High-Protein Tomato Meat Sauce Pasta by Mahalmariella

Ingredients

• 225g (8 oz) whole wheat or high-protein pasta
• 225g (0.5 lb) lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup no-sugar-added tomato sauce
• 2 cup fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the tomato sauce, bring to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes, then stir in the fresh spinach until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Drain the pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly over medium heat until heated through, about 5 min.
7. Top with shredded mozzarella, cover the skillet for 1 minute to melt the cheese, and serve immediately.