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Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce

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

Scale

  • 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.

  • Author: Sanji
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes