Low Sodium Amatriciana Sauce

Enjoy the rich, bold flavors of Italy with this Low Sodium Amatriciana Sauce, a heart-healthy twist on the classic Roman recipe. This sauce combines crispy diced pancetta, fragrant garlic, a mild kick of red chili flakes, and naturally sweet canned unsalted tomatoes to create a robust, savory base—all while keeping the sodium levels in check. Fresh basil adds a vibrant note, while finely grated Pecorino Romano (optional) provides a touch of indulgence. Perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta, this recipe is quick to prepare, simmering to perfection in just 40 minutes. Ideal for anyone mindful of their sodium intake, this comforting yet flavorful sauce proves that cutting back on salt doesn’t mean compromising on taste.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 100 grams Pancetta, diced
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili flakes
• 400 grams Canned whole tomatoes, unsalted
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
• 6 Fresh basil leaves
• 50 grams Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add 100 grams of diced pancetta.

Step 2

Cook the pancetta for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fat renders and it becomes golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 3

Add 1 medium finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 4

Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 0.5 teaspoon of red chili flakes. Cook for 1 more minute until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 5

Add 400 grams of canned whole unsalted tomatoes to the skillet. Break the tomatoes into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon.

Step 6

Season the sauce with 0.25 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.

Step 7

Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

Step 8

Tear 6 fresh basil leaves and add them to the sauce just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.

Step 9

If desired, sprinkle 50 grams of finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese over the sauce for extra richness. Note this is optional and can add some sodium.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(934.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1024.0

Total Fat 77.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 114.6mg	0%
Sodium 2432.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 40.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.3g	0%
Total Sugars 14.8g
Protein 43.4g	0%

Vitamin D 10.7IU	0%
Calcium 1036.0mg	0%
Iron 13.6mg	0%
Potassium 2077.8mg	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: 67.4%

Protein: 16.8%

Carbs: 15.7%