Savory Garden-Style Vegetarian Pasta Sauce
This Savory Garden-Style Vegetarian Pasta Sauce is a rich, hearty sauce that bursts with flavor and texture, making it a perfect pairing for your favorite penne pasta. Loaded with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs, this sauce is both nutritious and satisfying. The hint of sweetness from the sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while spices add warmth. Whether you're a veggie lover or just looking to incorporate more plants into your diet, this sauce is an easy and delicious way to elevate any pasta dish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (heat in a saucepan)
Onion
1/2 medium (diced)
Garlic
2 cloves (diced)
Flour
1 tablespoon (for thickening)
Milk
1 tablespoon (to mix into flour)
Tomato sauce
1 (10 ounce) can (use the small can)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (optional, to taste)
Sea salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste
Red pepper flakes
to taste (optional)
Oregano
to taste
Basil
to taste
Zucchini
1 (cut into slices - optional)
Mushrooms
4 (cut into fourths - optional)
Red bell pepper
1 (diced - optional)
Paprika
to taste (optional)
Olives
3 (cut into slices - optional)
Penne pasta
to serve (cooked according to package instructions)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic along with a sprinkle of fresh basil. Sauté for 5-8 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
2
If you're using vegetables, add them at this stage. Stir in the sliced zucchini, mushrooms, and red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until they soften.
3
Sprinkle the flour into the mixture, stirring continuously to create a paste. Gradually mix in the milk, ensuring a smooth consistency, and then pour in the tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
4
For added depth, sprinkle in sugar (if desired), red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy), sea salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Stir to incorporate all the seasonings, allowing the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes for the flavors to blend.
5
While the sauce simmers, cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with the sauce before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Garden-Style Vegetarian Pasta Sauce?
It is a rich, hearty vegetarian sauce loaded with fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a touch of sweetness to balance the tomato acidity.
Is this recipe strictly vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses plant-based ingredients and milk, though it can be made vegan by substituting the milk.
Which pasta pair best with this garden-style sauce?
Penne pasta is the recommended pairing for this sauce, though it works well with most tubular or textured pasta shapes.
How long does it take to sauté the base ingredients?
The onion, garlic, and fresh basil should be sautéed for approximately 5-8 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
What vegetables are included in this sauce?
The recipe includes zucchini, mushrooms, and red bell pepper as optional garden vegetables to add texture and nutrition.
How do I thicken the pasta sauce?
The sauce is thickened by creating a paste with one tablespoon of flour and one tablespoon of milk before adding the tomato sauce.
What size of tomato sauce can should I use?
This recipe calls for one small 10-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Why is sugar added to the recipe?
A teaspoon of sugar is used to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother flavor profile.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 10 minutes to allow all the flavors and seasonings to blend properly.
Can I make this sauce spicy?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes to taste if you prefer a spicier sauce.
What herbs are featured in this recipe?
The recipe uses both fresh basil and dried oregano to create a fragrant, garden-style aroma.
How should I prepare the zucchini?
The zucchini should be cut into slices before being added to the saucepan.
How should the mushrooms be prepared?
The mushrooms should be cut into fourths to maintain a hearty texture in the sauce.
Is olive oil necessary for this recipe?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used to sauté the aromatics and provide a healthy fat base for the sauce.
Can I add olives to this sauce?
Yes, adding three sliced olives is an optional step that adds a nice salty depth to the dish.
What role does paprika play in the recipe?
Paprika is an optional seasoning that can be added to provide extra warmth and color.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 diced cloves of garlic.
When do I add the milk?
Milk is mixed gradually into the flour after the vegetables have softened to ensure a smooth consistency.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative to thicken the sauce if needed.
Is the red bell pepper mandatory?
No, the red bell pepper is optional, though it adds a lovely sweetness and color to the garden-style theme.
How do I ensure a smooth sauce consistency?
Stir continuously while adding the flour and gradually mix in the milk to avoid lumps.
Should the pasta be cooked separately?
Yes, the penne pasta should be cooked according to its package instructions while the sauce is simmering.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, dried basil can be used as a substitute.
What type of onion is best for this sauce?
Half of a medium onion, diced, is used; yellow or white onions work best for sautéing.
Is this sauce considered healthy?
Yes, it is nutritious and loaded with vegetables, making it a great way to incorporate more plants into your diet.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe contains 18 ingredients in total, including optional items and spices.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves simple sautéing and simmering techniques.
Can I store the leftovers?
Yes, this sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days.
When should I combine the pasta and sauce?
Drain the pasta once cooked and immediately toss it with the sauce before serving for the best coverage.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch for meal prep or feeding a crowd.