This clean-eating hearty pasta sauce recipe is perfect for those looking for a healthy and satisfying meal. Made with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, vegetables, herbs, and lean ground meat, this sauce is packed with flavor and nutrients. It is a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food dish without sacrificing your health goals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Whole wheat pasta of your choice
Directions
- In a large saucepan, brown the ground meat over medium heat until cooked through. Remove any excess fat.
- Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot to the pan and cook until vegetables are soft.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in fresh basil before serving.
- Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions. Serve the pasta topped with the hearty sauce.
- Enjoy your clean eating hearty pasta sauce!
Interesting Facts
This recipe is a great way to sneak in extra vegetables for a nutritious boost.
Using lean ground meat keeps the dish light and healthy.
Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor without the need for excessive salt or sugar.