It’s National Pasta Day!! Let’s Celebrate With A Healthy Spaghetti Recipe!
Create a delicious & nutritious healthy spaghetti recipe with a flavour-packed tomato sauce, perfect for weight loss or if you’re just looking for a lighter, healthier meal option. This recipe is easy to make and offers all the comfort of traditional spaghetti, with wholesome ingredients that support your health goals.
When it comes to comfort food, spaghetti Bolognese is a classic dish that everyone loves. But how do you keep this beloved dish on the healthier side without compromising on flavour? Today, we bring you a healthy spaghetti recipe that’s not only delicious but also great for weight loss, incorporating a healthy pasta sauce made from lean ingredients. This recipe ensures you can enjoy a healthy spaghetti dish that’s both nutritious and hearty.
The Benefits of a Healthy Spaghetti Dish
Spaghetti Bolognese doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure. By making a few smart swaps, like using whole wheat pasta and lean beef mince, you can transform this Italian favourite into a wholesome meal. Packed with protein, fibre, and essential nutrients, this healthy spaghetti recipe is perfect for those looking to eat well while managing their weight.
Healthy Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
This healthy spaghetti Bolognese uses lean mince (4% fat or less), whole wheat pasta, and plenty of vegetables to create a meal that’s both comforting and nutritious for those days where you’re craving a conforting meal (find out more about what your food cravings mean here).
Let’s get cooking:
Cook Time: 30 mins – 1 hour
Serves: 4 People
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 200g lean beef mince (4% fat or less)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 large mushrooms, sliced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- 230ml vegetable stock
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano, basil, or mixed herbs
- 300g whole wheat spaghetti
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Method – 5 Easy Steps:
1.) Prepare the Healthy Pasta Sauce: Start by heating olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the lean mince and cook for about 5 minutes until slitghly browned, then add the chopped onion & oregano (or basil/mixed herbs), cooking for another 5 minutes until the onions soften. This base ensures your sauce is packed with flavour.
2.) Add the Vegetables: Next, add the sliced mushrooms and grated carrot. These vegetables not only add texture but also boost the fibre and nutrient content, making this a healthy sauce for your spaghetti. Cook for about a minute.
3.) Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the tinned tomatoes, vegetable stock, tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Stir well, bring to the boil, and then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavours to develop.
4.) Cook the Whole Wheat Spaghetti: While the sauce is simmering, cook the whole wheat spaghetti in salted boiling water according to the packet instructions. Whole wheat pasta is key to making this a healthy spaghetti dish, as it provides more fibre than traditional pasta, helping you stay fuller for longer.
5.) Serve and Enjoy: Once the spaghetti is cooked and drained, divide it between four plates. Spoon the healthy spaghetti Bolognese sauce over each portion and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of colour and extra flavour.
Feel free to customise the recipe by adding your favourite veggies or switching up the herbs to suit your taste. Happy cooking!
Why This is a Healthy Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Lean Beef Mince: Opting for mince with 4% fat or less significantly reduces the fat content of this dish, making it a healthier option for those looking to reduce their intake of saturated fats.
- Whole Wheat Spaghetti: Whole wheat pasta is a fantastic alternative to regular pasta, offering more fibre, which supports digestion and helps with weight loss.
- Packed with Vegetables: Mushrooms and carrots add texture and nutrition to this dish, while tomatoes provide a rich source of antioxidants like lycopene.
Tips for Making a Healthy Sauce for Spaghetti
To keep your healthy pasta sauce light and nutritious, focus on these tips:
- Use lean meats like turkey or chicken mince as a substitute for beef.
- Add extra vegetables like courgettes, peppers, or spinach to increase the fibre and nutrient content.
- Replace salt with herbs and spices like oregano, basil, or chilli flakes to boost flavour without adding extra sodium.
Here’s another healthy pasta dish you can try.
Enjoy
This healthy tomato pasta recipe proves that you don’t need to sacrifice taste for nutrition. By making simple swaps and incorporating more vegetables, you can enjoy a comforting, hearty meal that supports your weight loss goals. Whether you’re looking for a healthy spaghetti dish for a family dinner or a satisfying meal prep option, this recipe has you covered. Enjoy your delicious and guilt-free spaghetti Bolognese!
Interested in finding out more about meal plans and nutrition? We provide bespoke dietitian plans crafted by our expert dietitians to help you with your health and weight loss goals, either as a stand alone weight loss plan, or as an addition to one of our medication based weight loss programmes.