Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Savory Turkey Ragu
Indulge in a wholesome twist on a classic favorite with this Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Savory Turkey Ragu. This dish features lean ground turkey simmered to perfection with fresh tomatoes, vibrant green peppers, and aromatic herbs, making every bite both delicious and nutritious. By using whole wheat spaghetti and avoiding added salt, you create a heart-friendly option that's lower in fat but high in flavor. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is not only easy to make but will also leave you feeling satisfied without any guilt. Enjoy a comforting bowl of pasta that's as good for your heart as it is for your taste buds!
6
Servings
350
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground turkey
1 lb (raw)
Canned tomatoes, cut up
28 ounces (with juice)
Green pepper
1 cup (finely chopped)
Onion
1 cup (finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (crushed)
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Whole wheat spaghetti
1 lb (uncooked)
Instructions
1
Start by spraying a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat it over high heat.
2
Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat and discard.
3
Stir in the can of chopped tomatoes along with their juice, finely chopped green pepper, onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4
Once boiling, lower the heat and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
After 15 minutes, remove the cover and continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. For a smoother sauce, you can blend it briefly in a food processor if desired.
6
While the sauce is simmering, cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to package instructions in a pot of unsalted water. Drain the spaghetti well once it's cooked.
7
To serve, place a portion of spaghetti on a plate and top generously with the turkey ragu. Enjoy your heart-healthy meal!
Nutrition Information
6.7 g
Fat
46.7 g
Carbs
25.7 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heart-Healthy Spaghetti with Savory Turkey Ragu?
It is a nutritious twist on a classic pasta dish featuring lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and whole wheat spaghetti.
How many calories are in one serving of this turkey ragu?
There are 350 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a heart-healthy diet?
Yes, it uses lean turkey, whole wheat pasta, and avoids added salt to remain heart-friendly.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 6.7 grams of fat.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 25.7 grams of protein per serving.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
Whole wheat spaghetti is recommended for its high fiber and heart-health benefits.
How much ground turkey is needed?
You will need 1 pound of lean ground turkey.
What size can of tomatoes should I use?
A 28-ounce can of chopped tomatoes with juice is required.
How long does it take to brown the turkey?
The turkey should be cooked and stirred for about 5 minutes until browned.
Should I drain the fat from the turkey after browning?
Yes, you should drain and discard any excess fat to keep the meal lean.
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce includes finely chopped green peppers and onions.
How much garlic is used in this ragu?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What dried herbs are used for seasoning?
One teaspoon of crushed dried oregano is used for flavoring.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for a total of 30 minutes: 15 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered.
Why is the sauce simmered uncovered for the last 15 minutes?
Simmering uncovered allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken naturally.
Can I make the sauce smoother?
Yes, you can briefly blend the sauce in a food processor if you prefer a smoother texture.
Do I need to add salt to the pasta water?
No, the recipe suggests cooking the spaghetti in unsalted water to keep sodium levels low.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 46.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the preparation for the green pepper and onion?
Both the green pepper and the onion should be finely chopped.
What kind of cooking spray should be used?
A nonstick cooking spray is recommended for browning the turkey.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken is a suitable lean alternative to ground turkey.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is excellent for meal prep as it reheats well and stays flavorful.
What kind of pepper is used for seasoning?
One teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper is used.
Does the recipe use fresh or canned tomatoes?
The recipe uses 28 ounces of canned tomatoes, cut up with their juice.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve by placing a portion of cooked spaghetti on a plate and topping it generously with the turkey ragu.
Can I add other vegetables to the ragu?
Yes, adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach is a great way to boost nutrition.
Is the spaghetti cooked separately?
Yes, the spaghetti is cooked in a separate pot while the sauce is simmering.
What heat setting is used to brown the meat?
The meat is browned over high heat in a large skillet.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, there is no added sugar in this savory turkey ragu recipe.