals/