Low Sodium Rotini Pasta with Meat Sauce
Elevate your pasta night with this nourishing and flavorful **Low Sodium Rotini Pasta with Meat Sauce**, a heart-healthy twist on a classic comfort dish. Made with whole wheat rotini for a wholesome base and lean ground beef for a protein-packed punch, this recipe is designed to keep sodium levels in check without sacrificing taste. The rich tomato-based meat sauce, infused with aromatic garlic, onions, and a blend of Italian herbs like oregano and basil, creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile. With low sodium tomato sauce, no salt added diced tomatoes, and beef broth, each bite is packed with guilt-free goodness. Topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, offering a healthier take on traditional pasta recipes. Ready in under an hour and serving up to four, it’s the ideal way to satisfy cravings while sticking to your wellness goals.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole wheat rotini pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounces low sodium tomato sauce
- 14.5 ounces no salt added diced tomatoes
- 1 cup low sodium beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook and crumble the beef until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the low sodium tomato sauce, no salt added diced tomatoes, and low sodium beef broth into the skillet with the beef mixture.
Season the sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld and thicken the sauce.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, but avoid adding salt to keep it low sodium.
Once the sauce is ready, combine it with the cooked rotini pasta in a large serving bowl or add the pasta directly into the skillet and mix well to coat all pasta with the sauce.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2590 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 75.7 g | 97% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.4 g | 107% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 340 mg | 113% | |
| Sodium | 597 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 319.4 g | 116% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 43.9 g | 157% | |
| Total Sugars | 43.3 g | ||
| Protein | 156.0 g | 312% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 374 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 27.0 mg | 150% | |
| Potassium | 5063 mg | 108% | |
*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.
