Heart-Healthy Classic Pasta Bolognese

Savor the comforting flavors of this Heart-Healthy Classic Pasta Bolognese, a wholesome twist on the Italian favorite. Made with hearty whole wheat spaghetti and lean ground turkey, this recipe delivers all the satisfaction of traditional Bolognese with a lighter, nutrient-packed touch. A fragrant medley of onions, carrots, celery, and garlic forms the base of the sauce, which is simmered to perfection with crushed tomatoes, low-sodium broth, and a blend of Italian herbs. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a slow-simmered finish, this dish is a breeze to prepare while packing maximum flavor. Serve it up with a sprinkle of parmesan for a guilt-free, protein-rich dinner. Perfect for family meals or meal prepping, this heart-healthy spaghetti Bolognese is a delicious way to enjoy comfort food with a nutritious edge!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams whole wheat spaghetti
• 500 grams lean ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 120 milliliters low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 40 grams parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking up any large chunks with a wooden spoon, until the meat is no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, broth, dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

Step 7

Discard the bay leaf, taste the sauce, and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 8

Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked whole wheat spaghetti. Top with grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2165.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1896.6

Total Fat 79.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 389.1mg	0%
Sodium 3304.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 178.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.4g	0%
Total Sugars 45.9g
Protein 148.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 918.3mg	0%
Iron 20.4mg	0%
Potassium 5134.8mg	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: 35.4%

Protein: 29.4%

Carbs: 35.2%