Sneaky and Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce

Transform your pasta nights with this Sneaky and Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce, a wholesome recipe that sneaks in finely grated veggies for a nutrient-packed twist! Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick and simple sauce combines carrots, zucchini, and aromatic garlic with crushed tomatoes and Italian herbs, delivering a rich, flavorful topping in just 35 minutes. Whether you choose to keep it chunky or blend it into a smooth, velvety texture, this versatile sauce is a family-friendly staple that pairs beautifully with pasta, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce. Meal prep all the way to deliciousness with this customizable, veggie-loaded recipe that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, finely grated
• 1 medium zucchini, finely grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil (optional, chopped)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Step 2

Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Add the grated carrots, grated zucchini, and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables slightly soften and release their moisture.

Step 4

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the tomato paste until evenly mixed.

Step 5

Add the dried Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all the flavors.

Step 6

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 7

Optional: If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the pan, or carefully transfer it to a regular blender and pulse until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Stir in fresh chopped basil if using.

Step 9

Serve warm over your favorite pasta, use as a base for pizza, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1426.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	691.5

Total Fat 31.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2351.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 101.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.0g	0%
Total Sugars 61.7g
Protein 18.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 384.8mg	0%
Iron 10.7mg	0%
Potassium 4440.6mg	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: 37.0%

Protein: 9.6%

Carbs: 53.4%