Pasta with Hidden Veg Tomato Sauce

Name: Pasta with Hidden Veg Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 300 g dried pasta shapes; 2 bell peppers, deseeded and chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery sticks, chopped; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 leek, chopped; 2 can chopped tomatoes with garlic; 1 tsp olive oil; 1 tbsp caster sugar; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; Parmesan, shaved; rocket

This pasta with hidden veg tomato sauce is a simple, family-friendly dinner packed with onions, carrots, celery, leek, and peppers. The vegetables cook down into a rich, smooth tomato sauce that coats every bite of pasta, making it a great way to add extra veg to weeknight meals.

Servings4 Portions

Prep Time15 Mins

Cook Time50 Mins

Difficulty

Easy

Ingredients

dried pasta shapes
300 g
bell peppers, deseeded and chopped
2
carrots, chopped
2
celery sticks, chopped
2
large onion, chopped
1
leek, chopped
1
chopped tomatoes with garlic
2 can
olive oil
1 tsp
caster sugar
1 tbsp
balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp
Parmesan, shaved
rocket

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick saucepan over low to medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and leek, then cook gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned.

Add the chopped peppers and cook for 10 minutes more until tender. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, sugar, and balsamic vinegar, then simmer uncovered for at least 20 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the sauce has thickened and the vegetables are very soft.

While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in a large pan of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente.

Blend the sauce with an immersion blender until smooth. Season to taste with salt and black pepper, then keep the sauce warm over low heat.

Drain the pasta and toss it with the sauce until evenly coated. Divide between bowls and serve with shaved Parmesan and rocket, if using.