Hidden Veggie Tomato Basil Pasta
A fresh tomato-basil sauce with pureed zucchini and carrots, adding nutrients without altering the classic Italian flavor. This italian-inspired kid friendly ready in about 40 minutes pairs linguine, medium zucchini, medium carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 medium carrot
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp fresh basil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Grate 1 medium zucchini (1 cup) and 1 medium carrot (1/2 cup) separately.
- Step 3: In a food processor, blend zucchini and carrot with 1/4 cup water until completely smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini-carrot puree and cook for 3 minutes until thickened and slightly reduced.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup tomato sauce and 1/4 cup vegetable broth, then simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 6: Add drained linguine to the skillet, tossing until evenly coated. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil and sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hidden Veggie Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Hidden Veggie Tomato Basil Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep linguine from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden Veggie Tomato Basil Pasta?
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 Veggie Tomato Basil Pasta 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 Veggie Tomato Basil Pasta?
Italian kid friendly 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
