Description
A flavorful, veggie-packed pasta sauce blended smooth for a rich texture, perfect for sneaking in extra vegetables. Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large white onion (diced)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 large carrots (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 medium zucchini (chopped)
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 (28 ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- Add minced garlic, diced celery, and carrots. Sauté for another 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add diced bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in red wine and let it simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Add fire roasted tomatoes, halved tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Carefully transfer mixture to a blender (in batches if needed) and add fresh basil if using, or use an immersion blender.
- Blend until completely smooth, allowing steam to escape safely.
- Return to pot if needed, taste, and adjust seasoning. Stir in parmesan cheese if using.
- Serve with pasta or cool and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
- Use an immersion blender for easier cleanup.
- Skip parmesan for a dairy-free version.
- Sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Add extra herbs like oregano or thyme for more depth.
- Great for hiding vegetables for picky eaters.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmer and Blend
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
