{"id":"014e9ad6-9418-4fe8-abad-3ccfe5c66361","url":"https://recipestripper.com/recipes/014e9ad6-9418-4fe8-abad-3ccfe5c66361","source_url":"https://yourperfectrecipes.com/hidden-veggie-pasta-sauce/","title":"Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce","description":"Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce is my go-to for sneaking nutrition into every pasta night without anyone complaining. This smooth tomato sauce has zucchini, carrots, peppers, celery, and onions blended so seamlessly that nobody knows they're there. It tastes richer and more flavorful than plain marinara, clinging to pasta like the real thing only better. I make it for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, and family gatherings, and it stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days or freezes for up to 3 months.","servings":5,"servings_text":"5","prep_time":"PT10M","cook_time":"PT25M","total_time":"PT35M","image_url":"https://yourperfectrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Hidden-Veggie-Pasta-Sauce-16.jpg","ingredients":[{"text":"3 tablespoons olive oil","item":"olive oil","quantity":3,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"2 yellow onions (finely chopped)","item":"yellow onions","quantity":2,"preparation":"finely chopped"},{"text":"1 celery stalk (diced)","item":"celery stalk","quantity":1,"preparation":"diced"},{"text":"¾ cup shredded carrots","item":"shredded carrots","quantity":0.75,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"1 zucchini (diced)","item":"zucchini","quantity":1,"preparation":"diced"},{"text":"1 red bell pepper (diced)","item":"red bell pepper","quantity":1,"preparation":"diced"},{"text":"5 cloves garlic (minced)","item":"garlic","quantity":5,"unit":"clove","preparation":"minced"},{"text":"¼ teaspoon coarse (freshly cracked black pepper)","item":"coarse","quantity":0.25,"unit":"tsp","preparation":"freshly cracked black pepper"},{"text":"1 pinch red pepper flakes","item":"red pepper flakes","quantity":1,"unit":"pinch"},{"text":"Salt (to taste)","item":"Salt","preparation":"to taste"},{"text":"1 sprig fresh thyme (leaves only)","item":"fresh thyme","quantity":1,"unit":"sprig","preparation":"leaves only"},{"text":"1 cup roasted tomato sauce","item":"roasted tomato sauce","quantity":1,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"5 cups pasta (any shape)","item":"pasta","quantity":5,"unit":"cup","preparation":"any shape"}],"instructions":[{"number":1,"text":"Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat."},{"number":2,"text":"Add the garlic and onion, and sauté for about 1 minute. Stir in the black pepper, celery, carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, thyme leaves, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 8–10 minutes. Season with salt to taste and lower the heat to medium-low."},{"number":3,"text":"Pour in the roasted tomato sauce. Stir, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes to deepen the flavors."},{"number":4,"text":"Remove the sauce from the heat and carefully transfer it to a blender. Blend on low, gradually increasing to high speed, until the mixture is completely smooth (about 1 minute)."},{"number":5,"text":"While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest."},{"number":6,"text":"Return the blended sauce to the pan. Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water, stirring until the noodles are evenly coated."},{"number":7,"text":"Serve warm with your choice of topping."}],"date_published":"2026-10-30T00:10:18.361343+00:00","date_modified":"2026-10-30T00:10:18.361343+00:00"}