Description
This Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce is a delicious and nutritious way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into a flavorful tomato sauce. Pureed to a smooth consistency, this sauce combines onion, celery, carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, and garlic simmered in tomato sauce and served over your favorite pasta. Perfect for kids and adults alike, it’s an excellent way to enjoy a hearty, vegetable-packed meal that’s both comforting and healthy.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
- 4 cups pasta (any shape you like)
- Grated parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and cook vegetables: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan with high sides over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, carrots, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become translucent and tender, about 10 minutes.
- Season and reduce heat: Add salt to taste and reduce the heat to medium-low to prepare for simmering the sauce.
- Add garlic and tomato sauce, then simmer: Stir in the minced garlic, then pour in 1 1/2 cups of tomato sauce. Reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pan with a lid leaving a small gap for steam to escape, and let the mixture simmer gently for about 15 minutes.
- Blend the sauce until smooth: Remove the pan from heat and carefully transfer the vegetable mixture to a blender. Blend on high speed for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Cook pasta and combine with sauce: While the sauce simmers or before blending, cook 4 cups of your preferred pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and mix it with half of the blended sauce, adding a small amount of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the coated pasta and garnish with grated parmesan cheese if desired. Use the remaining sauce as a generous portion for later meals or for a larger family serving.
Notes
- You can use any shape of pasta you prefer; the sauce pairs well with penne, spaghetti, fusilli, or farfalle.
- The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- For a smoother sauce, ensure all vegetables are cooked until fully tender before blending.
- If you want a chunkier sauce, blend for less time or pulse the blender to keep some texture.
- Parmesan cheese garnish is optional and adds a nice savory flavor but can be omitted for a dairy-free option.
- Adjust salt according to taste and dietary needs.
