Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce

This smooth, tomatoey pasta sauce sneaks in a full serving of carrots and zucchini blended right in, so kids get extra veggies without noticing a thing. It tastes just like a classic marinara and clings perfectly to any pasta shape.

By YumYum Editorial · Kid-Friendly

Prep: 15 min · Cook: 25 min · Total: 40 min · Serves 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup zucchini, chopped
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound pasta of choice, cooked

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic, carrots, and zucchini, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper, and bring to a simmer.
4. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are fully tender.
5. Carefully transfer the sauce to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot) and blend until completely smooth.
6. Return the sauce to the pan and warm through, then toss with hot cooked pasta and serve.