Heart-Healthy Classic Bolognese Pasta

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with this Heart-Healthy Classic Bolognese Pasta, a wholesome twist on a beloved classic. Featuring lean ground turkey or chicken and a medley of fresh vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, this recipe delivers rich, savory flavor while staying mindful of your heart health. Simmered to perfection with low-sodium chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, this sauce is layered with depth and pairs beautifully with hearty whole wheat spaghetti. Ready in just over an hour and topped with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan, it’s a deliciously nourishing meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Rich in protein, fiber, and flavor, this recipe is a go-to for a guilt-free take on a comforting classic!

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium Carrot, finely chopped
• 1 Celery stalk, finely chopped
• 16 ounces Lean ground turkey or chicken
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
• 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 12 ounces Whole wheat spaghetti
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey or chicken. Cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking up any large pieces with a spoon.

Step 4

Stir in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Step 6

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.

Step 7

Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add a ladle or two of the Bolognese sauce to the pasta and toss until lightly coated.

Step 8

Serve the pasta on plates topped with additional Bolognese sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if using.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2265.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1901.3

Total Fat 76.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 410.3mg	0%
Sodium 2487.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 172.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.7g	0%
Total Sugars 51.1g
Protein 159.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1241.1mg	0%
Iron 22.7mg	0%
Potassium 5913.6mg	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: 34.0%

Protein: 31.6%

Carbs: 34.3%