Easy Hidden Creamy Veggie Pasta Sauce Recipe For Picky Kids
This Vegan Kids’ Pasta with Hidden Vegetables is the perfect back-to-school dinner idea! A healthy pasta sauce recipe packed with hidden veggies, olive oil, and fresh herbs—great for picky eaters and busy families.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion or white onions
- 2 cloves garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 medium yellow squash diced
- 1 small sweet potato peeled and cubed
- 2 cups vegetable stock or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for parents!
- A pinch of sea salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoon nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
- Fresh basil or other fresh herbs for garnish
- 16 oz pasta of choice gluten-free or whole wheat are great options
- 1 zucchini
- 1 cup plant milk
- 1 tablespoon Miso
Instructions
Sauté the aromatics
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the yellow onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic or garlic powder.
Cook the vegetables
- Add the zucchini, yellow squash, sweet potatoes, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 7–8 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Build the sauce base
- Stir in the miso and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Pour in the vegetable stock, sprinkle in italian seasoning, and season with a little salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Simmer gently
- Cover and reduce to low heat. Let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes until the veggies are tender and the flavors meld into a flavorful sauce.
Blend into creamy goodness
- Use a food processor, immersion blender, or large blender to blend the mixture into a smooth creamy sauce. This step hides all those different vegetables so even picky kids won’t notice.
Toss with pasta
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Save a little pasta water, then drain. Toss the cooked pasta with the hidden veggie sauce, thinning with pasta water if needed.
Garnish & serve
- Top with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast and toasted panko bread crumbs and serve warm.