Hidden Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich tomato sauce infused with pureed carrots and zucchini, adding nutrients without altering the familiar taste. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes blends large, finely diced onion, minced garlic, peeled and grated carrots into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a food processor, combine 2 grated carrots and 2 grated zucchini; pulse until finely chopped and no large pieces remain. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the pureed carrot-zucchini mixture to the saucepan, along with 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
  4. Step 4: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  5. Step 5: Stir the drained spaghetti into the saucepan with the spaghetti sauce, adding 2 tbsp reserved pasta water to emulsify. Toss until evenly coated and sauce clings to strands.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hidden Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Hidden Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hidden Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Hidden Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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