Description
This Hidden Vegetable Pasta recipe cleverly incorporates grated zucchini, carrot, and finely chopped spinach into a flavorful tomato sauce, making it a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy more veggies with your pasta. The sauce simmers slowly to blend the flavors perfectly, and the dish is finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a comforting, wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti or pasta of your choice
Vegetables
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 cup baby spinach, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add grated zucchini and carrot. Stir in the grated zucchini and carrot, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Cook the spinach. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, cooking until wilted, about another 2 minutes.
- Add tomato ingredients and seasonings. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Season with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Toss pasta with sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish and serve. Serve the pasta topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, as desired.
Notes
- Grating the vegetables finely helps them blend into the sauce and remain ‘hidden’ while adding nutrition.
- You can substitute spaghetti with any pasta type you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit entirely for a milder sauce.
- For a vegan option, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and help it cling better to the noodles.
