Description

A delicious and nutritious pasta dish featuring a smooth tomato sauce enriched with hidden vegetables like celery, carrots, leek, and peppers. This recipe is perfect for a wholesome family meal, combining the sweetness of balsamic vinegar and sugar with the fresh flavors of tomatoes and a touch of garlic. Serve it topped with shaved Parmesan and fresh rocket for an optional gourmet finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Sauce

1 tsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 celery sticks, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 leek, chopped
2 peppers, deseeded and chopped
2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes with garlic
1 tbsp caster sugar
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Pasta and Garnish

300g dried pasta shapes
Parmesan, shaved, to serve (optional)
Rocket leaves, to serve (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and leek, cooking gently for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Add peppers: Stir in the chopped peppers and cook for an additional 10 minutes to allow all the vegetables to soften completely and release their flavors.
Add tomatoes and seasoning: Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes with garlic, then add the caster sugar and balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine, bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, and cook for at least 20 minutes; the longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
Cook the pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the dried pasta shapes according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta once cooked.
Blend the sauce: Use a hand blender to blitz the tomato and vegetable sauce until smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Return it to the heat to keep warm while the pasta finishes cooking.
Toss and serve: Combine the drained pasta with the smooth sauce thoroughly. Serve immediately in bowls, topped with shaved Parmesan and fresh rocket leaves if desired for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

This sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
For a vegan option, omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free meal.
Add herbs like basil or oregano to the sauce for extra flavor variations.
Simmering the sauce longer increases depth and richness; consider a 40-minute simmer for enhanced taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: pasta, tomato sauce, hidden vegetables, vegetarian pasta, healthy pasta sauce, easy family meal