If you’ve been on the hunt for a clever way to sneak more veggies into your meals, this Hidden Veg Pasta Sauce is your answer! It’s a hit among adults and kids alike, transforming a medley of vegetables into a creamy, delightful sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid-Friendly: If you have little ones who are experts at spotting and avoiding veggies, this sauce is a game-changer.
- Smooth Texture: This pasta sauce is incredibly creamy, making it perfect for those who are particular about the texture of their food.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with six different types of vegetables, this sauce is a nutritional powerhouse, offering a variety of essential nutrients in every bite.
- High in Fiber: It’s a delicious way to boost your daily fiber intake, contributing to a healthy digestive system.
- Promotes Gut Health: A diet rich in a variety of vegetables promotes a balanced gut microbiome, aiding in overall digestive health.
Ingredients:
- 100g (3.5 oz) Cherry Tomatoes
- 1-2 Small Bell Peppers
- 100g (3.5 oz) Mushrooms
- ½ Medium-sized Zucchini
- 1-2 Small-sized Onions
- 1 Whole Head of Garlic
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt to taste
- A handful Fresh Basil
- 120ml (½ cup) Oat Cream
- 120ml (½ cup) Water or Low Sodium Vegetable Broth
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- Pasta for 4 servings (according to package instructions)
- Fresh Basil and Chili Flakes for garnish
- 120ml (½ cup) Cooked Beans (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 400F and get a baking sheet ready with parchment paper.
- Roast the Veggies: Toss the tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, onions, and whole head of garlic (with the top sliced off) onto your baking sheet. Season with olive oil, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Let them roast for about 30 minutes or until they’re soft and slightly charred.
- Blend It Up: Once the veggies are cool enough to handle, pop them all into a blender. Don’t forget to squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skin! Add the fresh basil, oat cream, water or broth, tomato paste, and beans if you’re using them. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Cook your pasta according to the package instructions. In a pot, combine the blended sauce with the pasta, adding a bit of pasta water if needed to get the consistency just right. Serve it up hot with a sprinkle of fresh basil and chili flakes.
Hack It!
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply switch to your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Adjust the Consistency: Prefer a thinner sauce? Add more water or vegetable broth while blending.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix up the veggies based on what’s in your fridge, or add fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, or freeze portions for later.
Why This Recipe Works:
This Hidden Veg Pasta Sauce cleverly combines a variety of vegetables, transforming them into a creamy, delectable sauce that’s perfect for pairing with pasta. It’s a fantastic way to increase your vegetable intake without compromising on taste or texture, making it a win for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s versatile and meal-prep friendly, ensuring you can enjoy a nutrient-rich meal any day of the week.
Roasted Vegetable Pasta Sauce
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- blender or food processor
- pot or large pan
- stove
Ingredients
- 100 g 3.5 oz Cherry Tomatoes
- 1-2 Small Bell Peppers
- 100 g 3.5 oz Mushrooms
- ½ Medium-sized Zucchini
- 1-2 Small-sized Onions
- 1 Whole Head of Garlic
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt to taste
- A handful Fresh Basil
- 120 ml ½ cup Oat Cream
- 120 ml ½ cup Water or Low Sodium Vegetable Broth
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- Pasta for 4 servings according to package instructions
- As needed Pasta Water
- Fresh Basil and Chili Flakes for garnish
- 120 ml ½ cup Cooked Beans (optional)
Instructions
Roasting Vegetables:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Wash the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and onions.
- Cut the bell peppers into chunks, slice the mushrooms, slice the zucchini into half-moons, and peel and quarter the onions.
- Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves.
- Place all the prepared vegetables on the baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and add salt to taste. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Making the Sauce:
- Squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skin and transfer it, along with the other roasted vegetables, to a blender.
- Add a handful of fresh basil, oat cream, water or vegetable broth, tomato paste, and the cooked beans.
- Blend until smooth.
Finishing the Dish:
- Cook your pasta according to the package instructions, saving some of the pasta water.
- Pour the blended vegetable sauce into a pan over medium heat.
- Add the cooked pasta and a bit of the pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency. Stir well to combine.
- Let it cook for a few minutes until everything is heated through.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Your recipes look amazing and it wonderful to get amazing vegan recipes.
I’ve made this about 4 times in the last month. I love the rich flavor and it’s a great way to get more veggies into my diet. I have also added more broth if I’m in the mood for soup instead of pasta sauce.
Very healthy and tasty