Print

Creamy Hidden Veggie Tomato Pasta

creamy hidden veggie tomato pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and nourishing creamy tomato pasta sauce packed with pureed hidden vegetables, perfect for thermos lunches and picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) pasta of choice (penne or fusilli work great)
  • Salt, for boiling water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
  • 1 small zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 (14 oz/400 g) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 ounces (60 g) cream cheese, softened (can swap for dairy-free cream cheese)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk or plant-based milk
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta cooking water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in 1 medium carrot and 1 small zucchini, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Toss in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Pour in 1 (14 oz/400 g) can crushed tomatoes. Stir in 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes to meld the flavors, stirring occasionally.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth and creamy. If using a countertop blender, carefully transfer the sauce in batches and blend until silky smooth. Return the sauce to the skillet if needed.
  6. Stir in 2 ounces (60 g) softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk until fully incorporated. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. Stir in 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Transfer the creamy hidden veggie tomato pasta into a preheated thermos to keep warm until mealtime. Garnish with fresh basil or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Finely chop or puree veggies to hide them without texture issues. Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness in thermos. Simmer sauce gently to deepen flavors. Use cream cheese for richness without greasiness. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Preheat thermos with hot water before packing to keep pasta warm longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato pasta, hidden veggies, healthy pasta, thermos lunch, kid-friendly pasta, easy pasta recipe, creamy pasta sauce

Find it online: https://milacook.com/creamy-hidden-veggie-tomato-pasta-recipe-easy-healthy-thermos-lunch-ideas/