Heart-Healthy Rigatoni Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Cheese
Savor the wholesome flavors of our Heart-Healthy Rigatoni Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Cheese, a nutritious twist on a classic Italian favorite. This guilt-free recipe features whole grain rigatoni paired with a robust, no-salt-added tomato sauce infused with garlic, onions, and fragrant spices like oregano and basil. Fresh spinach adds a nutrient-packed boost, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese brings a touch of indulgence to every bite. Perfectly suited for a quick yet wholesome weeknight dinner, this dish is prepared in just 40 minutes and yields four satisfying servings. Garnished with vibrant fresh basil, this heart-healthy pasta dish is as delightful to see as it is to eat, making it an ideal option for a balanced, flavorful meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 g Whole grain rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 3 units Garlic cloves, minced
- 800 g Diced tomatoes, no salt added
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 100 g Fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 4 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 5 leaves Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to taste and cook the whole grain rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
Season the sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Add salt and ground black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
Combine the cooked rigatoni with the tomato sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Divide the pasta among plates and sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1649 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.4 g | 57% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.6 g | 48% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 20 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 1773 mg | 77% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 279.2 g | 102% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 34.6 g | 124% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.9 g | ||
| Protein | 60.3 g | 121% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 591 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 19.1 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 3400 mg | 72% | |
*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.
