Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Cheese Sauce

Indulge in the creamy comfort of "Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Cheese Sauce" without the guilt! This wholesome recipe swaps traditional ingredients for health-conscious alternatives, featuring fiber-packed whole-grain spaghetti and a velvety, low-fat cheese sauce made with unsweetened almond milk and low-sodium vegetable broth. Infused with the savory aroma of garlic and finished with fresh parsley, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. Optional fresh spinach adds a boost of vitamins, making it a perfect weeknight dinner choice for families seeking flavor and wellness in every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this lightened-up pasta pairs health and indulgence seamlessly.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole-grain spaghetti
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional, for added nutrients)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0 salt (optional, to taste)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the whole-grain spaghetti according to the package instructions, omitting any added salt, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup of the unsweetened almond milk until smooth. Set aside.

Step 4

Add the low-sodium vegetable broth and the remaining 1 3/4 cups of almond milk to the saucepan with the garlic. Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it starts to steam but does not boil.

Step 5

Slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the low-fat shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add ground black pepper and a small pinch of salt if desired.

Step 7

If you're adding spinach, stir it into the cheese sauce now and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted.

Step 8

Toss the cooked spaghetti with the cheese sauce in the saucepan, adding a small amount of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Step 9

Divide the heart-healthy spaghetti among 4 plates or bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1541.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1400.4

Total Fat 65.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 31.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 136.2mg	0%
Sodium 2668.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 129.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.6g	0%
Total Sugars 13.5g
Protein 99.5g	0%

Vitamin D 175.7IU	0%
Calcium 2920.8mg	0%
Iron 15.5mg	0%
Potassium 2150.0mg	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: 39.1%

Protein: 26.5%

Carbs: 34.4%