Heart-Healthy Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce
Discover a flavor-packed, guilt-free take on classic comfort food with our Heart-Healthy Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce. This wholesome recipe combines tender whole wheat penne with a rich and hearty tomato-based sauce made from lean ground turkey and a medley of fresh vegetables, including carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Simmered with fragrant herbs like oregano and basil, this dish is lightened up with heart-friendly olive oil and nutrient-rich spinach for added depth and nutrition. Ready in just 50 minutes, this satisfying pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Top it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan for an optional touch of indulgence. Enjoy a deliciously healthy twist on tradition that your taste buds—and your heart—will love!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 pound Lean ground turkey
- 1 large Onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large Carrot, finely chopped
- 1 large Celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 medium Red bell pepper, chopped
- 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 cups Fresh spinach leaves
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking up any large pieces with a spatula, until the turkey is browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the chopped carrot, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let all the flavors meld.
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they are wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Combine the cooked penne pasta with the sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated.
Serve the pasta hot, with an optional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2622 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 72.3 g | 93% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.3 g | 106% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 371 mg | 124% | |
| Sodium | 3633 mg | 158% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 340.4 g | 124% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 51.5 g | 184% | |
| Total Sugars | 69.0 g | ||
| Protein | 172.9 g | 346% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1301 mg | 100% | |
| Iron | 28.0 mg | 156% | |
| Potassium | 7085 mg | 151% | |
*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.
