Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Meatballs and Cheese
Indulge guilt-free with this Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Meatballs and Cheese recipe, a wholesome twist on an Italian favorite! Made with whole wheat spaghetti, extra-lean ground turkey, and low-sodium marinara sauce, this dish is packed with flavor while prioritizing your health. The juicy meatballs are enriched with rolled oats and seasoned to perfection with garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh parsley, offering a tender bite that's baked instead of fried for a lighter touch. Finished with melted low-fat mozzarella and optional grated Parmesan, this balanced recipe is a deliciously nutritious choice for the whole family. Ready in under an hour and serving four, it's perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. This heart-healthy comfort food allows you to savor the classic combination of spaghetti, meatballs, and cheese without compromising on wellness.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Whole wheat spaghetti
- 1 pound Extra-lean ground turkey
- 1/3 cup Rolled oats (uncooked)
- 3 cups Low-sodium marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup Low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large Egg white
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the extra-lean ground turkey, rolled oats, chopped parsley, egg white, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Using your hands, form the mixture into 16 small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
While the meatballs are baking, heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the low-sodium marinara sauce to the skillet and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Once the meatballs are cooked, gently add them to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, spooning the sauce over the meatballs occasionally.
To serve, divide the cooked spaghetti into four plates or bowls. Top each serving with 4 meatballs and a generous ladle of marinara sauce.
Sprinkle each plate with 2 tablespoons of low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese. If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Serve hot and enjoy your heart-healthy spaghetti with meatballs and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1969 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.9 g | 74% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.2 g | 106% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 390 mg | 130% | |
| Sodium | 1978 mg | 86% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 187.2 g | 68% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.4 g | 109% | |
| Total Sugars | 42.3 g | ||
| Protein | 193.6 g | 387% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1221 mg | 94% | |
| Iron | 18.1 mg | 101% | |
| Potassium | 4322 mg | 92% | |
*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.
