Low Fat Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce

Indulge in the comfort of a hearty Italian classic with this healthier twist on Low Fat Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce. Made with wholesome whole wheat penne and lean ground turkey, this recipe cuts down on fat without sacrificing flavor. A vibrant sauce of crushed tomatoes, sautéed onions, garlic, and red bell peppers pairs perfectly with a medley of Italian herbs like basil and oregano, delivering a robust and satisfying dish. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners that prioritize both nutrition and taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch that’s both fresh and indulgent. This well-balanced meal is sure to become a staple in your healthy recipe rotation. Perfect for those seeking low-fat, high-flavor pasta dishes!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz whole wheat penne pasta
• 1 lb ground turkey (lean, 93% lean)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Chop the red bell pepper into small pieces.

Step 3

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

Step 5

Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, breaking up any large clumps with a wooden spoon, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, ensuring everything is well combined.

Step 7

Add the dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Stir the sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 8

Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

Step 10

Combine the cooked penne pasta with the meat sauce, tossing to coat the pasta thoroughly.

Step 11

Divide the pasta into serving bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Step 12

Serve hot and enjoy your healthy low-fat meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1996.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2620.1

Total Fat 70.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 22.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 377.4mg	0%
Sodium 4529.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 325.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 44.9g	0%
Total Sugars 60.9g
Protein 169.0g	0%

Vitamin D 12.8IU	0%
Calcium 1214.4mg	0%
Iron 26.5mg	0%
Potassium 6206.3mg	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: 24.3%

Protein: 25.9%

Carbs: 49.8%