Name: Zucchini & Ground Turkey Skillet with Ricotta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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); ¾ cup ricotta cheese; ¼ cup Parmesan, freshly grated; ¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped; Red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)

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If you’re on the lookout for a cozy, flavorful weeknight dinner that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, this Zucchini & Ground Turkey Skillet with Ricotta Recipe is exactly what you need. I love how this dish brings together the light freshness of zucchini with lean ground turkey, all smothered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with creamy ricotta—it’s comfort food that feels just a little bit special. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something wholesome, tasty, and on the table in under 30 minutes.

What really sets this recipe apart for me is how simple it is, yet so satisfying. The ricotta topping is like the cherry on top, melting just enough into the simmering skillet to add that creamy, dreamy texture that everyone will ask about. Whether you’re cooking dinner for your family or meal prepping for the week, this Zucchini & Ground Turkey Skillet with Ricotta Recipe fits the bill, bringing both nutrition and indulgence to your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are straightforward and easily found in most grocery stores, but together they create something truly tasty and satisfying. Using fresh zucchini and a good quality marinara makes a noticeable difference, and I’ll share a few tips so you get the best flavors.

Olive oil: I always go with extra virgin for the best flavor, and a little goes a long way in building the base for this skillet.
Ground turkey: Choose 93% lean for a good balance between flavor and healthiness; it holds up nicely without drying out.
Kosher salt: Using kosher salt instead of table salt helps season the dish evenly without overpowering it.
Italian seasoning: This blend brings in classic herb flavors—basil, oregano, thyme—that pair beautifully with the tomato sauce and zucchini.
Zucchini: Fresh and firm zucchini works best; dice it evenly for consistent cooking.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic really brightens the dish—skip the powder here.
Marinara sauce: Invest in a good-quality sauce or better yet, try your hand at homemade marinara for an elevated version.
Ricotta cheese: Whole milk ricotta gives richness and creaminess that melts perfectly in this recipe.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty sharpness that balances the ricotta’s mildness.
Fresh basil: Chopped fresh basil at the end lifts everything with herbal brightness.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch of heat can add a lovely kick—feel free to skip if you prefer mild meals.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe flexible, and one of my favorite things is tweaking it based on what’s in my kitchen or who I’m cooking for. Don’t be afraid to adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs—it’s all about enjoying the process as much as the final dish.

Vegetarian version: Swap out ground turkey for diced mushrooms or cooked lentils for a hearty meatless option. I tried this once on Meatless Monday, and it was surprisingly satisfying.
Spicy twist: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking for a bolder flavor.
Cheese variations: Try swapping ricotta with cottage cheese or adding mozzarella on top for a melty, gooey finish.
Seasonal adjustments: In the summer, I sometimes toss in halved cherry tomatoes for extra freshness and color.
Low-carb tweaks: Serve the skillet over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables instead of pasta or bread.

How to Make Zucchini & Ground Turkey Skillet with Ricotta Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey

Start by heating half the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey along with half the salt and Italian seasoning. Break it up gently with your spoon as it cooks so it browns evenly. This usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. You’ll want to cook until the turkey is mostly done but not overcooked—this keeps it tender. Once browned, remove the turkey from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Zucchini and Garlic

Using the same skillet (no need to clean it), add the remaining olive oil, diced zucchini, and the rest of the salt. Turn the heat up to medium-high and cook the zucchini for about 4 to 5 minutes until it’s just tender but still holding its shape nicely. Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn or it’ll taste bitter. This step creates such a wonderful aroma that fills the kitchen, one of my favorite moments.

Step 3: Combine Turkey and Marinara

Return the cooked turkey to the skillet, then pour in your marinara sauce. Stir gently to combine everything and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce gets too thick, just splash in a little water to loosen it up. The bubbling marinara coating the turkey and zucchini is where all the magic happens.

Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Topping

While the skillet simmers, mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and fresh basil in a small bowl until smooth. This ricotta mixture is the secret creamy topping that brings everything together without weighing it down. It’s super easy but takes the flavor up several notches in my experience.

Step 5: Top, Melt, and Serve

Turn off the heat and dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture across the skillet, letting it soften and melt slightly into the warm sauce. Sprinkle a little more basil and Parmesan over the top, then add red pepper flakes if you want a bit of spice. Serve straight from the pan for a rustic feel or transfer to plates if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Serve Zucchini & Ground Turkey Skillet with Ricotta Recipe

The image shows a flat lay of cooking ingredients on a white marbled surface. From left to right, there is a white bowl with grated white cheese and a wedge of a harder cheese on top, a clear glass bottle tilted slightly with a gold lid labeled “ITALIAN SEASONING,” a small white scalloped dish holding red chili flakes, and a bottle of golden olive oil near some peeled garlic cloves. Below these are three whole green zucchinis placed side by side, and a bunch of fresh green basil leaves at the bottom right corner. At the bottom center, there is a clear glass measuring cup filled with red tomato sauce with a thick texture, and a metal measuring cup filled with white ricotta cheese. In the bottom left corner, next to the bowl, is a block of pale pink ground meat resting on white parchment paper. A small white container of salt is placed near the zucchinis. The overall arrangement is neat and bright. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually garnish this dish with a few fresh basil leaves and a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan—it adds a nice fresh green pop and that wonderful umami kick. When serving for guests, I love adding a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a few red pepper flakes for color and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

This skillet pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. If you want a heartier meal, creamy polenta or garlic mashed potatoes are superb sides that I’ve enjoyed alongside it. For a low-carb touch, serve over cauliflower rice or with steamed veggies on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this Zucchini & Ground Turkey Skillet with Ricotta Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets—it looks charming and keeps the skillet warm while eating. Another fun idea is to spoon it over oven-roasted spaghetti squash for a festive low-carb presentation. Trust me, your guests will be impressed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find this dish stores really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep the ricotta mixture separate if I’m saving leftovers, then add it fresh when reheating—that way it keeps that creamy texture instead of drying out. Store everything in an airtight container to lock in freshness.

Freezing

Freezing this skillet is totally doable, though I recommend mixing the ricotta topping in fresh after thawing. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. This keeps the turkey juicy and prevents the zucchini from getting mushy. Then, I dollop the ricotta topping on right before serving, which freshens the dish wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey in the Zucchini & Ground Turkey Skillet with Ricotta Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well, especially if you prefer a milder flavor. Just keep an eye on cooking time as ground chicken can sometimes cook faster and dry out if overcooked. Season well and follow the same steps for best results.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Zucchini & Ground Turkey Skillet with Ricotta Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free marinara sauce. Always check your sauce label to be sure, or make your own to avoid any hidden gluten.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare and assemble most of the skillet ahead, then store it in the fridge without the ricotta topping. When ready to eat, reheat gently and add the ricotta topping fresh for the best texture and flavor.
How do I make homemade marinara sauce for this recipe?

Making your own marinara is easy and really elevates this dish. Sauté garlic and onions in olive oil, add crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper, then simmer gently for 20-30 minutes until thickened. This gives you a fresher, richer base for your skillet.

Final Thoughts

This Zucchini & Ground Turkey Skillet with Ricotta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s quick, nourishing, and just downright delicious. It’s one of those go-to meals that never feels boring and always leaves everyone asking for seconds. I hope you give it a try and find comfort in every creamy, savory bite—just like I do.