Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Meatballs and Tomato Sauce

Transform your weeknight dinner with this Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Meatballs and Tomato Sauce—a wholesome twist on a classic comfort food. Made with lean ground turkey, whole-grain spaghetti, and a rich yet low-sodium tomato sauce, this recipe offers a nutritious, fiber-packed alternative to traditional versions without skimping on flavor. The tender turkey meatballs are infused with aromatic spices like garlic and oregano, then baked to perfection for a lighter preparation. The sauce, simmered with fragrant basil and thyme, ties the dish together in a symphony of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Ready in just an hour, this guilt-free, protein-rich spaghetti is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying meal while prioritizing heart health.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground lean turkey
• 12 ounces Whole-grain spaghetti
• 1 large Egg
• 0.5 cup Whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 28 ounces Low-sodium canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted tomato paste
• 2 cloves Minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt (optional)
• 0.5 cup Water

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, whole wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix gently until well combined, but do not overmix.

Step 3

Form the turkey mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.

Step 5

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tomato sauce. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 6

Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried thyme, and water. Add salt, if using, to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the whole-grain spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 8

Once the meatballs are ready, carefully transfer them to the simmering tomato sauce and let them cook together for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 9

Divide the cooked spaghetti among four plates or bowls. Top with the meatballs and tomato sauce.

Step 10

Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and an optional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy your heart-healthy meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1907.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1878.4

Total Fat 71.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 20.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 602.4mg	0%
Sodium 1987.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 190.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.2g	0%
Total Sugars 35.3g
Protein 139.3g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 594.2mg	0%
Iron 21.5mg	0%
Potassium 4288.5mg	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: 32.9%

Protein: 28.4%

Carbs: 38.7%