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Tomato sauce is a staple in my house for all sorts of recipes, and today I'm sharing this easy idea to make your favorite homemade or jarred sauce even more nutritious with hidden veggies.
Hidden Veg Pasta Sauce with Broccoli
Finding family dinner ideas that provide nutrition AND satisfy both picky eaters and adults can be tough. We all know any kid will gladly settle for chicken nuggets any night, but sometimes we have to think outside the box when making sure they get their veggies.
So, hidden veggie pasta sauce, my friends! It packs a double whammy with delicious flavor and an extra serving of greens. The flavors are the same, so go ahead, pat yourself on the back.
Ingredients
This recipe comes together with only 2 ingredients: tomato sauce and pesto. I like using my recipe for broccoli pesto since it's more nutrient-dense than regular pesto, but you can use basil pesto just as well.
How to Make Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce
Bring the tomato sauce to a simmer in a large saucepot, then add the broccoli pesto, stir to combine, and it's ready to use. See? If you can stir, you can make this sauce!
First time making hidden veggie pasta sauce? Watch the video below to cook with me!
TIP: I have this easy slow cooker tomato sauce that practically cooks itself. You could even stir more veggies into the crockpot, like shredded carrots and zucchini, which cook down and help bulk up the sauce. Add the pesto in once it's finished cooking, and you have a solid, nutrient-packed option for pasta, pizza, and more!
How to Store it
Once this hidden veggie pasta sauce is ready, refrigerate it in an airtight container for 5 days. Anything longer and the sauce will need to be frozen in an airtight container for 3 to 4 months or canned and stored in the pantry for up to a year.
Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup broccoli pesto or ½ cup basil pesto
Instructions
Make the sauce:
- In a large saucepan, bring the tomato sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the pesto sauce and stir to combine. Remove from heat and use as needed.
Store:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Gianne says
Not only was it deliciously rich and flavorful, but it also sneaked in a generous serving of vegetables without anyone noticing. This sauce is perfect for picky eaters and busy weeknights, making it a new staple in my kitchen!
Jacqueline says
This is going to be perfect for my son. He’s a bit picky with cooked veg, preferring it raw and crunchy. I’ll give it a go. Thank you!
Holley says
I’m always looking for kid-friendly recipes to sneak in those veggies. The entire family LOVES this sauce! It’s now my go-to sauce for pasta!
Justine says
This was delicious! Loved that it’s got some extra fiber in it!