Heart-Healthy Pasta with Sausage

Elevate your pasta night with this delicious and nutritious Heart-Healthy Pasta with Sausage, a vibrant dish that perfectly balances bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Made with fiber-packed whole wheat pasta, lean chicken sausage, and an array of colorful veggies like red bell peppers, zucchini, and baby spinach, this recipe is both satisfying and good for you. A light yet flavorful sauce of low-sodium chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes brings everything together beautifully. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this quick and easy dinner comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you're looking for a heart-smart meal or simply a delicious pasta dish, this recipe delivers on all fronts!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz whole wheat pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz chicken sausage
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 zucchini
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt and the whole wheat pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Slice the chicken sausage into 1/2-inch rounds and add to the skillet. Cook until browned and heated through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet, sautéing until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 5

Slice the red bell pepper and zucchini into thin strips. Add to the skillet and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the skillet along with the baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes become slightly softened, about 3 minutes.

Step 7

Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the vegetable mixture and bring to a simmer. Add the lemon juice, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Return the sausage to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and heated through, about 2 minutes.

Step 9

Remove from heat, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1590.6 grams (1590.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1589

Total Fat 83.90g	108%
Saturated Fat 25.10g	126%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.80g
Cholesterol 280mg	93%
Sodium 5988mg	260%
Total Carbohydrate 131.50g	48%
Dietary Fiber 24.80g	89%
Total Sugars 24.90g
Protein 92.30g	185%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 726mg	56%
Iron 13mg	70%
Potassium 2412mg	51%

*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: 45.8%

Protein: 22.4%

Carbs: 31.9%