Heart-Healthy Penne Bolognese

Indulge guilt-free with this Heart-Healthy Penne Bolognese, a wholesome twist on the classic Italian favorite. Made with whole wheat penne, lean ground turkey, and a medley of nutrient-packed vegetables like carrots, celery, and red bell pepper, this recipe delivers bold flavor without compromising your health goals. A rich, herb-infused tomato sauce thickened with no-salt-added diced tomatoes and a hint of Parmesan provides all the comfort of traditional bolognese while keeping sodium and unhealthy fats in check. Ready in just an hour, this satisfying dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it up with a garnish of fresh parsley for an added burst of freshness and a sprinkle of cheese for a hint of indulgence. Packed with protein, fiber, and heart-smart ingredients, this bolognese is as nourishing as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Whole wheat penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 pound Lean ground turkey
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 medium Carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks Celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, chopped
• 28 ounces Diced tomatoes, no added salt
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 cup Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoons Red pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the whole wheat penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large non-stick skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it into smaller pieces, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Add the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Serve the sauce over the cooked whole wheat penne pasta. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2456.5 grams (2456.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2562

Total Fat 76.90g	99%
Saturated Fat 16.90g	85%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 344mg	115%
Sodium 2239mg	97%
Total Carbohydrate 330.80g	120%
Dietary Fiber 49.90g	178%
Total Sugars 61.60g
Protein 157.30g	315%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 835mg	64%
Iron 27mg	149%
Potassium 6168mg	131%

*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: 26.2%

Protein: 23.8%

Carbs: 50.0%