Hidden Veg Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a tasty meal that sneaks in some extra veggies without anyone noticing, this Hidden Veg Pasta is for you! It’s a perfect way to get 2-3 of your 5-a-day servings, and no one will even realize they’re eating vegetables. This recipe is simple, flavorful, and great for families. I love making this sauce every week, usually with spaghetti and meatballs, but today we used chicken mince and regular pasta, and it was just as delicious! Let’s dive into how you can make this easy, hidden veggie goodness.

Method 

Cook the Vegetables 

Start by heating a frying pan and lightly spraying it with fry light. Add your chopped onion, red and yellow peppers, celery, and carrot to the pan. Sauté them until they become soft and slightly tender. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the vegetables are cooked, transfer them to a blender. Make sure to cook the veggies well enough so they blend easily into a smooth consistency.

Blend the Sauce 

In the blender, add the cherry tomatoes and the tinned tomatoes to the softened vegetables. Blitz it all together until the mixture forms a smooth sauce. Depending on the texture you want, you can blend it longer for a smoother sauce or a bit less for some texture. Once blended, set the sauce aside. This vegetable-packed sauce will be the base for the pasta, so don’t skip this step!

Cook the Chicken Mince 

Using the same frying pan, add the chicken Italia mince. Fry it until fully cooked, stirring occasionally to break up the meat and ensure it cooks evenly. The chicken should no longer be pink, and its internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This step should take about 8-10 minutes, and it adds a savory protein-packed element to your pasta dish.

Boil the Pasta 

While the chicken is cooking, bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the instructions on the packet. It usually takes about 8-10 minutes to cook most types of pasta to al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Be sure to reserve some pasta water in case you need it to thin the sauce later.

Combine Everything 

Now it’s time to bring everything together. In a large serving dish, mix the cooked pasta with the blended vegetable sauce and the cooked chicken mince. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed throughout. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one spoonful at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Once combined, give it a final stir, and your Hidden Veg Pasta is ready to serve!

Necessary Tools 

• Blender (to blend the sauce)
• Frying pan
• Saucepan (for boiling pasta)
• Knife and chopping board
• Cooking spoon

Serving Suggestions 

This hidden veg pasta is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad for some extra freshness. It also pairs well with a sprinkle of grated cheese or some crusty garlic bread if you’re craving a more indulgent side. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, and leftovers make a tasty meal for the next day.

Fun Fact 

Did you know that blending veggies into a sauce can help keep their nutrients intact, especially when they’re cooked? Plus, it’s a fun way to sneak in some healthy goodness without anyone even noticing!

Conclusion 

This Hidden Veg Pasta is the perfect dish for anyone who loves pasta but wants to sneak in some extra vegetables. It’s a simple, delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy, and the best part is that it’s packed with hidden nutrients! Give it a try next time you’re looking for a meal that’s both healthy and super tasty. Enjoy!