Hide the Veggies Pasta Sauce
Packed with a rainbow of hidden veggies, this "Hide the Veggies Pasta Sauce" is a wholesome way to sneak extra nutrition into your favorite pasta dishes without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for picky eaters, this family-friendly recipe blends hearty carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach into a smooth and creamy tomato-based sauce, ensuring even the most reluctant vegetable enthusiast will enjoy every bite. Seasoned with aromatic garlic, oregano, and basil, and simmered to perfection, this versatile sauce is ideal for pasta, lasagna, or even as a pizza base. With only 15 minutes of prep time and a rich, velvety texture, it’s as easy as it is nutritious and delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 2 medium, peeled and diced carrot
- 1 medium, diced zucchini
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance acidity) sugar
- 0.5 cup vegetable broth
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrot, zucchini, and red bell pepper to the pan. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being cautious not to burn it.
Add the baby spinach to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, then add the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the sauce cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
After 30 minutes, remove the pan from heat. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before blending. Use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a countertop blender in batches. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Return the blended sauce to the pan and taste. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve over your favorite pasta or use as a base for pizza, lasagna, or any other dish. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
794 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.4 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 5666 mg | 246% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 118.5 g | 43% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.0 g | 104% | |
| Total Sugars | 72.2 g | ||
| Protein | 22.5 g | 45% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 457 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 14.0 mg | 78% | |
| Potassium | 4467 mg | 95% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
