Low Fat Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Meatballs

Indulge in a guilt-free bowl of comfort with this Low Fat Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Meatballs! Made with tender, lean ground turkey, these perfectly seasoned meatballs are packed with flavor while being light on calories. They're simmered to perfection in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce made with low-sodium crushed tomatoes, a touch of dried basil, and a hint of red pepper flakes for optional heat. Whole-grain spaghetti adds a hearty, fiber-rich base, making this dish a healthier twist on the classic spaghetti and meatballs. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in just an hour and serves a satisfying four portions. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan for an irresistible dinner that's as nutritious as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Whole-grain spaghetti
• 1 pound Lean ground turkey (93% lean or higher)
• 1 Egg white
• 0.3333 cup Breadcrumbs (whole-grain or panko)
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (low-sodium, canned)
• 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped)
• 0.5 cup Water

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, egg white, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Step 3

Shape the turkey mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get approximately 16-20 meatballs.

Step 4

Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, searing on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set aside. They will finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 5

Using the same skillet, heat the remaining teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add 1/2 cup of water to thin the sauce slightly. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 7

Add the browned meatballs to the tomato sauce, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, occasionally stirring gently.

Step 8

Once the meatballs are cooked through, stir in the chopped parsley and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9

Serve the meatballs and tomato sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Garnish with additional parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1860.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1849.8

Total Fat 73.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 325.5mg	0%
Sodium 3272.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 164.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.1g	0%
Total Sugars 30.3g
Protein 138.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 426.6mg	0%
Iron 20.6mg	0%
Potassium 3429.5mg	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: 35.3%

Protein: 29.5%

Carbs: 35.2%