Heart-Healthy Penne with Meat Sauce

Savor the comforting flavors of Italian-inspired cuisine with this Heart-Healthy Penne with Meat Sauce, a wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Made with tender whole grain penne, lean ground turkey, and a medley of nutrient-packed vegetables like zucchini, red bell pepper, and spinach, this dish is the perfect marriage of taste and nutrition. A rich, no-salt-added tomato sauce infused with garlic, oregano, basil, and a kick of crushed red pepper delivers bold, satisfying flavor without compromising on health. This one-pot wonder comes together in just 50 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep. Packed with fiber, lean protein, and heart-friendly ingredients, this easy-to-make recipe serves six and is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a colorful and vibrant finishing touch!

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole grain penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 28 ounces diced tomatoes, no-salt-added
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the turkey and cook for 3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the chopped red bell pepper and zucchini, and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, and season with black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Add the fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring continuously until it wilts, approximately 2 minutes.

Step 8

Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and gently mix until the penne is evenly coated.

Step 9

Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2267.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2272.5

Total Fat 57.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 324.0mg	0%
Sodium 491.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 322.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 44.8g	0%
Total Sugars 47.8g
Protein 149.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 633.6mg	0%
Iron 28.9mg	0%
Potassium 4488.6mg	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: 21.5%

Protein: 24.9%

Carbs: 53.6%