Heart-Healthy Rigatoni Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Cheese

Indulge in a guilt-free Italian classic with our Heart-Healthy Rigatoni Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Cheese! This wholesome dish features tender whole grain rigatoni coated in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce made from no-salt-added diced tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a medley of dried herbs like oregano and basil. Sautéed onions and a hint of red pepper flakes bring depth to the sauce, while fresh spinach adds a burst of nutrients and vibrant color. Finished with a modest sprinkling of grated Parmesan and garnished with fresh basil leaves, this recipe is perfect for those seeking a nutritious yet satisfying meal. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a heart-healthy, high-fiber option the whole family will love! Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend treat, this dish is a delicious way to prioritize your health without sacrificing flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 g Whole grain rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 3 units Garlic cloves, minced
• 800 g Diced tomatoes, no salt added
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
• 100 g Fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 4 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 5 leaves Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to taste and cook the whole grain rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.

Step 4

Season the sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Add salt and ground black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.

Step 6

Combine the cooked rigatoni with the tomato sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 7

Divide the pasta among plates and sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 8

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1400.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1649.1

Total Fat 44.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 20mg	0%
Sodium 1773.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 279.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.6g	0%
Total Sugars 37.9g
Protein 60.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 590.9mg	0%
Iron 19.1mg	0%
Potassium 3399.8mg	0%

*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: 22.7%

Protein: 13.7%

Carbs: 63.5%