Print

Hidden Veggies Pasta Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 3 reviews

This Hidden Veggies Pasta Sauce recipe is a nutrient-packed, flavorful pasta sauce that sneaks in a variety of vegetables, making it perfect for picky eaters or anyone looking to boost their vegetable intake. Combining carrots, celery, bell pepper, zucchini, and sweet potato with classic Italian seasonings, garlic, and tomato sauce, this dish offers a balanced and hearty meal in just 35 minutes. The sauce is blended smooth and tossed with pasta, finished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for a delicious, wholesome dinner.

Ingredients

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium red onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2–3 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 large zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 medium sweet potato, diced into small cubes
  • 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

Pantry & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning mix
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (passata)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Pasta & Garnish

  • 10 oz short pasta (mezzi rigatoni recommended)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • A handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it generously. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced red onion, carrots, celery, red bell pepper, zucchini, and sweet potato. Cook for 10–12 minutes while stirring frequently, until all the vegetables are soft and tender.
  3. Add aromatics and spices: Stir in the roughly chopped garlic, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes. Cook for one more minute to release the flavors.
  4. Develop the sauce: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for about one minute. Then add the tomato sauce (passata) and water. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Blend the sauce: Transfer the sauce and vegetables to a blender or use a stick blender directly in the pot. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Return the blended sauce to the pan over low heat. Add the cooked pasta and stir well to coat. Add additional pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and most of the chopped parsley.
  7. Serve: Plate the pasta and sauce while hot. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top, if desired. Enjoy your wholesome Hidden Veggies Pasta!

Notes

  • Use passata for a smooth tomato sauce base, or substitute with crushed tomatoes if needed.
  • The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Adjust chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
  • If you prefer a chunkier sauce, blend only half the vegetables or pulse briefly.
  • Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitution if needed.
  • Adding a splash of olive oil before serving can enhance richness and flavor.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/hidden-veggies-pasta-sauce-recipe/