Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Cheese

Indulge in the comfort of a classic pasta dish with a nutritious twist in this Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Cheese recipe. Made with whole-grain spaghetti, antioxidant-rich baby spinach, and fresh cherry tomatoes, this dish balances wholesome ingredients with satisfying flavors. A touch of extra-virgin olive oil, fragrant garlic, and aromatic Italian seasoning create a light and savory sauce, while low-fat mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses add a creamy, melty finish without the guilt. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 30-minute meal is not only quick but also a delicious way to support heart health. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil, for a vibrant, flavor-packed dinner the whole family will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole-grain spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 16 cups water (for boiling pasta)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the whole-grain spaghetti. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, and set the spaghetti aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to release their juices.

Step 5

Add the baby spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss gently to combine the pasta with the sauce. If the mixture is too dry, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 8

Sprinkle the shredded low-fat mozzarella over the pasta and gently toss until the cheese has melted and coated the spaghetti.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves.

Step 10

Serve the spaghetti immediately, garnished with additional basil if desired. Enjoy your heart-healthy meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4820.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1102.0

Total Fat 51.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 70mg	0%
Sodium 2194.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 115.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.9g	0%
Total Sugars 15.0g
Protein 61.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1202.9mg	0%
Iron 15.6mg	0%
Potassium 1492.1mg	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: 39.7%

Protein: 21.0%

Carbs: 39.3%