Low Sodium Penne Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan Cheese

Savor the comforting flavors of classic Italian cuisine with this Low Sodium Penne Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan Cheese. Perfect for those seeking a heart-healthy option, this recipe swaps out traditional high-sodium ingredients for no-salt-added crushed tomatoes and fragrant dried herbs like oregano and basil, ensuring a flavorful and guilt-free indulgence. Whole grain penne provides a hearty, nutty base, while a delicate sauté of garlic and onions infused in olive oil lays the foundation for a rich, homemade tomato sauce. Red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat, and fresh basil brightens the dish for a refreshing finish. Topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this easy-to-make dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. Serve it with a side salad or crusty whole-grain bread for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Whole grain penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 28 ounces No-salt-added crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil, chopped
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 cups Water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 9-11 minutes.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet, sautéing until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the no-salt-added crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5

Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld.

Step 6

Once the pasta is done, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.

Step 7

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 8

Stir in the fresh basil and toss the pasta until everything is well-combined and heated through.

Step 9

Serve the pasta hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese on top, and garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2219.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1442.8

Total Fat 47.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 794.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 216.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.9g	0%
Total Sugars 28.6g
Protein 55.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 928.3mg	0%
Iron 15.2mg	0%
Potassium 2546.8mg	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: 28.2%

Protein: 14.6%

Carbs: 57.2%