1-First Step: Sauté the Vegetables Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. While the oil warms, prepare your vegetables by finely chopping them into small, uniform pieces. The smaller you dice them, the faster they’ll cook and the smoother your final sauce will be. Add all 3 cups of mixed vegetables to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with oil. Cover the pan and let the vegetables cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re mostly soft. This initial cooking step helps break down the vegetables’ cell walls, making them easier to blend later and naturally sweetening them through the cooking process.

2-Second Step: Simmer with Tomatoes Once your vegetables are softened, remove the lid from the skillet. Pour in the 29 ounces of canned diced tomatoes with their juices, stirring everything together. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer, then immediately reduce it to medium-low. Place the lid on the skillet but keep it slightly askew not tightly sealed. This technique allows steam to escape while reducing splatters on your stovetop. Let the sauce simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stir occasionally, until all vegetables are very tender and breaking down. You’ll notice the color deepening as the flavors meld together during this crucial simmering stage.

3-Third Step: Puree the Sauce Now comes the magic step that creates the perfect marinara sauce with blended vegetables. Using an immersion blender directly in the pot, blend the sauce until completely smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender in batches. Be sure to leave the center cap off the blender lid and cover with a towel instead this prevents dangerous pressure buildup from the hot liquid. If the sauce seems too thick, add small amounts of water or broth until you reach your desired consistency. How thick or thin you make your sauce is entirely up to you, depending on whether you prefer it more for dipping or coating pasta. After blending, taste the sauce and add extra salt to your preference.

4-Fourth Step: Serve and Enjoy Complete your dish by cooking 1 pound of pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the starchy cooking water. Combine the pasta with your hidden veggie marinara sauce, adding a splash of the pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the noodles beautifully. Serve hot, and if desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pair it with a simple side dish like garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.