Low Sodium Rigatoni Pasta with Meat Sauce

Savor the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with this Low Sodium Rigatoni Pasta with Meat Sauce, a heart-healthy twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for those watching their sodium intake, this dish features tender rigatoni coated in a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce made with no-salt-added tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Infused with fragrant garlic, onion, and herbs like oregano and basil, the sauce pairs beautifully with the al dente pasta for a satisfying, guilt-free meal. Lean ground beef ensures a hearty, protein-packed dish, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of vibrant freshness to each serving. Ready in just under an hour, this family-friendly recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or a cozy dinner party—all the flavor with less sodium!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 pound Lean ground beef
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 6 ounces No-salt-added tomato paste
• 28 ounces No-salt-added crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 3

Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the no-salt-added tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to allow it to caramelize slightly.

Step 6

Add the no-salt-added crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine the ingredients well.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, keeping in mind this is a low sodium recipe.

Step 9

Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Step 10

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1966.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1872.4

Total Fat 65.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 281.1mg	0%
Sodium 475.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 191.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.4g	0%
Total Sugars 52.8g
Protein 130.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 419.4mg	0%
Iron 26.7mg	0%
Potassium 3820.6mg	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: 31.4%

Protein: 27.8%

Carbs: 40.8%