Heart-Healthy Fusilli Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Treat your taste buds to the wholesome charm of our **Heart-Healthy Fusilli Pasta with Tomato Sauce**, a delicious and nutritious twist on a classic comfort dish. Made with tender whole grain fusilli, this recipe is packed with fiber and heart-friendly ingredients like antioxidant-rich crushed tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic garlic. A gently simmered tomato sauce, enhanced with a touch of dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil, brings robust Mediterranean flavors to every bite. With extra virgin olive oil as the base and optional Parmesan cheese for a creamy finish, this quick and easy meal comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve up this vibrant pasta dish for a satisfying, guilt-free dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole grain fusilli pasta
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (no salt added)
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water, then cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, followed by the red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Let the sauce simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing it to thicken.

Step 7

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set aside.

Step 8

Add the chopped fresh basil and baby spinach leaves to the tomato sauce, stirring until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 9

Combine the cooked fusilli pasta with the tomato sauce, tossing to coat all the pasta evenly.

Step 10

Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy your heart-healthy meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1446.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1972.4

Total Fat 56.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 47.4mg	0%
Sodium 2206.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 313.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 46.2g	0%
Total Sugars 42.4g
Protein 80.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1018.2mg	0%
Iron 19.7mg	0%
Potassium 3605.2mg	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: 24.4%

Protein: 15.5%

Carbs: 60.1%