Heart-Healthy Turkey Spaghetti

Indulge in a wholesome and flavorful twist on a classic with this Heart-Healthy Turkey Spaghetti. Made with lean ground turkey, whole-grain spaghetti, and a vibrant medley of no-salt-added diced tomatoes and aromatic spices like basil and oregano, this dish is both nourishing and satisfying. A splash of low-sodium chicken broth enhances the rich, savory sauce, while optional fresh spinach adds a pop of green and extra nutrients. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley, this quick and easy dinner comes together in just 45 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy, health-conscious families. Low in saturated fat and packed with protein and fiber, this turkey spaghetti is a guilt-free comfort food you'll love serving again and again.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz whole-grain spaghetti
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean or higher)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz diced tomatoes (no-salt-added, canned)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste (low-sodium)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional, for added greens)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water, then cook the whole-grain spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Set the spaghetti aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4

Add the lean ground turkey to the skillet. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and low-sodium chicken broth. Mix well to combine, and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to incorporate the seasonings. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 7

If using fresh spinach, add it to the skillet and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 8

Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the turkey sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 9

Serve the heart-healthy turkey spaghetti warm. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2232.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1997.1

Total Fat 85.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 365.1mg	0%
Sodium 1508.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 159.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.9g	0%
Total Sugars 38.1g
Protein 156.8g	0%

Vitamin D 23.8IU	0%
Calcium 1125.3mg	0%
Iron 20.7mg	0%
Potassium 4261.9mg	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: 37.9%

Protein: 30.8%

Carbs: 31.3%