Heart-Healthy Classic Spaghetti with Ground Meat

Savor the comfort of a classic Italian-inspired dish reimagined for your heart health with our Heart-Healthy Classic Spaghetti with Ground Meat. This wholesome recipe swaps traditional pasta for fiber-rich whole-grain spaghetti and uses lean ground turkey for a lighter but equally satisfying protein. A vibrant, no-salt-added tomato sauce infused with aromatic garlic, onions, and herbs like oregano and basil brings bold flavor without unnecessary sodium. A touch of olive oil adds healthy fats, and a pinch of red pepper flakes lends just the right amount of heat. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy and nutritious spaghetti dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a nourishing meal the whole family will love. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for that final flourish! Whether you're seeking a heart-conscious diet or simply a better-for-you comfort food, this recipe delivers on both taste and nutrition.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Whole-grain spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 pound Lean ground turkey
• 1 Small onion, finely chopped
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes (no salt added)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cup Fresh Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the lean ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

Step 6

Bring the sauce to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently with the sauce until well coated. If the skillet is not large enough, you can return the pasta to the pot it was cooked in and pour the sauce over, mixing carefully.

Step 8

Garnish with fresh parsley and, if desired, sprinkle with fresh Parmesan cheese before serving.

Step 9

Serve the heart-healthy spaghetti warm, enjoying a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1800.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1808.6

Total Fat 82.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 371.6mg	0%
Sodium 2473.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 156.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.4g	0%
Total Sugars 40.4g
Protein 143.2g	0%

Vitamin D 23.8IU	0%
Calcium 1003.9mg	0%
Iron 18.7mg	0%
Potassium 4140.2mg	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: 38.1%

Protein: 29.5%

Carbs: 32.3%