Heart-Healthy Pasta Shells with Tomato Sauce
Elevate your dinner routine with this **Heart-Healthy Pasta Shells with Tomato Sauce**—a wholesome, flavor-packed recipe that's as nutritious as it is delicious. Featuring tender **whole-grain pasta shells**, a rich and aromatic **homemade tomato sauce**, and a generous dose of vibrant **baby spinach**, this dish is a perfect way to enjoy comfort food without compromising your health. The sauce, made with heart-friendly **extra-virgin olive oil**, fragrant **garlic**, and a medley of Italian herbs like **basil** and **oregano**, is simmered to perfection, creating a meal that's bursting with wholesome goodness. Garnish with a sprinkle of **fresh parsley** and optional **Parmesan cheese** for an added touch of freshness and flavor. Ready in just 40 minutes, this vegan-friendly option (when Parmesan is omitted) is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal you'll want to savor again and again. Perfect for those seeking **healthy pasta recipes** or a lighter take on classic comfort food, this heart-healthy pasta dish will surely delight your taste buds while nourishing your body!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole-grain pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, no salt added
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding a pinch of salt to it. Cook the whole-grain pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat the extra-virgin olive oil.
Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the crushed tomatoes to the saucepan, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.
Season the sauce with dried basil, dried oregano, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
Stir in the freshly chopped parsley and baby spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly into the sauce.
Combine the cooked pasta shells with the tomato sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.
Serve hot, garnished with optional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1983 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.5 g | 70% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.3 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 12 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 1027 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 315.1 g | 115% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 54.4 g | 194% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.4 g | ||
| Protein | 78.8 g | 158% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1048 mg | 81% | |
| Iron | 19.3 mg | 107% | |
| Potassium | 3220 mg | 69% | |
*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.
