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Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce

Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce: Sneaky Deliciousness Awaits

This Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce is a delicious blend of roasted vegetables that adds nutrition to your meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 4 cups tomatoes Substitute with ripe canned tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available.
  • 8 ounces button mushrooms Can be swapped with baby bella mushrooms for a richer flavor.
  • 1 large red bell pepper Use other bell peppers or charred jalapeños for a spicier kick.
  • 1 large red onion Yellow onions or shallots make great alternatives.
  • 1 medium zucchini Easily replace it with yellow squash or cooked carrots.
  • 4 cloves garlic Opt for roasted garlic for a milder flavor, or omit if necessary.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Any neutral oil works, though olive oil is preferred for flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be used for a brighter taste.
  • 1 cup feta cheese For a dairy-free option, substitute with goat cheese or cashew cream.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Substitute with light cream or non-dairy milk like coconut or almond.
  • ½ cup pasta water Helps adjust the sauce’s consistency while adding starchy richness.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Blender
  • Pot
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Chop your tomatoes, button mushrooms, red bell pepper, red onion, zucchini, and trim the garlic. Place all the veggies on a large baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Toss everything together until well-coated.
  2. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast the vegetables for 30–40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and slightly charred. Wrap garlic in foil if it browns too quickly.
  3. While the vegetables roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  4. Allow the roasted veggies to cool slightly. In your blender, combine the roasted vegetables with the roasted garlic, crumbled feta cheese, heavy cream, and ¼ cup of reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth, adding more pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
  5. Combine the sauce with the cooked pasta in the same pot, stirring to coat the noodles evenly. Heat through over low heat for a minute or two, then serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store your Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. Freeze in a flat plastic bag for up to 3 months for longer storage.

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