Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Meatballs and Tomato Sauce
Elevate your pasta night with this delicious and nutritious recipe for Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Meatballs and Tomato Sauce! Featuring lean ground turkey, whole-grain spaghetti, and a flavorful homemade tomato sauce made with low-sodium crushed tomatoes and unsalted tomato paste, this dish is perfect for those looking to enjoy classic comfort food while prioritizing heart health. The oven-baked turkey meatballs are seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and Parmesan cheese, ensuring every bite is packed with savory goodness. Simmered together with a fragrant sauce infused with fresh basil and thyme, this meal is as wholesome as it is satisfying. Quick to prepare in just an hour and serving four generous portions, it's a balanced, family-friendly dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Perfect for anyone seeking a lower-sodium, nutrient-rich twist on traditional spaghetti with meatballs!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground lean turkey
- 12 ounces Whole-grain spaghetti
- 1 large Egg
- 0.5 cup Whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 28 ounces Low-sodium canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted tomato paste
- 2 cloves Minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (optional)
- 0.5 cup Water
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, whole wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix gently until well combined, but do not overmix.
Form the turkey mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tomato sauce. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried thyme, and water. Add salt, if using, to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the whole-grain spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Once the meatballs are ready, carefully transfer them to the simmering tomato sauce and let them cook together for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Divide the cooked spaghetti among four plates or bowls. Top with the meatballs and tomato sauce.
Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and an optional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy your heart-healthy meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1878 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 71.9 g | 92% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.8 g | 104% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 602 mg | 201% | |
| Sodium | 1987 mg | 86% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 190.1 g | 69% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.2 g | 133% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.3 g | ||
| Protein | 139.3 g | 279% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 594 mg | 46% | |
| Iron | 21.5 mg | 119% | |
| Potassium | 4288 mg | 91% | |
*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.
