Heart-Healthy Classic Spaghetti Pomodoro
Elevate your pasta night with this **Heart-Healthy Classic Spaghetti Pomodoro**, a wholesome twist on the Italian favorite. Made with nutrient-rich whole grain spaghetti, juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil, this simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for anyone seeking health-conscious meals without sacrificing taste. A touch of crushed red pepper adds subtle heat, while fresh basil and a splash of lemon brighten the dish with vibrant, zesty notes. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy-to-make spaghetti is ideal for busy weeknights. Optional Parmesan cheese can be added for an indulgent finish, but the dish shines beautifully on its own as a light and heart-healthy option. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or meal prepping for the week, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Whole grain spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 pieces Garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 4 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 medium Lemon, juiced
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the whole grain spaghetti to the pot. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, or until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes.
While the spaghetti is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the thinly sliced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant and golden, about 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the garlic in the skillet. Sprinkle with 0.5 teaspoon of salt and the crushed red pepper flakes. Cook the tomatoes, stirring occasionally, until they have softened and released their juices, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the tomato mixture.
Toss everything together and add pasta cooking water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the desired consistency and coats the pasta.
Stir in the fresh basil leaves and the juice of one lemon, tossing everything together to combine. Adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
Serve the spaghetti warm, topped with optional grated Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor, though it's a delicious heart-healthy dish even without it.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1079 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 49.2 g | 63% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.6 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 47 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 2130 mg | 93% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 125.5 g | 46% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.3 g | 90% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.2 g | ||
| Protein | 49.3 g | 99% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 911 mg | 70% | |
| Iron | 12.7 mg | 71% | |
| Potassium | 2337 mg | 50% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
