| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 75 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 495 | 20g | 5g | 15g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 4g | 65g | 0.52g |
Why I Love Italian Oven-Baked Turkey Breast with Zucchini Side Dish
My Culinary Journey to Oven-Baked Turkey Breast with Zucchini Side Dish
As the cool breezes of fall descend upon us, I am beyond excited to share one of my favorite recipes with you: the Oven-Baked Turkey Breast with Zucchini Side Dish. The anticipation of the holidays entwined with my affection for preparing flavorful, heartwarming dishes led me to the creation of this sumptuous, hearty dish. While not a classic in Creole or French cuisine, it is undeniably a family favorite of mine that draws from the Italian heritage of renowned chef Giorgio Locatelli.
A Symphony of Flavors
The Oven-Baked Turkey Breast with Zucchini Side Dish presents a perfect alliance between the succulent, juicy, and tangy turkey married with the understated sumptuousness of the zucchini side dish. Olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, and a splash of chicken broth come together to lovingly tenderize and flavor the turkey breast. Meanwhile, the orchestra of the caramelized zucchini harmonized with melted butter, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil crafts an unforgettable symphony of flavors that leaves one seeking for more. This is easy yet elegant, perfect for holidays or just a simple get together with family and friends.
Beyond the Recipe: Serving Suggestions and Ideas
This dish, while a complete meal in itself, can be beautifully paired with a dry Italian white wine like Soave or a Verdicchio. For those who relish a touch of innovative fusion, Sicilian Orange Salad or Tuscan-Style Roasted Carrots could make a vibrant accompaniment. Think of this recipe as similar to, yet distinct from, your standard herb-roasted turkey or simple zucchini sauté. A balance of comfort and sophistication that appeals to Italian cuisine connoisseurs as well as novices. Engage joyfully in the process and remember, food tastes better when cooked with love. Buon Appetito!
What You’ll Need
- 3 lbs turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 6 medium zucchini
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While the oven is heating, rub the turkey breast with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning and minced garlic. Ensure that the spices are evenly spread.
Step Two
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spiced turkey breast to the skillet and sear on all sides until it gets golden brown. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step Three
Once the turkey breast is nicely seared, add the chicken broth to the skillet. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Step Four
While your turkey breast is baking, prepare the zucchini side dish. Slice the zucchini into thin rounds and set aside. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Five
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the zucchini, stirring until the cheese is melted and zucchini is well coated. Turn off the heat and add the chopped fresh basil, stirring until well distributed.
Step Six
Once the turkey breast is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for few minutes. Then slice it for serving. Plate the sliced turkey breast with a generous serving of the zucchini side dish. Enjoy your Oven-Baked Turkey Breast with Zucchini Side Dish!
