Heart-Healthy Baked Spaghetti

Delight in the comforting flavors of **Heart-Healthy Baked Spaghetti**, a wholesome twist on a family favorite. This recipe replaces traditional pasta with nutrient-rich whole wheat spaghetti and layers in vibrant vegetables like red bell pepper, zucchini, and spinach for a burst of color and flavor. A luscious tomato sauce seasoned with oregano and basil ties everything together, while part-skim ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses create a satisfying, cheesy finish without the guilt. Baked to golden-brown perfection, this dish is low in sodium, rich in fiber, and packed with heart-friendly ingredients. Perfect as a comforting dinner for the whole family, this baked spaghetti is easy to prepare in under an hour and serves up to six hearty portions.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Whole wheat spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium, chopped Onion
• 3 cloves, minced Garlic
• 1 medium, diced Red bell pepper
• 1 medium, diced Zucchini
• 28 ounces Low-sodium crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 4 cups Fresh spinach
• 0.75 cup Part-skim ricotta cheese
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup, shredded Part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 4

Add minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and diced zucchini to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce and stir until well coated.

Step 8

Layer half of the spaghetti mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 9

Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the first layer of spaghetti.

Step 10

Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top of the ricotta layer.

Step 11

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer of spaghetti.

Step 12

Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 13

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 14

Allow the baked spaghetti to cool for 5 minutes before serving hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2001.9 grams (2001.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1627

Total Fat 75.80g	97%
Saturated Fat 32.30g	161%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 181mg	60%
Sodium 4005mg	174%
Total Carbohydrate 150.70g	55%
Dietary Fiber 30.10g	108%
Total Sugars 54.80g
Protein 99.80g	200%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1906mg	147%
Iron 15mg	82%
Potassium 3063mg	65%

*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: 40.5%

Protein: 23.7%

Carbs: 35.8%