Heart-Healthy Fusilli Pasta with Meat Sauce

Savor a comforting bowl of Heart-Healthy Fusilli Pasta with Meat Sauce, a wholesome twist on a classic Italian favorite. This recipe features tender whole wheat fusilli, perfectly al dente, tossed in a rich, hearty meat sauce made with lean ground turkey and a medley of fresh vegetables, including carrots, celery, and red bell peppers. Flavored with aromatic garlic, onion, and a blend of dried herbs like oregano and basil, this dish is packed with nutrients while maintaining bold flavor. Low-sodium canned tomatoes and chicken broth provide a lighter base for the sauce, making it a great option for those watching their salt intake. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a touch of spice from red pepper flakes, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 50 minutes and serves as the perfect heart-healthy dinner for the whole family. Pair it with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced, satisfying meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole wheat fusilli pasta
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% lean)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 medium celery stalk, finely diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes (low sodium)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Boil a large pot of water and cook the whole wheat fusilli 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 heated, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, diced celery, and chopped red bell pepper to the skillet. Continue to sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.

Step 4

Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet. Add the lean ground turkey to the center and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and tomato paste, combining everything well.

Step 6

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Stir to mix all ingredients evenly.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will blend the flavors together and thicken the sauce slightly.

Step 8

After 15 minutes, taste the sauce, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Toss in the cooked fusilli pasta and gently mix everything until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.

Step 9

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy your heart-healthy pasta with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2041.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2520.6

Total Fat 76.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 317.5mg	0%
Sodium 1889.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 308.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 54.0g	0%
Total Sugars 40.1g
Protein 154.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 464.6mg	0%
Iron 22.9mg	0%
Potassium 4965.8mg	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: 27.0%

Protein: 24.4%

Carbs: 48.6%