Name: Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 2/3 cup diced white onion; 1 large carrot, diced; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 1 medium zucchini, diced; 5 large garlic cloves, minced; 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste; 1 cup cooked white beans, rinsed and drained (Great Northern, cannellini, navy beans, etc.); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper; 1 cup (1 ounce) freshly-grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 65 reviews

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There is something incredibly comforting about a rich, flavorful marinara sauce that also sneaks in a bounty of nutritious elements without sacrificing taste or texture—that is exactly what this Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce Recipe delivers. With a vibrant blend of carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, and creamy white beans all blended seamlessly into a tomato-based sauce, it is perfect for anyone wanting to nourish themselves and their loved ones while enjoying a classic Italian favorite. Whether you’re a parent looking to sneak some extra veggies onto your family’s plates, or just someone who loves a hearty, wholesome sauce, this recipe truly raises the bar for what a marinara can be.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A spread of fresh ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface, featuring a white plate on the left holding a whole green zucchini, a bright orange carrot, half a white onion, a red bell pepper, and two garlic cloves. To the right of the plate, three spoons lie vertically: a small white spoon with ground black pepper, a wooden spoon with coarse salt, and another white spoon with dried herbs. Surrounding these are additional garlic cloves and three small bowls: one with white beans, another with rich red tomato paste, and a third with two thick slices of pale yellow cheese, as well as a small bowl of golden olive oil. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component has a key role, whether it’s adding sweetness, depth, texture, or richness, ensuring the final sauce is anything but ordinary.

Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): This brings a luscious, silky mouthfeel and helps soften the veggies during sautéing.
White onion (2/3 cup diced): Adds a mild sweetness and foundation of flavor to the sauce.
Large carrot (1, diced): Provides natural sweetness and beautiful color, while boosting the veggie content.
Red bell pepper (1 medium, diced): Adds brightness and subtle fruity notes that enhance the overall complexity.
Zucchini (1 medium, diced): Brings a wonderful tender texture and moisture without overpowering the sauce.
Garlic cloves (5 large, minced): Infuses that unmistakable punch and aromatic depth every marinara needs.
Tomato paste (1 can, 6-ounce): Concentrates pure tomato flavor and gives the sauce its rich, deep red color.
Cooked white beans (1 cup, rinsed and drained): These are the protein powerhouse that also contribute to the creamy texture when blended.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds that classic Italian herbaceous note.
Fine sea salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all flavors in the sauce perfectly.
Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and depth without overwhelming the palate.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup, about 1 ounce): Provides umami richness and a slight tang that elevates the sauce.

How to Make Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick sauté pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and carrot, letting them soften and develop natural sweetness over about 4 minutes. Then add the red bell pepper, zucchini, and the remaining olive oil to the pan. Continue sautéing for 5 to 8 minutes until the vegetables are tender and just begin to caramelize around the edges, bringing out their natural sugars and a lightly browned flavor. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to blend the rich tomato aroma with the fragrant garlic.

Step 2: Blend Until Smooth

Once the veggies are perfectly sautéed, transfer the entire mixture to a blender. Add the cooked white beans, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and half a cup of water. Blend everything until impossibly smooth, creating that creamy, velvety texture that disguises all the wholesome goodness beneath. If the sauce feels too thick, simply add more water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your ideal consistency. The last step is to stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and blend again until silky smooth and well incorporated.

Step 3: Ready to Serve or Store

Your Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce Recipe is now ready to transform your pasta, veggies, or whatever dish you fancy! When you combine this sauce with cooked pasta, be sure to reserve some of your pasta’s starchy water—adding at least ¼ cup per cup of marinara is a great way to loosen the sauce and ensure it clings perfectly to every strand.

How to Serve Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce Recipe

A white bowl filled with three layers of elbow pasta covered in smooth, orange-colored sauce. The pasta has a soft and slightly shiny texture. On top, there are small grated white cheese pieces scattered, adding a fine, flaky layer. Two fresh green basil leaves rest in the center, giving a fresh contrast to the warm pasta. A metal spoon with a shiny silver finish is placed inside the bowl, partly resting on the pasta with the spoon's handle extending out. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a glimpse of another similar bowl in the upper right and a folded yellow cloth in the lower left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add that finishing touch, sprinkle some extra freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese on top, along with a few torn fresh basil leaves or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving also enhances the sauce’s luxurious mouthfeel.

Side Dishes

This sauce pairs wonderfully with classic spaghetti, linguine, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option. Serve alongside garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce, or pair with a crisp green salad to balance the meal with fresh crunch and brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by using this Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce Recipe as a base for vegetable lasagna, a baked eggplant parmesan, or even spooned over roasted chicken breasts or meatballs. Its versatility and depth of flavor bring excitement to any dinner plate, making it a fantastic staple in your kitchen repertoire.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover marinara sauce fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes meal prep easy, giving you a nutrient-packed sauce ready to warm up whenever you need a quick and satisfying meal.

Freezing

This sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags to thaw and enjoy later, whether it’s for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. Just keep in mind that freezing might slightly change the texture of the sauce, so a good stir or blender spin after thawing will bring it back to its luscious best.

Reheating

When reheating, do it gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the sauce thickens too much while warming, add a splash of water or reserved pasta water to loosen it and revive that perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans in the Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! While white beans like cannellini or Great Northern are ideal for their mild flavor and creaminess, you can experiment with other beans like navy or even chickpeas, though the flavor and texture might vary slightly.

Is this sauce suitable for freezing without the Parmesan cheese?

Yes, you can freeze the sauce without the Parmesan to preserve its best texture. Add the cheese fresh when reheating to keep the flavor bright and the sauce creamy.

Can I add fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?

Tomato paste is key here for its concentrated flavor, but you could blend fresh tomatoes to make a fresher, lighter sauce. Just be prepared for a different consistency and possibly longer cooking time to reduce excess water.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for that umami punch without dairy.

Can this sauce be used in other dishes besides pasta?

Definitely! Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce Recipe is incredibly versatile—you can use it as a pizza sauce, a dipping sauce for breadsticks, a base for shakshuka, or even spooned over roasted vegetables or grilled proteins.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to delight your taste buds with a marinara sauce that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and extra nutrition all at once, I can’t recommend the Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce Recipe enough. It is a smart, delicious way to add more veggies and protein to your meals without anyone even noticing. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

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Hidden Veggies Marinara Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need