Heart-Healthy Savory Pasta with Ground Meat
Indulge guilt-free with this Heart-Healthy Savory Pasta with Ground Meat, a wholesome and flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish. This recipe combines nutrient-packed ingredients like whole-grain pasta, lean ground turkey, vibrant vegetables, and antioxidant-rich baby spinach to deliver a meal that’s both satisfying and good for your heart. Aromatic garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil infuse the dish with bold, herbaceous flavors, while a touch of grated Parmesan adds a savory finish. Ready in just 45 minutes and perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this low-fat, high-fiber recipe is brimming with balanced nutrition. Serve warm for a quick, wholesome meal that nourishes the body and delights the palate.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole-grain pasta
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, no salt added
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- to taste salt
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the whole-grain pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes or until it starts to soften.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the red bell pepper and zucchini, and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Add the lean ground turkey to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and combine thoroughly.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1477 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 71.2 g | 91% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.2 g | 86% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 344 mg | 115% | |
| Sodium | 3121 mg | 136% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 113.7 g | 41% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.9 g | 89% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.8 g | ||
| Protein | 122.8 g | 246% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 666 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 19.3 mg | 107% | |
| Potassium | 3319 mg | 71% | |
*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.
