Zucchini Skillet Dinner with Tomatoes and Mushrooms (Low-Fat)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Recipe Category: Vegetable
Servings: 5
Description:
When you’re craving a wholesome, low-fat dinner that’s quick to prepare, this Zucchini Skillet Dinner with Tomatoes and Mushrooms is the perfect solution. This vibrant, veggie-packed dish is inspired by a recipe from The More With Less Cookbook and offers a delicious blend of fresh ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You can easily customize the recipe based on the ingredients you have at home. Whether you use fresh or canned mushrooms, or opt to omit the meat entirely, the flavors will still shine. The addition of turkey sausage and a bit of steak adds protein and flavor, but feel free to swap with whatever leftovers you have. This dish is served over noodles, though rice would work just as well. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is a nice touch if you’re looking for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Zucchini (sliced) | 4 medium |
| Onion (diced) | 1 large |
| Mushrooms (sliced) | 1 – 1 1/2 cups |
| Canned tomatoes (with juice) | 2 cups |
| Italian seasoning | 1 – 2 teaspoons |
| Cooked turkey sausage (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Small steak (cut into tiny pieces, optional) | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 116.7 kcal |
| Fat Content | 0.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 749.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 27.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.3 g |
| Sugars | 15.6 g |
| Protein | 4.5 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the skillet:
Start by spraying a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Place it over medium heat to warm up. -
-
Sauté the vegetables:
Add the sliced zucchini, diced onion, and sliced mushrooms into the skillet. If you’d like to add a bit more oil for a golden finish, spray a little extra nonstick spray on top of the vegetables. -
Cook until tender:
Stir occasionally and cook the vegetables until the zucchini begins to soften, which should take about 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to develop and the veggies to cook down a bit. -
Add the tomatoes and seasoning:
Once the vegetables have softened, pour in the canned tomatoes along with their juice. Stir in the Italian seasoning for a burst of herby flavor. -
Incorporate the meat (optional):
If you’re using any leftover meat, like cooked turkey sausage or steak, add it now. Stir everything to combine and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes. The mixture will heat through and the flavors will meld beautifully. -
Serve and enjoy:
Once everything is hot and well-combined, taste for seasoning. You can adjust with salt, pepper, or more Italian seasoning if necessary. Serve the zucchini skillet dinner over your choice of noodles or rice. For an extra indulgence, you can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top.
Tips and Variations:
-
Make it vegetarian:
Omit the meat entirely for a fully vegetarian dish. You can add more vegetables or even some beans (like chickpeas) for extra protein. -
Use what you have:
Don’t have zucchini? Use other squash varieties, or even bell peppers for a slightly different flavor. If you don’t have fresh mushrooms, you can always use canned mushrooms instead. -
Adjust to taste:
If you love garlic, add a couple of minced garlic cloves when sautéing the onions for a more robust flavor. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat. -
Add cheese:
A light sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella cheese can elevate this dish, adding a savory richness without too many extra calories. -
Serving suggestion:
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or a slice of whole-grain bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
This Zucchini Skillet Dinner with Tomatoes and Mushrooms is a wonderfully versatile and healthy meal that comes together in no time. Whether you’re using up leftover vegetables or simply want a quick, low-fat dinner, this recipe is sure to please. Full of fresh ingredients and light on calories, it makes for the perfect meal when you’re looking for something satisfying but light. Plus, with the flexibility to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand, it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to time and time again.
