Heart-Healthy Macaroni with Meat Sauce
Indulge in the hearty comfort of our **Heart-Healthy Macaroni with Meat Sauce**, a wholesome twist on a classic favorite. This recipe pairs the nutty goodness of whole grain macaroni with a flavorful homemade sauce featuring lean ground turkey, vibrant red bell peppers, sweet grated carrots, and nutrient-packed baby spinach. Gently simmered with aromatic oregano and basil, the no-salt-added crushed tomatoes create a rich, savory base that's both delicious and heart-smart. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley, this dish delivers a balanced blend of protein, fiber, and vegetables in every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's a satisfying, family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights. Enjoy the guilt-free indulgence of a healthier pasta night without sacrificing flavor!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Whole grain macaroni
- 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium, diced Yellow onion
- 3 minced Garlic cloves
- 1 pound Lean ground turkey
- 28 ounces Canned no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
- 1 seeded and diced Red bell pepper
- 1 large, grated Carrot
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 3 cups Baby spinach
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh parsley
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the whole grain macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it is soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.
Add the lean ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, grated carrot, dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Add the baby spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the sauce in the skillet, tossing until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
Serve the macaroni immediately, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2464 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 76.1 g | 98% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.7 g | 88% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 344 mg | 115% | |
| Sodium | 2012 mg | 87% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 329.1 g | 120% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 46.9 g | 168% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.8 g | ||
| Protein | 157.3 g | 315% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 686 mg | 53% | |
| Iron | 26.8 mg | 149% | |
| Potassium | 4539 mg | 97% | |
*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.
