Tomato-Basil Penne with Hidden Veggie Sauce
Penne pasta tossed in a smooth tomato sauce blended with carrots and zucchini for a nutritious, kid-approved meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes blends penne pasta, olive oil, carrots, peeled and chopped 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 360 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.
Ingredients
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup zucchini, chopped
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 10 oz penne pasta and cook for 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped carrots, 1/2 cup chopped zucchini, and 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables are soft.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Step 4: Transfer the sautéed vegetables and 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Step 5: Pour the blended sauce back into the skillet, add 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes until warmed through.
- Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves torn into pieces, then toss the sauce with the drained penne pasta until fully coated.
- Step 7: Serve topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a flavorful finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato-Basil Penne with Hidden Veggie Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Tomato-Basil Penne with Hidden Veggie 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 Tomato-Basil Penne with Hidden Veggie 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 Tomato-Basil Penne with Hidden Veggie 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 Tomato-Basil Penne with Hidden Veggie 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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