Macro Friendly Tomato Florentine Pasta
When I think of comfort food, the first dish that comes to mind is my Macro Friendly Tomato Florentine Pasta. Picture a cozy evening spent with loved ones, laughter filling the room while the aroma of tomato sauce simmers away on the stove. This recipe has been a staple in my household for years, and its rich flavors never fail to impress. I remember the first time I made it for my family—they couldn’t get enough! What I love most about this dish is that it’s not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something healthy yet satisfying. Plus, it comes together in no time, allowing you to spend more quality moments with your family and less time in the kitchen.
Recipe Snapshot
30 mins
5 mins
25 mins
Easy
344 kcal
16.5 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
8.6 g
Large Pot, Cutting Board, Skillet, Saucepan, Wooden Spoon, Baking Sheet
Why This Macro Friendly Tomato Florentine Pasta Works
It’s Nutritious and Delicious
One of the main reasons I adore the Macro Friendly Tomato Florentine Pasta is how it effortlessly combines nutrition with flavor. The use of Italian Turkey Sausage adds a savory depth while keeping the dish lean. You can enjoy a hearty meal without the guilt, making it a win-win!
Simple Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create something extraordinary. The star players—elbow macaroni, frozen spinach, and Classico Fire Roasted Tomato & Garlic Marinara—come together flawlessly, proving that sometimes, less is more.
Quick Preparation
As someone with a busy schedule, I appreciate recipes that are quick to prepare. The Macro Friendly Tomato Florentine Pasta can be made in just thirty minutes! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want to whip up something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Family-Friendly
This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. The familiar flavors of pasta and tomato sauce make it approachable, while the added greens provide a healthy twist. It’s an excellent way to sneak in some veggies without your kids even noticing!
Meal Prep Friendly
I love that this dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Just portion it out, store it in the fridge, and you’ve got a quick lunch or dinner ready to go. Plus, it tastes even better the next day!
Versatile
While I’ve shared my version of the Macro Friendly Tomato Florentine Pasta, it’s also flexible. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices according to your taste. Whether you want it extra cheesy or with a bit more heat, this dish can adapt to your culinary desires!
Macro Friendly Tomato Florentine Pasta Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is essential in any recipe, and for the Macro Friendly Tomato Florentine Pasta, each component plays a vital role in creating a harmonious dish. The blend of flavors from the tomato paste and Italian Turkey Sausage combined with the freshness of spinach results in a delightful meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.
- 1 pound elbow macaroni – A classic pasta choice that holds onto the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup diced yellow onion – Adds a sweet and savory base that enhances the flavors of the dish.
- 1 pound Italian Turkey Sausage – A lean option that packs a punch of flavor without excess fat.
- 2 cloves garlic – Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic essence.
- 1/4 cup tomato paste – Concentrates the tomato flavor, adding depth to the sauce.
- 24 oz Classico Fire Roasted Tomato & Garlic Marinara – A convenient and flavorful sauce that saves time without sacrificing taste.
- 12 oz cold water – Used to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – A fragrant herb that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano – Adds a classic Italian flavor that rounds out the dish.
- Salt & pepper – Essential seasonings to taste.
- 2-3 oz frozen spinach leaves – Packs in nutrients and adds a pop of color, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal.
How to Make Macro Friendly Tomato Florentine Pasta
Making the Macro Friendly Tomato Florentine Pasta is a breeze, and you’ll find yourself enjoying every step of the process. Let’s dive in and create a delicious meal that will have your family asking for seconds!
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, allowing it to cool slightly while you prepare the sauce.
- In a large, deep nonstick skillet, place it over medium heat and spray it with cooking spray. Add in the diced yellow onion and Italian Turkey Sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break apart the sausage as it cooks. You want it browned and fully cooked, which should take about six to eight minutes.
- Once the sausage is browned, stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. The mixture will become fragrant as it cooks for about three minutes, allowing the garlic to soften and the tomato paste to caramelize slightly.
- Next, add in the remaining ingredients: the Classico Fire Roasted Tomato & Garlic Marinara, cold water, dried basil, dried oregano, and frozen spinach leaves. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring the spinach breaks apart and mixes evenly.
- Let the sauce simmer for about ten to fifteen minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the spinach to fully cook down. Stir occasionally and taste the sauce, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Once the sauce is ready, toss in the cooked elbow macaroni. Mix thoroughly to coat the pasta in that delicious sauce, ensuring every piece is covered.
- Serve the Macro Friendly Tomato Florentine Pasta hot, and if you desire, sprinkle some grated cheese on top for an extra indulgent touch.
Things Worth Knowing
- Cooking Pasta: Ensure the water is well-salted before adding the elbow macaroni. This enhances the pasta’s flavor as it cooks.
- Texture Check: Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite. This way, it won’t turn mushy when combined with the sauce.
- Flavor Development: Allow the sauce to simmer to develop rich flavors. The longer it simmers, the more pronounced the taste of the herbs will be.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for additional nutrition and flavor.
Making Adjustments
Adjusting the Macro Friendly Tomato Florentine Pasta to suit your tastes or dietary needs is simple and rewarding. Here are some tips to help you customize this dish to your liking:
- Storage: To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the Macro Friendly Tomato Florentine Pasta. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will last for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
- Pairing: Serve the pasta with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick that will elevate the dish.
- Cheese Options: While the recipe suggests optional cheese, using mozzarella or ricotta can lend a creamy texture and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Serving Ideas for Macro Friendly Tomato Florentine Pasta
When it comes to serving the Macro Friendly Tomato Florentine Pasta, there are countless ways to present this delightful dish. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:
- Lunch Box Delight: This pasta makes an excellent choice for school or work lunches. Just pack it in a thermos to keep it warm.
- Date Night: Impress your partner with a candlelit dinner featuring this pasta. Pair it with a simple salad and some crusty bread for a romantic meal.
- Potluck Perfect: The Macro Friendly Tomato Florentine Pasta is fantastic for potlucks or family gatherings. Make a large batch, and it’s sure to disappear!
- Seasonal Boost: Serve with a side of grilled vegetables during the summer months, allowing the fresh, vibrant produce to complement the pasta’s flavors.
- Cheesy Twist: For a comforting twist, consider adding a sprinkle of cheese on top and broiling it for a few minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Lazy Weekend: Perfect for a relaxed weekend meal, serve this pasta with your favorite Netflix show, making for a cozy night in.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Macro Friendly Tomato Florentine Pasta is truly a wonderful dish that combines comfort with nutrition. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty dinner that won’t weigh you down. Your family will love it, and you’ll feel great knowing you’re serving a wholesome dish that everyone can enjoy.
Macro Friendly Tomato Florentine Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to box directions. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, place large deep nonstick skillet over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray and add in onion and Italian Turkey Sausage. Break sausage apart as it cooks and browns. After sausage is fully cooked, stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook 3 minutes.
- Add in remaining ingredients and simmer 10-15 minutes, breaking apart the spinach. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Toss with cooked pasta and serve with optional parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Tip 1: The more accurate macros for 1 serving (1/8th of this recipe) are as follows: 344 calories, 8.6gF/49.5g C/16.5g P.
