Low Sodium Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

Savor the comforting flavors of this Low Sodium Rigatoni with Meat Sauce—a heart-healthy twist on a classic Italian favorite. Featuring tender rigatoni pasta tossed in a rich, homemade meat sauce made with lean ground beef, no-salt-added diced tomatoes, and aromatic herbs like oregano and basil, this recipe delivers all the indulgence without the extra sodium. A hint of garlic, a sprinkle of parsley, and a dash of optional red pepper flakes add layers of flavor, while grated Parmesan cheese provides the perfect finishing touch. Ready in about an hour, this dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, ensuring a satisfying and wholesome pasta night.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 4

Stir in the diced tomatoes and their juices, along with the tomato paste. Mix well until the tomato paste is fully incorporated.

Step 5

Add the oregano, basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the mixture. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, gently tossing to coat the pasta with the sauce evenly.

Step 8

Continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the pasta is heated through.

Step 9

Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.

Step 10

Serve hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1803.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1876.1

Total Fat 76.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 380.2mg	0%
Sodium 1133.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 159.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.4g	0%
Total Sugars 35.6g
Protein 136.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 771.8mg	0%
Iron 20.1mg	0%
Potassium 3334.7mg	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: 36.7%

Protein: 29.2%

Carbs: 34.1%