Low Fat Fusilli Pasta with Meat Sauce

Savor the comforting flavors of this Low Fat Fusilli Pasta with Meat Sauce, a wholesome and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Made with nutritious whole wheat fusilli and lean ground beef, this recipe is packed with protein and fiber, making it a lighter yet fulfilling option. Fresh veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and onions are sautéed to perfection, infusing the rich tomato-based sauce with vibrant flavors and natural sweetness. A medley of dried herbs and a touch of red pepper flakes add a delightful depth of flavor without extra calories. Ready in just 45 minutes, this family-friendly recipe serves six and can be topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an optional touch of indulgence. Enjoy a guilt-free pasta night with this quick, delicious, and low-fat twist on a classic Italian favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole wheat fusilli pasta
• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the fusilli pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion turns translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and diced carrots to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.

Step 4

Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. In the empty space, add the lean ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Mix the vegetables with the browned meat. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Step 7

Add the cooked fusilli pasta to the sauce and gently toss until the pasta is well coated with the meat sauce.

Step 8

Serve hot, optionally garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your low-fat fusilli pasta with meat sauce!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2196.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3005.3

Total Fat 104.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 44.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 435.4mg	0%
Sodium 3517.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 336.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 58.1g	0%
Total Sugars 50.6g
Protein 191.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1787.4mg	0%
Iron 30.3mg	0%
Potassium 5893.7mg	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: 30.9%

Protein: 25.1%

Carbs: 44.0%