Heart-Healthy Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce

Savor the wholesome goodness of Heart-Healthy Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce, a nourishing twist on a classic comfort food. This recipe combines tender whole wheat penne with a robust, flavor-packed turkey meat sauce brimming with fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and red bell pepper, plus a touch of fresh spinach for added nutrition. Seasoned with aromatic dried oregano and basil, the rich tomato base offers a delightful balance of savory and tangy notes while keeping things heart-smart with lean protein and olive oil. Ready in just 50 minutes, this easy yet impressive dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve it warm, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an optional indulgence, and enjoy a fulfilling, guilt-free pasta experience the whole family will love. Keywords: heart-healthy pasta, whole wheat penne, turkey meat sauce, easy weeknight dinner, healthy comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Whole wheat penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 pound Lean ground turkey
• 1 large Onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large Carrot, finely chopped
• 1 large Celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, chopped
• 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 cups Fresh spinach leaves
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3

Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking up any large pieces with a spatula, until the turkey is browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the chopped carrot, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.

Step 5

Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let all the flavors meld.

Step 7

Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they are wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 8

Combine the cooked penne pasta with the sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated.

Step 9

Serve the pasta hot, with an optional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2323.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2622.4

Total Fat 72.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 371.4mg	0%
Sodium 3633.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 340.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 51.5g	0%
Total Sugars 69.0g
Protein 172.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1300.8mg	0%
Iron 28.0mg	0%
Potassium 7084.6mg	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: 24.1%

Protein: 25.6%

Carbs: 50.4%