Heart-Healthy Macaroni with Tomato Sauce

Delight in a nourishing twist on a classic comfort food with this Heart-Healthy Macaroni with Tomato Sauce. This recipe combines wholesome whole grain macaroni with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, including zucchini, carrots, and spinach, all simmered in a fragrant, herb-infused tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes and low-sodium tomato paste. Sautéed in heart-healthy extra-virgin olive oil, this dish is packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants while being low in sodium and bad fats. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese, it's an irresistibly flavorful and nutritious meal perfect for the whole family. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy yet satisfying pasta dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams whole grain macaroni
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 4 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt if desired, then cook the whole grain macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic, diced zucchini, and grated carrot to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4

Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes, low-sodium tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and form a sauce.

Step 5

Season the sauce with ground black pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to reach the desired consistency.

Step 6

Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and toss to combine, ensuring all pasta is well coated.

Step 8

Serve the macaroni hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if using.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1371.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1800.2

Total Fat 53.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 47.4mg	0%
Sodium 1071.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 281.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.0g	0%
Total Sugars 35.9g
Protein 74.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 969.6mg	0%
Iron 17.2mg	0%
Potassium 3313.1mg	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: 25.2%

Protein: 15.6%

Carbs: 59.2%