Chargrilled Vegetable Pasta Sauce Recipe Made Easy

There’s something truly magical about the smoky, charred flavor of grilled vegetables, and when combined with a rich, hearty pasta sauce, it creates a dish bursting with depth and freshness. This chargrilled vegetable pasta sauce recipe is perfect for those who want to elevate their pasta nights with a healthy dose of garden-fresh veggies and robust, smoky undertones.

Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking for a vibrant meatless meal, this sauce is a versatile crowd-pleaser that works beautifully with all kinds of pasta shapes.

Grilling the vegetables before blending them into the sauce adds a smoky complexity that can’t be replicated with roasting or sautéing. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in extra nutrients and fiber while keeping the dish light yet satisfying.

If you’ve been searching for a fresh twist on your classic tomato sauce, this recipe will soon become your go-to. Ready to impress your family or guests with a sauce full of color, flavor, and wholesome goodness?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chargrilled vegetable pasta sauce is a celebration of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors all in one pot. By using fresh, seasonal vegetables that are chargrilled to perfection, the sauce is naturally rich and complex, requiring minimal seasoning to shine.

It’s incredibly versatile, ideal for pairing with your favorite pasta or even as a base for pizza and casseroles. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a range of dietary preferences without compromising on taste.

Another reason to love this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. You can grill your vegetables on a barbecue or a stovetop grill pan, and the sauce comes together quickly once the veggies are charred.

It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for busy days.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise
• 1 large red bell pepper, halved and seeded
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, halved and seeded
• 1 medium red onion, cut into thick wedges
• 2 medium eggplants, sliced into thick rounds
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes (or fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for a little heat)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Equipment

• Grill or stovetop grill pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Blender or food processor
• Large saucepan or skillet
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and slice the zucchinis, eggplants, and onions as directed. Halve and deseed the bell peppers. Peel the garlic cloves and set aside.
2. Heat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the vegetables lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Chargrill the Vegetables: Place the zucchinis, eggplants, onions, bell peppers, and garlic directly on the grill. Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes until you see beautiful grill marks and the veggies are tender. The peppers should be charred and blistered.
4. Cool and Peel: Remove the grilled vegetables from the grill and place the peppers in a bowl covered with plastic wrap or a sealed container for about 10 minutes. This will help loosen the skins. Peel the skins off the peppers and discard them.
5. Blend the Sauce: Transfer the grilled vegetables and garlic to your blender or food processor. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and basil. Blend until you reach your desired consistency — either smooth or slightly chunky.
6. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the blended sauce into a large saucepan. Heat over medium heat and simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and red chili flakes (if using) to taste. Stir occasionally.
7. Final Touches: Drizzle in the remaining olive oil for richness and stir well. Remove from heat once the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
8. Serve: Toss the sauce with your favorite cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For an even smokier flavor, try grilling the vegetables over charcoal or wood chips if you have a barbecue grill.

If you prefer a chunkier sauce, pulse the vegetables less in the blender or food processor.

Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor.

Feel free to swap out or add other vegetables like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or carrots for variety.

To make this sauce keto-friendly, serve it over spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This sauce pairs beautifully with a wide range of pasta types. For a classic take, toss it with spaghetti or linguine.

For a more rustic feel, use penne or rigatoni to catch the chunks of vegetables in their tubes.

You can also use this sauce as a base for a vegetarian lasagna—simply layer it with sheets of pasta and your favorite vegan cheese substitute. Another delicious option is to spoon it over grilled polenta or roasted potatoes for a hearty meal.

Don’t forget to serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread to complete your meal. For more inspiration on vegetarian meals, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals.

Conclusion

This chargrilled vegetable pasta sauce is an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to add bold, smoky flavors to their pasta dishes without relying on heavy creams or meat. The grilling process brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables while imparting a subtle char that creates a rich and satisfying sauce perfect for any season.

Easy to prepare yet impressively flavorful, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping for the week ahead. By using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a wholesome, nutritious meal that your entire family will love.

Ready to explore more delicious vegetarian recipes? Don’t miss our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals and Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals for even more inspiration.

Happy cooking!

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