Best Easy Low Sodium Pasta Sauce Recipes
Pasta is a beloved dish around the world, known for its versatility and ability to pair perfectly with a variety of sauces. However, many store-bought pasta sauces are loaded with sodium, making them a less than ideal option for those watching their salt intake. Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious, easy-to-make low sodium pasta sauce recipes that can satisfy your pasta cravings without compromising your health. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the best low sodium pasta sauce recipes for you to enjoy.
1. Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce
Ingredients:
– 4 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt substitute to taste
Instructions:
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes and cook until they start to soften. Mash the tomatoes slightly with a fork to release their juice. Stir in chopped basil and salt substitute. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve over your favorite pasta.
2. Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Ingredients:
– 2 red bell peppers
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 cup low sodium vegetable broth
– Salt substitute and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice red bell peppers in half, remove seeds, and place them on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the skin is charred. Once cooled, peel off the skin and chop the peppers. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until softened. Add roasted red peppers and low sodium vegetable broth. Simmer for 10 minutes. Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth. Season with salt substitute and black pepper. Serve over cooked pasta.
3. Mushroom and Garlic Sauce
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– Salt substitute and dried thyme to taste
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté until mushrooms are tender and browned. Pour in low sodium vegetable broth and unsweetened almond milk. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt substitute and dried thyme. Serve over cooked pasta.
4. Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14 ounces) low sodium crushed tomatoes
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
– Salt substitute and dried oregano to taste
Instructions:
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant. Pour in low sodium crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt substitute and dried oregano. Serve over your favorite pasta.
Questions and Answers:
1. Why should I opt for low sodium pasta sauce recipes?
Low sodium pasta sauce recipes are a healthier alternative for individuals who need to watch their salt intake. High sodium levels can contribute to various health issues, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
2. What is a good salt substitute to use in these recipes?
There are several salt substitutes available, including potassium chloride, Mrs. Dash seasoning, and various herb blends. Experiment with different options to find the one that suits your taste preferences.
3. Can I freeze these sauces for later use?
Yes, all of these sauces can be frozen. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
4. Can I adjust the spice level in the arrabbiata sauce?
Absolutely! Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness. Start with a smaller amount and gradually add more if needed.
5. Can these sauces be used for other dishes besides pasta?
Yes, these sauces can be used as a base for other recipes as well. They can be used in casseroles, as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
6. Can I substitute regular milk for almond milk in the mushroom and garlic sauce?
Yes, regular milk can be used as a substitute for almond milk if you prefer or have dietary restrictions.
7. How long do these sauces last in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, these sauces can last in the refrigerator for up to five days.
8. Can I add additional vegetables to these sauces?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers, to add more flavor and nutritional value to the sauces.
9. Are these recipes suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, all of these recipes are suitable for a vegan diet as they do not contain any animal products.