Heart-Healthy Classic Tomato Spaghetti
Elevate your pasta night with this Heart-Healthy Classic Tomato Spaghetti, a wholesome twist on a timeless favorite. Featuring nutrient-rich whole grain spaghetti tossed in a robust homemade tomato sauce, this recipe is a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. Aromatic garlic, sweet onions, and juicy fresh tomatoes create a luscious base, enhanced with the goodness of wilted spinach and Mediterranean spices like oregano and basil. A lighter preparation with olive oil and optional low-sodium ingredients makes it cardio-conscious without compromising taste. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy and delicious dish serves as a satisfying, guilt-free meal for the whole family. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra pop of flavor!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 g Whole grain spaghetti
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 units Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large Onion, chopped
- 800 g Fresh tomatoes, diced
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste, no salt added
- 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.25 tsp Salt, optional
- 100 g Spinach leaves, fresh
- 10 leaves Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- 30 g Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt if desired, and cook the whole grain spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and salt if using. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes.
Add the fresh spinach leaves to the tomato sauce and stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Gently toss the cooked spaghetti in the tomato sauce, adding some reserved pasta water if the mixture seems too dry. Cook together for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1155 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 42.8 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.0 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 24 mg | 8% | |
| Sodium | 1156 mg | 50% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 168.1 g | 61% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 35.7 g | 128% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.8 g | ||
| Protein | 47.3 g | 95% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 670 mg | 52% | |
| Iron | 14.2 mg | 79% | |
| Potassium | 3674 mg | 78% | |
*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.
