Heart-Healthy Macaroni with Meat Sauce

Savor the comforting flavors of a classic pasta dish with a heart-healthy twist! This **Heart-Healthy Macaroni with Meat Sauce** combines whole grain macaroni with a rich, protein-packed turkey meat sauce brimming with fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, carrots, and baby spinach. Seasoned with aromatic dried herbs and simmered with no-salt-added crushed tomatoes, this dish is as nutritious as it is flavorful. A touch of grated Parmesan and fresh parsley adds the perfect finishing flair. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe delivers a wholesome, low-fat meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Packed with fiber, lean protein, and vibrant vegetables, it's a delicious way to nourish your body without sacrificing taste.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Whole grain macaroni
• 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium, diced Yellow onion
• 3 minced Garlic cloves
• 1 pound Lean ground turkey
• 28 ounces Canned no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
• 1 seeded and diced Red bell pepper
• 1 large, grated Carrot
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 3 cups Baby spinach
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the whole grain macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it is soft and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the lean ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, grated carrot, dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

Step 7

Add the baby spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 8

Combine the cooked macaroni with the sauce in the skillet, tossing until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.

Step 9

Serve the macaroni immediately, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for garnish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2047.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2463.6

Total Fat 76.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 344.0mg	0%
Sodium 2011.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 329.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 46.9g	0%
Total Sugars 47.8g
Protein 157.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 686.3mg	0%
Iron 26.8mg	0%
Potassium 4538.6mg	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: 26.0%

Protein: 23.9%

Carbs: 50.0%