Clean Out the Fridge Pasta Sauce

Transform your leftovers into culinary magic with this versatile Clean Out the Fridge Pasta Sauce! Designed to reduce food waste and maximize flavor, this recipe turns a mix of chopped vegetables—like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms—into a hearty, homemade sauce. Simmered with pantry staples like canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and a medley of herbs, this customizable recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. In just 35 minutes, you'll have a rich, flavorful sauce perfect for pairing with any pasta. Garnish with grated parmesan and fresh herbs for a comforting, waste-free meal that’s as satisfying as it is sustainable.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots), chopped
• 1 14-ounce can canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 0.5 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon herbs (e.g., basil, oregano, thyme), dried or fresh
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional for topping)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the chopped mixed vegetables to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

Step 5

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, including their juices, and stir to combine.

Step 6

Mix in the tomato paste, vegetable or chicken broth, and dried herbs (basil, oregano, thyme). Stir well.

Step 7

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.

Step 8

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 10

Serve the sauce over cooked pasta of your choice. Optionally, top with grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil for garnish.

Step 11

Enjoy your hearty and waste-free pasta meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1237.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	935.0

Total Fat 58.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.1g
Cholesterol 55.6mg	0%
Sodium 4333.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 69.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.3g	0%
Total Sugars 36.8g
Protein 37.3g	0%

Vitamin D 23.8IU	0%
Calcium 962.5mg	0%
Iron 7.4mg	0%
Potassium 2583.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.2%

Protein: 15.7%

Carbs: 29.1%