Looking for a way to eat more vegetables without sacrificing flavor? This veggie pasta sauce does exactly that. Rich, vibrant, and full of real roasted and sautéed vegetables, it’s the perfect upgrade to your weekly pasta night.
At gatetasty, we’ve teamed up with Chef Lucas Benetti to show you how to make a veggie sauce that even meat lovers will crave. The best part? It’s quick, meal prep friendly, and endlessly customizable.
Why Veggie Sauce Beats Store Bought
There’s nothing wrong with grabbing a jar of pasta sauce but once you taste this homemade veggie pasta sauce, you’ll never go back.
Top Reasons to Make It at Home
| Advantage | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| No added sugar | Healthier than most store bought sauces |
| Full of real vegetables | Hidden nutrition kids and adults will love |
| Customizable | Use what you have on hand fresh or frozen |
| Freezer friendly | Make a big batch and enjoy later |
Chef Lucas Tip: “Roast your veggies first. It intensifies flavor and gives your sauce a deep, savory backbone without needing meat.”
Chef Lucas Benetti’s Fresh First Cooking Method
Chef Lucas Benetti is all about getting the most flavor from the simplest ingredients. His method for veggie pasta sauce focuses on roasting and layering not shortcuts.
Flavor Building Technique:
- Roast hearty vegetables like bell peppers, onions, garlic, and carrots
- Sauté aromatics like onion, celery, and garlic in olive oil
- Blend with tomatoes (crushed or fresh) for a balanced sauce
- Simmer and season with herbs, salt, and a touch of balsamic vinegar
- Add fresh herbs or cream for extra richness if desired
“Think of it like building a lasagna each layer of flavor matters. Don’t skip the roasting step,” Lucas recommends.
gatetasty’s Step by Step Veggie Pasta Sauce Recipe
This veggie pasta sauce is hearty enough for a main dish and flexible enough for batch prep or freezing. You can serve it chunky, blended smooth, or somewhere in between.
Ingredients (Yields 4 cups of sauce)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or use 6 fresh, peeled tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes, or ¼ cup cream
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Sauté the aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot
- Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened, 5–7 minutes
2. Add vegetables
- Stir in bell pepper and zucchini
- Cook for another 5 minutes, until they start to soften
3. Add tomatoes & seasoning
- Pour in crushed tomatoes
- Add basil, oregano, salt, and pepper
- Optional: stir in balsamic vinegar for sweetness and depth
4. Simmer
- Cover and simmer on low for 20–25 minutes
- Add a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick
5. Blend (optional)
- Use an immersion blender for a smoother texture
- Or leave it chunky for more bite
6. Taste and adjust
- Add cream, red pepper flakes, or cheese to finish
- Toss with pasta and serve with herbs
Ingredient & Substitution Table
| Ingredient | Substitution / Note |
|---|---|
| Onion | Shallots, leeks, or red onion |
| Carrot | Sweet potato or parsnip for natural sweetness |
| Zucchini | Yellow squash or eggplant |
| Crushed tomatoes | Fresh tomatoes or canned whole tomatoes |
| Basil & oregano | Italian seasoning blend or fresh herbs |
| Balsamic vinegar | Apple cider vinegar + a pinch of sugar |
| Olive oil | Avocado oil or butter (for richness) |
Chef Lucas Suggests: “Use what’s in your fridge. The sauce is forgiving what matters is the balance.”
Best Pasta Types & Toppings for Veggie Sauce
This sauce clings beautifully to just about any pasta. But some shapes really help the veggies shine.
Best Pasta Pairings
| Pasta Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Penne | Tubes hold chunky veggie bits |
| Rigatoni | Great for thick or blended sauces |
| Spaghetti | Perfect with a smoother sauce |
| Fusilli | Spirals trap the sauce in every twist |
| Zoodles or GF pasta | Ideal for low carb or gluten free diets |
Top It Off With:
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Grated parmesan or vegan cheese
- Toasted pine nuts or walnuts
- A drizzle of olive oil or lemon juice
Storage, Freezing & Meal Prep Tips
This sauce is freezer friendly, meal prep ready, and even better the next day.
How to Store It
| Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Refrigerate | Store in airtight container, up to 4–5 days |
| Freeze | Cool completely, freeze in portions (up to 3 months) |
| Reheat | Simmer gently on stovetop or microwave |
Meal Prep Idea: Freeze in silicone muffin tins for single serving portions perfect for lunch bowls or pasta for one nights.
FAQs About Veggie Pasta Sauce
What can I add to pasta if I have no sauce?
Toss cooked pasta with olive oil, garlic, sautéed veggies, lemon juice, or grated cheese. You can also use hummus, yogurt, or a mashed avocado for a quick and creamy alternative to traditional sauces.
What vegetables can you put in a pasta sauce?
You can add a wide variety of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, carrots, onions, broccoli, and tomatoes. Roasting or sautéing them first enhances their flavor and helps build a rich, hearty sauce.
How to make a vegetarian pasta sauce?
Start by sautéing garlic and onions in olive oil, then add chopped vegetables, crushed tomatoes, herbs (like basil and oregano), and let it simmer. For creaminess, add cashew cream, coconut milk, or pureed roasted veggies.
What is a good sauce to put on vegetables?
A light tomato based sauce, garlic butter sauce, tahini dressing, or creamy cashew sauce all pair well with cooked vegetables. For a bold flavor, try pesto, chimichurri, or a roasted red pepper sauce.
How do I make veggie pasta sauce creamy?
You can stir in a splash of cream, milk, or cashew cream at the end. For dairy free creaminess, blend a handful of roasted cauliflower or soaked cashews into the sauce.
Conclusion
This isn’t just sauce it’s a full on flavor experience made from the ingredients in your fridge. With Chef Lucas Benetti’s roasted veggie technique and our signature steps at gatetasty, this veggie pasta sauce brings you deep flavor, rich texture, and serious comfort in every bite.
Best of all? It’s flexible, forgiving, and made to fit your lifestyle. From spaghetti nights to Sunday batch cooking, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Craving more flavor forward, veggie packed dishes? Visit gatetasty.com where fresh meets fast in every bite.
