Heart-Healthy Fusilli Pasta with Tomato Sauce
Elevate your pasta night with this Heart-Healthy Fusilli Pasta with Tomato Sauce—a wholesome, flavorful dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Made with fiber-rich whole grain fusilli, this recipe features a vibrant, homemade tomato sauce infused with garlic, onions, red pepper flakes, and fragrant herbs like oregano and basil. A generous handful of fresh baby spinach lends an extra boost of nutrients, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil keeps it rich and satisfying. With no added salt in the crushed tomatoes and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan, this quick and easy meal is perfect for a light yet comforting dinner. Ready in just 45 minutes and packed with feel-good ingredients, it’s an ideal choice for anyone seeking a heart-healthy twist on a classic Italian favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole grain fusilli pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (no salt added)
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water, then cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, followed by the red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Let the sauce simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing it to thicken.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set aside.
Add the chopped fresh basil and baby spinach leaves to the tomato sauce, stirring until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine the cooked fusilli pasta with the tomato sauce, tossing to coat all the pasta evenly.
Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy your heart-healthy meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1972 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.5 g | 72% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.7 g | 84% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 47 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 2207 mg | 96% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 313.9 g | 114% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 46.2 g | 165% | |
| Total Sugars | 42.4 g | ||
| Protein | 80.9 g | 162% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1018 mg | 78% | |
| Iron | 19.7 mg | 109% | |
| Potassium | 3605 mg | 77% | |
*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.
