Heart-Healthy Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

Savor the comforting flavors of this Heart-Healthy Rigatoni with Meat Sauce, a wholesome twist on a classic Italian favorite. Made with nutrient-rich whole grain rigatoni and a lean ground turkey base, this recipe is packed with vibrant, sautéed veggies like zucchini, red bell peppers, and mushrooms for added texture and nutrition. A no-salt-added tomato sauce infused with aromatic Italian seasonings and fresh basil delivers a flavorful yet heart-conscious meat sauce. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a nutrient-dense profile, this dish is perfect for health-conscious families seeking a satisfying, balanced meal. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for a delicious touch that feels indulgent yet guilt-free. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this low-sodium pasta recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Whole grain rigatoni
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 16 ounces Ground turkey (93% lean)
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium Zucchini, diced
• 8 ounces Mushrooms, sliced
• 15 ounces No-salt-added diced tomatoes
• 15 ounces Low-sodium tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh basil, chopped
• 0.25 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's browned and cooked through.

Step 3

Add the onion and garlic to the skillet with the turkey. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the red bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the skillet with the meat and vegetables. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Once the sauce has thickened slightly, remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil.

Step 8

Serve the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce. Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 9

Enjoy your heart-healthy rigatoni with meat sauce!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2450.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2915.9

Total Fat 83.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 469.5mg	0%
Sodium 1410.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 353.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 49.1g	0%
Total Sugars 76.7g
Protein 196.6g	0%

Vitamin D 46.5IU	0%
Calcium 1071.6mg	0%
Iron 28.5mg	0%
Potassium 6201.8mg	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: 25.5%

Protein: 26.6%

Carbs: 47.9%