Low Sodium Cheesy Ground Meat Pasta
Indulge in the comforting goodness of Low Sodium Cheesy Ground Meat Pasta, a flavorful and heart-healthy twist on a classic favorite. Made with whole wheat pasta, lean ground beef or turkey, and a luscious cheese blend featuring reduced-fat cream cheese and low sodium cheddar, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. The robust tomato-based sauce, enhanced with garlic, onion, Italian herbs, and just a hint of spice, is simmered to perfection and melds beautifully with the creamy cheese. A garnish of fresh basil adds a pop of color and aromatic flair. Ready in under 45 minutes and packed with wholesome ingredients, this low sodium ground meat pasta recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort—ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Perfect for anyone seeking a satisfying, lower-sodium comfort food option!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 15 oz crushed tomatoes, no salt added
- 1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 oz reduced fat cream cheese
- 1 cup low sodium cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, low sodium vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cut the reduced fat cream cheese into small cubes and add to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese has melted and is well incorporated into the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded low sodium cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir until melted.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your savory low sodium cheesy ground meat pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2586 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 150.2 g | 193% | |
| Saturated Fat | 72.6 g | 363% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 544 mg | 181% | |
| Sodium | 1161 mg | 50% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 142.1 g | 52% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.7 g | 92% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.5 g | ||
| Protein | 181.4 g | 363% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.4 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 1206 mg | 93% | |
| Iron | 22.9 mg | 127% | |
| Potassium | 3712 mg | 79% | |
*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.
