
Savor the Crispy Delights of Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce
Embark on a flavor-packed journey with this Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce, a rich tomato-based sauce that secretly includes a colorful mix of vegetables and protein-rich beans. It delivers the traditional taste of marinara while offering hidden nutrition that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Whether you’re making a quick weeknight pasta dinner or preparing a wholesome sauce for family gatherings, this recipe combines simplicity with healthy twists.
Ideal for a comforting meal or a nutritious family favorite, this recipe captures the essence of classic Italian flavor while sneaking in extra nourishment. Ready to elevate your pasta nights with hidden goodness? Let’s dive into this straightforward and utterly rewarding recipe.
Flavorful and Nutritious: Your New Go-To Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce Recipe
This Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce not only mimics the bold flavors of traditional marinara but also enriches your meal with a mix of zucchini, carrots, peppers, onions, and beans. Unlike regular sauces, this version blends veggies into a smooth texture that’s perfect for kids or anyone who loves extra nutrition without noticing it.
Not just a sauce, this recipe is a clever way to add more vegetables and protein into your family’s diet. Here’s how you can achieve that thick, creamy texture and robust taste, complete with pro tips to ensure success every time.
Serving Suggestions: Pair your Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce with spaghetti, lasagna, ravioli, or even as a base for pizza. It’s also excellent with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce:
- Caramelize the Veggies: Take time to sauté vegetables until lightly browned. This adds depth and enhances flavor.
- Use a Good Blender: A high-powered blender ensures a smooth and creamy sauce that hides the veggies completely.
- Balance with Parmesan: Adding Parmesan cheese at the end creates richness and helps thicken the sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water or a splash of broth to thin it out.
- Double for Later: Make a larger batch and freeze portions for easy weeknight meals.

Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce Recipe
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Equipment: Large skillet, blender, wooden spoon, airtight containers
With this Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce, your kitchen will be filled with the rich aroma of simmering tomatoes and garlic, echoing the taste of a classic Italian kitchen while giving your family an extra boost of nutrition.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- ⅔ cup diced white onion
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 5 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup cooked white beans, rinsed and drained (cannellini, Great Northern, or navy)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup water (plus more if needed)
Directions:
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and carrot, sautéing 4 minutes. Add bell pepper, zucchini, and remaining oil. Cook 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly caramelized. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
- Blend Until Smooth: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a blender. Add beans, oregano, salt, pepper, and ½ cup water. Blend until creamy and smooth. If needed, add more water for consistency.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Blend in Parmesan until fully incorporated, creating a rich and cheesy base. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or oregano if desired.
- Serve Over Pasta: Toss sauce with freshly cooked pasta, adding some starchy pasta water (about ¼ cup per 1 cup sauce) to help it cling beautifully.
- Store or Freeze: Place any leftover Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Ready to Relish!
This dish offers a fabulous balance of hidden vegetables, creamy beans, and bold tomato flavor. It’s smooth, rich, and versatile, making it a sauce that pleases kids and adults alike. Perfect for pasta nights, meal prep, or even sneaky nutrition upgrades, this Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce will become a go-to in your kitchen.
Storage Solutions
Leftover Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce can be refrigerated in a sealed container for three days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for easy reheating. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth until smooth. This makes weeknight dinners quick, nutritious, and stress-free.
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Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce
With this Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce, your kitchen will be filled with the rich aroma of simmering tomatoes and garlic, echoing the taste of a classic Italian kitchen while giving your family an extra boost of nutrition.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
-
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
-
⅔ cup diced white onion
-
1 large carrot, diced
-
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
-
1 medium zucchini, diced
-
5 large garlic cloves, minced
-
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
-
1 cup cooked white beans, rinsed and drained (cannellini, Great Northern, or navy)
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
-
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
-
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
-
½ cup water (plus more if needed)
Instructions
-
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and carrot, sautéing 4 minutes. Add bell pepper, zucchini, and remaining oil. Cook 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly caramelized. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
-
Blend Until Smooth: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a blender. Add beans, oregano, salt, pepper, and ½ cup water. Blend until creamy and smooth. If needed, add more water for consistency.
-
Add Parmesan Cheese: Blend in Parmesan until fully incorporated, creating a rich and cheesy base. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or oregano if desired.
-
Serve Over Pasta: Toss sauce with freshly cooked pasta, adding some starchy pasta water (about ¼ cup per 1 cup sauce) to help it cling beautifully.
-
Store or Freeze: Place any leftover Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes