Go Back

Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce

A delicious and smooth pasta sauce packed with hidden vegetables, perfect for picky eaters and making weeknight dinners easier.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the vegetables
  • 1 small onion, chopped Adds flavor
  • 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced For flavor
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped Naturally sweet
  • 1 small zucchini, chopped Adds nutrition and texture
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets Optional but recommended
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste Enhances tomato flavor
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes Base of the sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning For seasoning
  • Pinch sugar or honey Balances the acidity of tomatoes
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons cream cheese or milk Optional for creaminess

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Warm the olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until soft.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, carrot, zucchini, and cauliflower. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften.
Cooking
  1. Stir in the tomato paste for 30 seconds.
  2. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and Italian seasoning, and bring to a simmer.
  3. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning; add sugar or honey if the tomatoes taste sharp.
  6. If desired, blend in cream cheese or a splash of milk for extra creaminess at the end.

Notes

For extra smooth sauce, blend longer than expected. You can also freeze this sauce in small containers for up to 3 months.