Heart-Healthy Orecchiette Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Savor the vibrant flavors of our Heart-Healthy Orecchiette Pasta with Tomato Sauce—a wholesome twist on an Italian classic that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe combines tender whole wheat orecchiette pasta with a robust tomato sauce made from a medley of juicy cherry tomatoes, low-sodium canned tomatoes, and rich tomato paste, infused with garlic, oregano, and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh basil and nutrient-packed baby spinach add a burst of color and flavor, while a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil keeps it wonderfully heart-healthy. Ready in just 30 minutes, this nutritious dish is a satisfying meal that can be served with or without freshly grated Parmesan for a dairy-free option. Perfect for those seeking a quick, delicious, and health-conscious pasta recipe!

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Whole wheat orecchiette pasta
• 2 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 large Garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 14.5 oz Low-sodium canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 cups Baby spinach leaves
• 0.25 tsp Ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the whole wheat orecchiette pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the extra-virgin olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 4

Stir in the low-sodium canned diced tomatoes, including their juices, along with tomato paste and dried oregano. Stir to combine and cook for another 5-6 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5

Add the chopped fresh basil leaves and baby spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.

Step 6

Season the sauce with ground black pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 7

Add the cooked orecchiette pasta to the sauce, tossing well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1289.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1899.2

Total Fat 53.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 47.4mg	0%
Sodium 1058.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 292.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.8g	0%
Total Sugars 28.9g
Protein 78.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 976.2mg	0%
Iron 20.2mg	0%
Potassium 3073.5mg	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: 24.5%

Protein: 15.9%

Carbs: 59.6%