Heart-Healthy Rotini Pasta with Meat Sauce

Indulge in a wholesome twist on comfort food with this Heart-Healthy Rotini Pasta with Meat Sauce, a nutritious yet satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with fiber-rich whole-grain rotini and protein from lean ground turkey, this recipe swaps traditional ingredients for heart-smart alternatives while delivering big on flavor. The rich, savory sauce features sweet red bell peppers, fragrant garlic, and vibrant baby spinach, simmered in low-sodium crushed tomatoes and seasoned with classic Italian herbs for a comforting, aromatic finish. A sprinkle of optional Parmesan cheese adds a touch of indulgence without overpowering its healthful foundation. Ready in just 40 minutes, this family-friendly pasta dish is a guilt-free way to enjoy a classic favorite while supporting heart health.

Nutriscore Rating: 84/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz whole-grain rotini pasta
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean)
• 1 whole yellow onion, medium, diced
• 3 whole garlic cloves, minced
• 1 whole red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can low-sodium canned crushed tomatoes (28 oz can)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 cups baby spinach, fresh
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced yellow onion and cook until it begins to soften, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the lean ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the turkey is browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the low-sodium canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Add the fresh baby spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 9

Season the sauce with ground black pepper to taste.

Step 10

Combine the cooked rotini with the meat sauce in the skillet, tossing to evenly coat the pasta.

Step 11

Serve hot, optionally garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2151.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2934.0

Total Fat 93.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 364.9mg	0%
Sodium 1587.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 351.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 66.3g	0%
Total Sugars 65.2g
Protein 185.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1280.2mg	0%
Iron 28.4mg	0%
Potassium 6587.3mg	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: 28.0%

Protein: 24.9%

Carbs: 47.1%