Low Sodium Penne with Meat Sauce
Indulge in the savory satisfaction of this Low Sodium Penne with Meat Sauce, a healthier twist on the classic comfort food favorite. Featuring hearty whole wheat penne and a robust, flavorful meat sauce made with no-salt-added tomato products, this recipe is a perfect choice for those seeking a lower sodium diet without compromising taste. The lean ground beef is expertly seasoned with fragrant dried herbs like oregano and basil, while garlic and onions add a depth of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. Ready in just 45 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and optional Parmesan for a touch of indulgence. Serve it up for a wholesome, family-friendly meal that’s big on flavor and easy on the salt!
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 15 ounces no-salt-added tomato sauce
- 15 ounces no-salt-added diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0 as desired grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to the package directions, omitting any salt. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it begins to soften, about 5 minutes.
Step 3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Step 4
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground beef, cooking until well browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks.
Step 5
Drain any excess fat from the skillet and return it to the heat.
Step 6
Stir in the no-salt-added tomato sauce and no-salt-added diced tomatoes with their juices. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
Step 7
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
Step 8
Add the cooked penne pasta to the meat sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 9
Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1796.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2415.9 |
| Total Fat 69.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 19.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 285.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 452.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 292.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 36.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 41.0g | |
| Protein 146.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 363.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 27.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3146.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories