Low Sodium Penne Pasta with Meatballs

Delight in the comforting flavors of this Low Sodium Penne Pasta with Meatballs, a heart-healthy twist on a classic Italian favorite. Featuring tender, homemade meatballs crafted from lean ground beef, aromatic garlic, and Italian herbs, this recipe pairs them with whole wheat penne and a rich, low sodium tomato sauce for a guilt-free indulgence. Oven-baked for a lighter approach and simmered to perfection in the sauce, the meatballs are both juicy and flavorful. Garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this satisfying dish is perfect for those looking to reduce sodium without sacrificing taste. Ready in just an hour, it's a family-friendly dinner that combines wholesome ingredients with easy preparation.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Whole wheat penne pasta
• 1 pound Ground lean beef (95% lean)
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 large Egg, lightly beaten
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs, low sodium
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper, ground
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 24 ounces Low sodium tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, low sodium breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 4

Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5

Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the meatballs. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.

Step 6

While the meatballs are baking, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 7

Add the low sodium tomato sauce to the saucepan and bring to a simmer. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the sauce and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Step 8

To serve, divide the cooked penne pasta among four plates. Top with an equal portion of meatballs and sauce.

Step 9

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1821.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3015.1

Total Fat 76.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 20.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 523.5mg	0%
Sodium 942.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 393.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.1g	0%
Total Sugars 58.3g
Protein 181.3g	0%

Vitamin D 72.8IU	0%
Calcium 693.5mg	0%
Iron 35.2mg	0%
Potassium 5600.3mg	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: 23.1%

Protein: 24.3%

Carbs: 52.7%