Fuel your day with a hearty and nutritious twist on a classic Italian dish—High Protein Fusilli Pasta with Meat Sauce. This recipe combines tender, high-protein fusilli pasta with a rich, savory meat sauce made from extra-lean ground beef, slow-simmered tomato sauce, and fragrant herbs like basil and oregano. Perfectly seasoned with garlic and a touch of red pepper flakes for a layer of subtle heat, this dish is finished with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added indulgence. Ready in just an hour, this protein-packed meal is ideal for anyone seeking a satisfying dinner that's both comforting and health-conscious. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or post-workout refueling, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite!
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water, then add the high-protein fusilli pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the extra-lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 8 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet, if necessary.
Add the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and ground black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Add the cooked fusilli pasta to the meat sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta with the sauce.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Calories |
2708 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 91.1 g | 117% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.5 g | 142% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 380 mg | 127% | |
| Sodium | 3970 mg | 173% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 251.4 g | 91% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 45.6 g | 163% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.7 g | ||
| Protein | 219.0 g | 438% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 741 mg | 57% | |
| Iron | 26.5 mg | 147% | |
| Potassium | 3249 mg | 69% | |
*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.