Heart-Healthy Penne Pasta with Meatballs
Discover a wholesome twist on a classic favorite with our Heart-Healthy Penne Pasta with Meatballs. This guilt-free recipe pairs tender, flavorful turkey meatballs—crafted with rolled oats and Parmesan cheese for added nutrition—with fiber-rich whole grain penne pasta. A vibrant, low-sodium tomato sauce infused with garlic powder, dried oregano, and fresh basil ties it all together, creating a dish that's as delicious as it is good for you. Perfectly balanced for a light yet satisfying meal, this recipe is ideal for anyone seeking a healthier spin on comfort food. Whether you're planning a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this heart-healthy pasta is sure to delight your taste buds while supporting your wellness goals.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole grain penne pasta
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups low-sodium tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the whole grain penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the lean ground turkey, egg, rolled oats, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set them on a plate.
In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the low-sodium tomato sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Return the meatballs to the skillet, covering them with the sauce, and let them simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the cooked penne pasta and toss gently to coat with the sauce.
Serve the pasta and meatballs hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your heart-healthy meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2611 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 86.3 g | 111% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.4 g | 102% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 564 mg | 188% | |
| Sodium | 2015 mg | 88% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 330.8 g | 120% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 39.2 g | 140% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.0 g | ||
| Protein | 164.4 g | 329% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 520 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 25.2 mg | 140% | |
| Potassium | 3702 mg | 79% | |
*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.
