Have you ever stared at your fridge and wondered how to transform a mix of leftover vegetables into something truly satisfying? That’s exactly how the Italian Turkey Skillet was born in my kitchen. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that combines hearty ground turkey with Italian-inspired flavors and a medley of veggies you probably already have on hand. The result? A quick, budget-friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need dinner on the table fast.

If you’re looking for a nutritious recipe that minimizes waste, feels customizable, and is full of flavor, this skillet meal might just become your new go-to. And trust me, with the rich tomato sauce and perfectly seasoned turkey, everyone at your table will be asking for seconds.

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Why This Recipe Works

Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you can have this skillet meal ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Budget-Friendly: Turn forgotten veggies into a flavorful meal, reducing both waste and grocery bills.
Customizable: Swap out vegetables, adjust spices, or add your favorite toppings—it’s your skillet, your rules.
Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from the ground turkey and vitamins from fresh veggies, this is a meal you can feel great about.
Tons of Flavor: Italian seasonings like oregano, basil, and paprika pack every bite with a burst of savory, comforting flavor.

Tips & Variations for Ultimate Flexibility

Add More Veggies: Don’t hesitate to experiment. Try spinach, mushrooms, or even diced butternut squash!
Swap the Protein: Not feeling turkey? Use ground chicken, lean beef, or even a plant-based meat substitute.
Make It Spicy: Love a little heat? Add red pepper flakes or increase the chili powder.
Serve It Your Way: This dish pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread, a side salad, or spooned over fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Here are a few other recipes from the blog that everyone loves:

Greek Lemon Turkey Soup

Protein Packed Asian Beef Bowl

Flavor Packed Chicken Buddha Bowl

Stuffed Red Pepper Soup

Spicy Coconut Lime Chicken Soup

The Best Taco Soup

Sausage Low Carb Italian Soup

Mexican chicken Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simplicity and adaptability. Here’s what I used to make my Italian Turkey Skillet, but feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have:

1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup snap peas, chopped (or roughly 1.5–2 cups zucchini as a substitute next time!)
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 orange bell pepper, chopped
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp paprika
6 oz tomato paste
1 cup water
1 lb ground turkey
Olive oil (for cooking)
(Optional) Shredded Parmesan cheese for garnish

Pro Tip: Don’t stress if you don’t have these exact veggies. This recipe is perfect for using up any leftover produce—stuff like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli would taste amazing too.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Turkey

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Once cooked, drain any excess water or fat from the pan. Season the turkey with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, chili powder, and paprika. Stir everything together to ensure the meat is well-coated with those bold Italian flavors. Remove the turkey from the skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Drizzle a small amount of olive oil into the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes over medium heat, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic fills your kitchen with its fragrant aroma. (You’ll know it’s time to add the veggies when your stomach starts growling!)

3. Add the Vegetables

Throw in your chopped snap peas (or zucchini—your choice!) and colorful bell peppers. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, along with any leftover seasonings from the turkey. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies have softened but still have a bit of crunch.

Note: If you prefer your veggies softer, cook them for a few minutes longer to your desired doneness.

4. Combine Everything

Add the cooked turkey back into your skillet, reducing the heat to low. Stir in the tomato paste and water until everything is evenly coated in the rich, flavorful sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to meld together.

5. Garnish and Serve

If you’re not dairy-free, sprinkle some shredded Parmesan cheese on top for a creamy, savory finish. Serve your Italian Turkey Skillet on its own or over a bed of rice, pasta, or even quinoa for an extra hearty meal.

Easy Italian Turkey Skillet Recipe | Perfect for Busy Nights

Yield: 4

Author: Angie Bloom

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 25 Min

A tasty, 30-minute skillet recipe using ground turkey and leftover veggies. Try this healthy, budget-friendly Italian-inspired meal tonight!

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup snap peas, chopped (or roughly 1.5–2 cups zucchini as a substitute next time)
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 orange bell pepper, chopped
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp paprika
6 oz tomato paste
1 cup water
1 lb ground turkey
Olive oil (for cooking)
(Optional) Shredded Parmesan cheese for garnish
Pro Tip: Don’t stress if you don’t have these exact veggies. This recipe is perfect for using up any leftover produce—stuff like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli would taste amazing too.

Instructions

Brown the Ground Turkey - Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Once cooked, drain any excess water or fat from the pan. Season the turkey with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, chili powder, and paprika. Stir everything together to ensure the meat is well-coated with those bold Italian flavors. Remove the turkey from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic - Drizzle a small amount of olive oil into the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes over medium heat, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic fills your kitchen with its fragrant aroma. (You’ll know it’s time to add the veggies when your stomach starts growling!)
Add the Vegetables - Throw in your chopped snap peas (or zucchini—your choice!) and colorful bell peppers. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, along with any leftover seasonings from the turkey. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies have softened but still have a bit of crunch. Note: If you prefer your veggies softer, cook them for a few minutes longer to your desired doneness.
Combine Everything - Add the cooked turkey back into your skillet, reducing the heat to low. Stir in the tomato paste and water until everything is evenly coated in the rich, flavorful sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to meld together.
Garnish and Serve - If you’re not dairy-free, sprinkle some shredded Parmesan cheese on top for a creamy, savory finish. Serve your Italian Turkey Skillet on its own or over a bed of rice, pasta, or even quinoa for an extra hearty meal.

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Nutrition Facts

Calories

274

Fat

8 g

Sat. Fat

2 g

Carbs

19 g

Fiber

5 g

Net carbs

14 g

Sugar

9 g

Protein

34 g

Sodium

538 mg

Cholesterol

67 mg

The nutrition information provided is only estimated based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a dietician. Please consult a doctor for accurate, more personal information about your health and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition based on four servings:

Calories: 290
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fats: 10g

Keep in mind that these numbers may vary depending on the exact brand of ingredients and portion sizes you use.

Finally, don’t forget to explore the accompanying Greek chicken and Greek Dressing.

Bring a Skillet of Italy to Your Kitchen Tonight

Skillet meals like the Italian Turkey Skillet are proof that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated. With just a few pantry staples, some leftover veggies, and less than 30 minutes, you can create a dish that feels hearty, healthy, and satisfying.

What’s stopping you from giving this recipe a shot? Go ahead, whip up this simple skillet meal tonight. And don’t forget to share your twist on the recipe in the comments below - or tag us on social media @angiebloom. Let's spread the love for easy, healthy meals one dish at a time!

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