Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Meatballs and Cheese

Savor the comforting flavors of "Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Meatballs and Cheese," a wholesome twist on a classic Italian favorite. Featuring fiber-packed whole wheat spaghetti, tender extra-lean turkey meatballs infused with rolled oats and fresh parsley, and a rich low-sodium marinara sauce, this recipe is both nourishing and flavorful. Low-fat shredded mozzarella adds a melty, satisfying finish while keeping the dish light. This easy-to-make, family-friendly dinner is baked and simmered to perfection, using heart-conscious ingredients that don’t sacrifice taste. Ready in just 50 minutes, this guilt-free indulgence is perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions. Serve it hot, garnished with Parmesan for an optional flourish, and enjoy a better-for-you version of a beloved classic that'll make your heart—and your taste buds—happy!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Whole wheat spaghetti
• 1 pound Extra-lean ground turkey
• 1/3 cup Rolled oats (uncooked)
• 3 cups Low-sodium marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup Low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 large Egg white
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the extra-lean ground turkey, rolled oats, chopped parsley, egg white, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 4

Using your hands, form the mixture into 16 small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.

Step 6

While the meatballs are baking, heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 7

Add the low-sodium marinara sauce to the skillet and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 8

Once the meatballs are cooked, gently add them to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, spooning the sauce over the meatballs occasionally.

Step 9

To serve, divide the cooked spaghetti into four plates or bowls. Top each serving with 4 meatballs and a generous ladle of marinara sauce.

Step 10

Sprinkle each plate with 2 tablespoons of low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese. If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Step 11

Serve hot and enjoy your heart-healthy spaghetti with meatballs and cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1724.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1968.7

Total Fat 57.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 389.6mg	0%
Sodium 1977.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 187.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.4g	0%
Total Sugars 42.3g
Protein 193.6g	0%

Vitamin D 4IU	0%
Calcium 1220.9mg	0%
Iron 18.1mg	0%
Potassium 4321.7mg	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: 25.5%

Protein: 37.9%

Carbs: 36.6%