Heart-Healthy Bowtie Pasta with Meat Sauce

Indulge in a comforting yet nutritious meal with this Heart-Healthy Bowtie Pasta with Meat Sauce, a wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Featuring tender whole grain bowtie pasta and a rich, savory sauce made with extra-lean ground turkey and a medley of fresh vegetables, this dish is perfect for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal without compromising on health. Flavored with aromatic garlic, balsamic vinegar, and a blend of dried herbs, the sauce simmers to perfection, creating a depth of flavor you'll love. Ready in just an hour, this balanced recipe is packed with fiber, lean protein, and essential nutrients. Garnished with fresh parsley, it's a vibrant and satisfying option for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 85/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Whole grain bowtie pasta
• 1 pound Extra-lean ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium Carrot, diced
• 1 medium Zucchini, diced
• 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (no added salt)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole grain bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic, chopped red bell pepper, diced carrot, and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the extra-lean ground turkey to the skillet. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and salt.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste if necessary.

Step 8

Toss the drained pasta with the meat sauce until thoroughly combined.

Step 9

Serve the pasta garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2177.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2258.5

Total Fat 33.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 317.5mg	0%
Sodium 1584.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 329.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 51.2g	0%
Total Sugars 59.1g
Protein 175.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 430.9mg	0%
Iron 25.5mg	0%
Potassium 4821.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 12.9%

Protein: 30.2%

Carbs: 56.9%