Hidden Zucchini Tomato Sauce

5 from 1 vote

This Hidden Zucchini Tomato Sauce is a rich, flavorful homemade sauce packed with fresh zucchini that blends right in. It’s an easy way to sneak in extra veggies without sacrificing that classic tomato sauce flavor.

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: 30 Minute Dinner, 30 Minute Meal, Comfort Food, Dinner, Easy Recipes, Family Dinner, Fresh Marinara Sauce, Homemade, Italian, Kid Friendly, One Pan Meal, The Cooking Mawma, Weeknight Dinner

Servings:

Equipment

1 Large deep pan
Blender or immersion blender

Ingredients

1 lb short pasta I used lumaconi, reserve 1 cup pasta water
3 large garlic cloves smashed
3 tbsp olive oil
1 large zucchini sliced
1 28oz can crushed tomatoes San Marzano are best
1 tsp salt more to taste
1/4 tsp pepper more to taste
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp butter
Fresh basil optional, for topping
Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to the boil, and cook the pasta according to the directions on the package.

NOTE: reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

As soon as you put the water on to boil, begin making the sauce.
In a large deep pan on medium heat, add the olive oil and garlic and cook the garlic for a minute, then add the sliced zucchini. Cook until the zucchini are beginning to brown (about 7 minutes), then add the crushed tomatoes, salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high so sauce can simmer and thicken. Cook for 10 minutes.
After about 10 minutes, put the sauce (including zucchini pieces and garlic) in a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth. Pour smoothed sauce back into original pan. Reduce heat to low.
Add heavy cream and mix.
Add cooked pasta along with 1tbsp butter and a few ladles of pasta water. Taste for salt, add more if needed.
Serve with fresh basil and cheese and enjoy!

Nutrition