Pasta Vegetable Sauce Recipe for Easy Healthy Meals

There’s something truly comforting about a hearty pasta dish topped with a vibrant vegetable sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this pasta vegetable sauce recipe offers a perfect balance of fresh, wholesome ingredients and rich, savory flavors.

It’s an easy, versatile sauce that can turn any simple pasta into a delicious, nourishing meal. Laden with colorful vegetables and aromatic herbs, this sauce is not only a feast for your taste buds but also packs a punch of nutrients.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use whatever veggies you have on hand! Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen repertoire.

For those who enjoy experimenting with flavors, this sauce is a blank canvas that you can customize with your favorite vegetables or spices. Pair it with your preferred pasta shape, and you’ve got a wholesome dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

If you love recipes like this, be sure to check out other vegetable-forward delights like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners for even more inspiration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta vegetable sauce recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal with minimal effort. It’s packed with fresh vegetables, providing a great source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

The sauce’s natural sweetness from ripe tomatoes combined with the earthiness of zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms creates a delightful harmony of taste and texture.

Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its flexibility. You can swap in seasonal vegetables or whatever’s in your fridge, making it a perfect waste-reducer and budget-friendly option.

It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free if served with the right pasta, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Finally, this sauce freezes beautifully, so you can batch cook and save time on busy weeknights. It pairs wonderfully with a range of pasta types — from spaghetti to penne or even gluten-free varieties.

For those who adore creamy pasta sauces, don’t miss the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes that complements this vegetable sauce perfectly.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large sauté pan or skillet
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Colander for draining pasta
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Optional: Blender or immersion blender (for smoother sauce)

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients: Wash and dice all vegetables as listed in the ingredients table. Mince the garlic and chop the onion finely.
2. Heat olive oil: Place a large sauté pan over medium heat and add the 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
3. Add garlic and carrots: Stir in the minced garlic and diced carrot. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Incorporate zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms: Add the diced zucchini, chopped red bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened but still retain some bite.
5. Mix in tomato paste and seasonings: Stir in the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, ensuring it coats the vegetables well. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the tomato paste and herbs.
6. Add crushed tomatoes: Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and reduce heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
8. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the sauce pan. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the vegetable sauce.
9. Finish with fresh herbs: Remove from heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
10. Serve immediately: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your wholesome, homemade pasta vegetable sauce!

Tips & Variations

“For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the sauce before adding the fresh herbs. This is great if you prefer a creamier texture without adding dairy.”

Here are some ideas to make this recipe your own:

• Vegetable swaps: Feel free to swap zucchini and bell peppers for eggplant, spinach, kale, or even broccoli florets depending on what you have available.
• Protein boost: Add cooked lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based sausage crumbles to the sauce for added protein and texture.
• Spice it up: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika to introduce a smoky heat.
• Cheesy twist: If not vegan, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over the top just before serving.
• Make it creamy: For a luscious, dairy-free creamy sauce, stir in some coconut cream or try pairing this sauce with the Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta vegetable sauce shines when served warm over your favorite cooked pasta. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce.

If you want to make the meal more indulgent, a side of roasted vegetables or a small bowl of soup, such as the Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating, pairs beautifully with this dish.

For a fun twist, try this sauce as a base for a vegetable lasagna or baked spaghetti casserole. You might like the Vegetable Lasagna Stouffer’s Recipe Made Easy and Delicious for inspiration.

Conclusion

This pasta vegetable sauce recipe is a shining example of how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Its vibrant flavors, healthy profile, and ease of preparation make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners.

The flexibility of the vegetables and seasonings means you can adapt the sauce to whatever you have on hand, reducing waste and keeping meals exciting.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this sauce brings a comforting, home-cooked touch to any pasta dish. Keep this recipe handy as a nutritious, delicious staple, and don’t forget to explore other vegetable-rich recipes like the Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals for more wholesome cooking ideas.

Happy cooking and buon appetito!

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