Southwest Zucchini Skillet Recipes

SKILLET ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Mix in zucchini, onion, tomatoes, and bacon. Season with salt and pepper, and pour in water. Cover, and cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
• Stir the bread crumbs and soy sauce into the skillet, and mix in Cheddar cheese. Cover, and continue cooking 2 minutes, until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese to serve.

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SKILLET WITH ZUCCHINI AND CORN

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container (I use a jar) for several months.
• Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet set over medium high heat and heat for 1 minute. Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan) and sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons of the spice mix.
• Cook for a few minutes on each side until browned and cooked through, stirring as needed. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
• Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and heat for 1 minute. Add zucchini and bell peppers and sprinkle with about 1 tablespoon of the spice mix. Cook for a few minutes until vegetables have started to soften.
• Add garlic and corn and cook for a minute more.
• Return chicken to the skillet, add lime juice, and toss until combined. Top with chopped cilantro and cotija cheese and serve immediately.

SOUTHWESTERN-STYLE PASTA SKILLET

Steps:

• Prepare macaroni as label directs but do not add salt to water; drain and keep warm.
• Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausage, green pepper, and onion, stirring frequently until vegetables are tender; discard any fat in skillet.
• Stir in zucchini, stewed tomatoes, corn, and chilies with their liquid; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cook 10 minutes to blend flavors.
• Stir macaroni into mixture in skillet; sprinkle with shredded cheese.

SOUTHWEST ZUCCHINI BOATS

Steps:

• Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; cut a thin slice from the bottom of each with a sharp knife to allow zucchini to sit flat. Scoop out pulp, leaving 1/4-in. shells., Place shells in an ungreased 3-qt. microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain and set aside., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Remove from the heat; stir in the salsa, bread crumbs, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper and 1/2 cup cheese. Spoon into zucchini shells., Microwave, uncovered, on high for 4 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Microwave 3-4 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and zucchini are tender. Serve with sour cream if desired.

SOUTHWESTERN VEGGIE SKILLET

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onion in hot oil until tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir zucchini and yellow squash into onion; cook until slightly tender, about 3 minutes. Add corn; cook for 1 minute.
• Stir tomatoes and garlic into onion mixture; cook and stir until heated through, about 3 minutes. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook to desired doneness, 5 to 10 more minutes. Sprinkle in cilantro; stir until wilted. Remove from heat and squeeze lime over mixture.

SOUTHWESTERN STIR-FRIED ZUCCHINI RINEHART

Steps:

• Roast and peel poblanos and bell pepper . Mince garlic cloves and cut zucchini into 2-inch-long spears. Chop cilantro. Cut poblanos and bell pepper into 2- by 1/4-inch strips.
• Heat a dry small skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking and toast cumin seeds, stirring constantly, until fragrant and several shades darker, being careful not to burn them. With a mortar and pestle coarsely grind cumin seeds.
• In a 12-inch skillet heat oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking and cook garlic, stirring, until softened, about a few seconds. Add zucchini and sauté over moderately high heat, stirring constantly, 2 minutes. Add poblano and bell pepper strips and cumin and cook, stirring constantly, until zucchini is crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Add lime or lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve zucchini sprinkled with cilantro.

SOUTHWESTERN SPAGHETTI

Steps:

• In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Remove beef and set aside. In the same skillet, combine the water, tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin and salt; bring to a boil. Stir in spaghetti; return to a boil. , Boil for 6 minutes., Add the zucchini. Cook 4-5 minutes longer or until spaghetti and zucchini are tender, stirring several times. Stir in beef and heat through. Sprinkle with cheese.