Delicious Italian Turkey Cutlets: A Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Meal
Transform your dinner routine with these mouthwatering Italian Turkey Cutlets – succulent pieces of turkey seared to golden perfection and generously topped with rich pesto, juicy tomatoes, and gooey melted cheese. Ready in a remarkable 15 minutes, this dish is a culinary lifesaver for any night of the week!
Finding a dinner recipe that’s both quick and exciting can often feel like a challenge. But what if we told you there’s a dish that brings together incredible flavor, lean protein, and an unbelievably fast cooking time? Enter Italian Turkey Cutlets, a recipe that has earned its spot as a family favorite in countless kitchens, including ours. They are incredibly easy to prepare, surprisingly fast, and very affordable, making them a perfect solution for busy evenings when you crave something special without the fuss.
One of the biggest advantages of turkey cutlets is their versatility and, for many, their distinct taste profile compared to traditional holiday turkey. If you’re someone who reserves turkey for Thanksgiving and doesn’t typically gravitate towards it the rest of the year, you’re in for a delightful surprise. Turkey cutlets offer a completely different experience. They are thin, tender, and quick to cook, meaning they absorb flavors beautifully without the heaviness often associated with a whole roasted bird. This makes them an ideal canvas for vibrant, bold ingredients, as we’ll explore with our Italian-inspired twist.
Italian turkey cutlets are a fantastic way to elevate your dinner game and keep your family happy and satisfied. Beyond this delicious Italian rendition, there are many ways to enjoy turkey cutlets. For instance, our Lemon Turkey Cutlets are another beloved option, offering a burst of citrusy flavor that proves turkey can be anything but boring. These recipes are not only incredibly flavorful but also remarkably healthy, packed with lean protein and fresh ingredients.
Why Turkey Cutlets are a Weeknight Wonder
Turkey, by nature, is a lean meat, low in calories and fat. While that’s great for health, it can sometimes mean it lacks a strong, inherent flavor. This is precisely where the magic happens with this recipe! Instead of settling for bland, we amplify the turkey’s natural goodness by browning it to perfection and then loading it with a trio of intensely flavorful ingredients: vibrant pesto, fresh (or canned) tomatoes, and luscious melted cheese. This combination transforms simple turkey into a gourmet experience that feels indulgent but is secretly very good for you.
I’ve been perfecting these Italian Turkey Cutlets for years; it was one of the first signature recipes I developed after getting married. My love for pesto runs deep, as it effortlessly infuses any dish with an incredible depth of herbaceous, garlicky flavor. While store-bought pesto is perfectly fine for convenience, feel free to use your favorite homemade pesto for an extra special touch. Even a creative option like Spinach Pesto would be absolutely delicious, adding a boost of greens and a unique twist.
The Irresistible Italian Flavor Profile
What makes these turkey cutlets “Italian”? It’s the harmonious blend of classic Mediterranean ingredients. Basil pesto provides that aromatic, herbaceous base, while fresh or canned diced tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and acidity. Finally, shredded mozzarella cheese creates a creamy, melting layer that brings everything together. The result is a vibrant, comforting dish that transports your taste buds straight to Italy.
Choosing Your Ingredients for the Best Flavor
- Turkey Cutlets: Look for thinly sliced turkey breast cutlets. If they are too thick, you can easily pound them between two sheets of plastic wrap until they are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This ensures quick and even cooking.
- Pesto: A good quality basil pesto is key. Whether you opt for a store-bought jar or whip up your own homemade version, the fresher and more flavorful the pesto, the better your dish will be. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other pesto varieties like sun-dried tomato or kale pesto for a unique spin.
- Tomatoes: When tomatoes are in season, fresh, ripe diced Roma or cherry tomatoes are fantastic. In the off-season, canned diced tomatoes (drained) work wonderfully and maintain the rich flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and offers that quintessential Italian cheese pull. You could also use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for added depth.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the searing process and adds a subtle richness.
How to Make Italian Turkey Cutlets (A Step-by-Step Guide)
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table.
- Prepare the Turkey: Begin by seasoning both sides of your turkey cutlets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial for building flavor.
- Sear for Golden Perfection: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, place the seasoned turkey cutlets in the pan. Brown them on one side for about 5 minutes, until they achieve a beautiful golden crust. This searing locks in moisture and adds a delicious texture.
- Layer the Flavors: Flip the turkey cutlets. Immediately spread a generous dollop of pesto over each piece, followed by a sprinkle of diced tomatoes, and finally, a blanket of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Melt and Finish: Cover the skillet, leaving a slight opening for steam to escape, and continue to cook for approximately 5 more minutes. During this time, the cheese will melt into a luscious, gooey layer, and the turkey will finish cooking through, becoming incredibly tender.
- Serve Immediately: Once the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), your Italian Turkey Cutlets are ready to be served and enjoyed!
This turkey cutlet recipe truly could not be faster to make. Their thin nature means they cook in mere minutes, making them an ideal choice for even the busiest of weeknights.
Tips for Perfect Italian Turkey Cutlets Every Time
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To ensure proper browning and even cooking, cook the turkey cutlets in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough to accommodate them in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding can steam the meat instead of searing it.
- Pound if Necessary: If your turkey cutlets are unevenly thick, gently pound the thicker parts with a meat mallet (or the bottom of a heavy pan) to an even thickness. This guarantees uniform cooking.
- Adjust Pesto to Taste: Feel free to add more or less pesto depending on your preference. Pesto is a powerful flavor, so start with the recommended amount and adjust if you like.
- Check for Doneness: Turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Because cutlets are thin, they cook quickly, so be mindful not to overcook them, which can lead to dryness.
- Fresh Herbs for Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley before serving can add a beautiful aroma and a pop of color.
What To Serve with Italian Turkey Cutlets
These Italian Turkey Cutlets are a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some of our top recommendations to create a balanced and satisfying dinner:
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes: For a satisfying crunch and a comforting starchy side, these potatoes are an excellent choice.
- Roasted Green Beans: A vibrant and healthy vegetable side that adds a nice textural contrast to the tender turkey.
- Italian Cheese Pull Apart Bread: Perfect for soaking up any delicious juices and a fantastic way to enjoy more cheesy goodness.
- Mushroom Rice Pilaf: A flavorful grain option that complements the Italian flavors beautifully.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness of the pesto and cheese.
- Pasta with Marinara: For a more substantial Italian feast, a side of simple pasta with a light marinara sauce would be perfect.
Storage and Reheating
If you happen to have any leftovers of these delicious Italian Turkey Cutlets (though that’s a rare occurrence in my house!), they store beautifully. Simply transfer cooled cutlets to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat with a lid to maintain moisture, or pop them in the microwave. For best results and to prevent drying out, a skillet is recommended.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
If you loved the simplicity and flavor of these Italian Turkey Cutlets, you’ll be thrilled to explore more easy and delicious dinner ideas. Here are a few favorites that will keep your meal rotation exciting and stress-free:
- Honey Dijon Chicken
- Grilled Pork Chops
- Fish Tacos
- Easy Turkey Meatloaf
- Grilled Turkey Tenderloin
Italian Turkey Cutlets
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Ingredients
- 2 turkey cutlets
- salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons Pesto
- 1/4 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1/3 cup Mozarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
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Heat skillet over medium heat. Drizzle with olive oil. Season both sides of turkey with salt and pepper.
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Add turkey to the pan, and brown on one side for about 5 minutes.
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Flip and top with with pesto, tomatoes, and cheese.
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Cover the pan, leaving a slight opening for steam to escape. Cook for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the turkey is cooked.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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