Quick Low-Fat Pasta Sauce(For Two)
A quick, flavorful low-fat pasta sauce featuring fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, perfect for a light, healthy meal suited to any pasta dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute garlic in olive oil.
- Add tomatoes, parsley, sugar, salt, pepper, and optional oregano and basil.
- Cook slowly for 5 minutes on low heat.
- Pour over cooked pasta.
- Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of red wine while sautéing the garlic. If fresh tomatoes aren't available, you can substitute with canned diced tomatoes or use Extra-Chunky Tomato Sauce for added texture. Adjust the herbs to your preference; fresh basil gives a lovely aroma, while dried oregano can enhance the sauce's depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this quick low-fat pasta sauce over your favorite pasta, or pair it with a side of Italian Vegetables Packet for a colorful meal. It also complements a fresh Panzanella salad nicely, making for a light and satisfying dinner. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if it thickens too much. This sauce also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Low-Fat Pasta Sauce(For Two) contains roughly 857 calories, with 21g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (69% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2088mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh. Generally, use one-third the amount of dried herbs as fresh, since dried herbs are more concentrated. For example, use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil or oregano instead of fresh. Just add them at the same time as the fresh ingredients.
Is this sauce vegan-friendly?
To make this sauce vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. The sauce itself is low-fat and packed with fresh ingredients, making it a great option for vegan recipes. It still retains its delicious flavor without the cheese.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add some heat to the sauce, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also sauté some chopped chili peppers along with the garlic for a fresh kick. This will enhance the overall flavor while giving it a spicy twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).