Low Sodium Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce

Savor the comforting flavors of classic Italian cuisine with this Low Sodium Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce, a healthier twist on a timeless favorite. Perfect for those watching their sodium intake, this dish boasts a rich, hearty sauce made with lean ground beef, no-salt-added crushed tomatoes, and a blend of fragrant herbs like basil, oregano, and bay leaf. The al dente penne perfectly soaks up the robust, slow-simmered meat sauce, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley and optional parmesan cheese adds a burst of freshness. Ready in just an hour, this flavorful, family-friendly dinner is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Healthy, simple, and satisfying, it's a must-try low-sodium pasta recipe that doesn't compromise on taste!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Penne pasta
• 1 pound Ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 piece Large onion, finely chopped
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces Canned no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1 piece Bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cup Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring not to let it burn.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pan. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 5

Stir in the no-salt-added crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.

Step 6

Add the dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine the spices evenly through the sauce.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, remove the bay leaf.

Step 9

Add the cooked penne pasta into the meat sauce and toss until well coated.

Step 10

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese (if using) before serving.

Step 11

Serve warm and enjoy your low sodium penne pasta with meat sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1863.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2903.5

Total Fat 106.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 348.7mg	0%
Sodium 1304.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 323.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.9g	0%
Total Sugars 40.5g
Protein 163.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 965.7mg	0%
Iron 27.1mg	0%
Potassium 4500.7mg	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: 33.1%

Protein: 22.5%

Carbs: 44.4%