Heart-Healthy Savory Pasta with Ground Meat

Indulge in the wholesome flavors of Heart-Healthy Savory Pasta with Ground Meat, a deliciously nutritious dish perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe features tender whole-grain pasta tossed with lean ground turkey, sautéed vegetables like zucchini and red bell peppers, and a vibrant tomato-based sauce infused with Italian seasoning and fresh basil. With the added goodness of baby spinach and a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this pasta offers a balanced meal rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. Quick to prepare in under 45 minutes, this comforting yet healthy meal is a fantastic choice for clean eating and family-friendly dining.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole-grain pasta
• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, no salt added
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0 to taste salt

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes or until it starts to soften.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the red bell pepper and zucchini, and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 5

Add the lean ground turkey to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks.

Step 6

Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.

Step 7

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 8

Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts.

Step 9

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and combine thoroughly.

Step 10

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1750.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1477.1

Total Fat 71.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 344.0mg	0%
Sodium 3121.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 113.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.9g	0%
Total Sugars 29.8g
Protein 122.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 666.3mg	0%
Iron 19.3mg	0%
Potassium 3318.7mg	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: 40.4%

Protein: 31.0%

Carbs: 28.7%