Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Cheese
Indulge in a guilt-free twist on a classic Italian favorite with this Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Cheese recipe, perfect for wholesome weeknight dinners. Crafted with nutritious whole-grain spaghetti, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fresh baby spinach, this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious. Sautéed garlic and flavorful Italian seasoning enhance every bite, while a touch of red pepper flakes adds optional heat. A mix of melted low-fat mozzarella and grated Parmesan delivers cheesy satisfaction without compromising on health, making this dish ideal for anyone watching their diet. Served with aromatic fresh basil, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, providing a hearty yet healthy meal for four.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole-grain spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 16 cups water (for boiling pasta)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the whole-grain spaghetti. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, and set the spaghetti aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to release their juices.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss gently to combine the pasta with the sauce. If the mixture is too dry, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Sprinkle the shredded low-fat mozzarella over the pasta and gently toss until the cheese has melted and coated the spaghetti.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves.
Serve the spaghetti immediately, garnished with additional basil if desired. Enjoy your heart-healthy meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1102 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.9 g | 67% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.6 g | 93% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 70 mg | 23% | |
| Sodium | 2194 mg | 95% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 115.5 g | 42% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.9 g | 85% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.0 g | ||
| Protein | 61.7 g | 123% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1203 mg | 93% | |
| Iron | 15.6 mg | 87% | |
| Potassium | 1492 mg | 32% | |
*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.
