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Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce for Kids

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A creamy, tasty, and nutritious pasta sauce that sneaks in veggies like spinach, carrots, and zucchini, perfect for picky kids and busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped (about 150g / 5.3 oz)
  • 1 medium zucchini, chopped (about 150g / 5.3 oz)
  • 2 cups packed fresh spinach (about 60g / 2.1 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup heavy cream (120ml)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the veggies: chop carrots, zucchini, roughly chop spinach if leaves are large, and mince garlic. Measure all ingredients before cooking.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add carrots and zucchini and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add garlic and spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and wilted.
  4. Transfer sautéed veggies to a blender or food processor. Add a splash of water or broth and puree until smooth and silky without chunks.
  5. Pour pureed veggies back into the skillet. Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Remove skillet from heat and gradually stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until sauce is creamy and smooth.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta such as penne or rigatoni.

Notes

[‘Puree veggies completely smooth to hide them effectively.’, ‘Cook zucchini well to avoid watery sauce.’, ‘Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor.’, ‘Simmer sauce gently to prevent cream from breaking.’, ‘Salt pasta water well for better overall flavor.’, ‘For leftovers, reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.’, ‘Do not freeze cream-based sauce as texture may separate.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: hidden veggies, pasta sauce, kids recipe, creamy pasta sauce, nutritious dinner, easy weeknight meal, vegetable sauce, family-friendly

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/hidden-veggie-pasta-sauce-for-kids-easy-creamy-nutritious-recipe/