Heart-Healthy Napolitana Sauce
Discover the ultimate guilt-free indulgence with our Heart-Healthy Napolitana Sauce, a wholesome twist on the classic Italian favorite. Simmered to perfection, this vibrant sauce is packed with flavor and nutrient-dense ingredients like finely chopped onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and grated carrot, which elevate its natural sweetness without added sugar or salt. A base of no-salt crushed tomatoes and tomato paste keeps it light yet hearty, while fragrant dried oregano, basil, and fresh parsley infuse it with irresistible Mediterranean flair. With just 10 minutes of prep and a slow, savory simmer, this versatile, low-sodium sauce pairs beautifully with whole grain pasta or zoodles for a heart-smart meal the whole family will love. Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners, it’s a delicious way to prioritize your health without sacrificing flavor.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 small, grated carrot
- 1 stalk, finely chopped celery
- 1 chopped red bell pepper
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes, no added salt
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste, no added salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic, grated carrot, chopped celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Add the canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the saucepan and stir well to combine.
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially with a lid, and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a bit of water to reach the desired consistency.
Before serving, stir in the fresh parsley for an extra boost of flavor.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving the sauce with your favorite whole grain pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
627 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.5 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 200 mg | 9% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 85.0 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.2 g | 79% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.2 g | ||
| Protein | 16.3 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 267 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 6.9 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 3032 mg | 64% | |
*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.
