Heart-Healthy Rotini Pasta with Meat Sauce
Discover the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition with this Heart-Healthy Rotini Pasta with Meat Sauce recipe—a wholesome dinner option that’s as comforting as it is nourishing. Featuring hearty whole-grain rotini pasta, lean ground turkey, and a medley of fresh vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, and onions, this dish is bursting with vibrant flavors while offering a healthier twist on classic pasta meals. The rich and savory meat sauce is seasoned with aromatic dried herbs like oregano and basil and a touch of red pepper flakes, ensuring a satisfying depth of flavor. Bite-sized pieces of baby spinach melt seamlessly into the sauce, adding a boost of vitamins and color. Prepared with low-sodium crushed tomatoes and extra-virgin olive oil, this recipe supports heart health without sacrificing taste. Ready in just 40 minutes, this family-friendly meal is ideal for busy weeknights and is easily customizable with an optional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra indulgence. Perfect for anyone seeking a nutritious, flavorful, and wholesome pasta recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz whole-grain rotini pasta
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 whole yellow onion, medium, diced
- 3 whole garlic cloves, minced
- 1 whole red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can low-sodium canned crushed tomatoes (28 oz can)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cups baby spinach, fresh
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole-grain rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced yellow onion and cook until it begins to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the lean ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the turkey is browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the low-sodium canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the fresh baby spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Season the sauce with ground black pepper to taste.
Combine the cooked rotini with the meat sauce in the skillet, tossing to evenly coat the pasta.
Serve hot, optionally garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
701 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 21.5 g | 28% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.0 g | 30% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 87 mg | 29% | |
| Sodium | 314 mg | 14% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 86.0 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.0 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.0 g | ||
| Protein | 44.0 g | 88% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 259 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 1606 mg | 34% | |
*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.
