Garden Harvest Spaghetti Sauce

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Our Garden Harvest Spaghetti Sauce is a celebration of fresh, vibrant vegetables perfect for any time of the year. This recipe transforms a simple pasta dish into a colorful, nutrient-rich meal. Embrace the bounty of your garden or local market with every bite!

Ingredients for Garden Harvest Spaghetti Sauce

Olive oil provides a smooth base and carries the flavors of the herbs. Yellow onion adds sweetness and depth. Garlic is your aromatic hero, bringing a warm, savory note. The trio of zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots not only adds color and texture but also a delightful natural sweetness. Crushed tomatoes form the hearty base of the sauce, while tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor. Dried oregano and basil bring a classic Italian essence. Seasoning with salt and black pepper enhances all the flavors. Fresh parsley is added at the end for a burst of freshness. Lastly, Parmesan cheese is an optional finish that adds a savory, umami-rich touch.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender before adding the parsley.
  • Double the batch and freeze portions for a quick future meal.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • If you have fresh herbs, use them instead of dried for an even more vibrant flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce pairs beautifully with whole grain or gluten-free pasta. For a heartier meal, serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. For wine lovers, a glass of Chianti or a light Pinot Noir complements the flavors well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use about 2-3 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Blanch them to remove the skins, and then chop and cook them down as you would the canned ones.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add mushrooms, eggplant, or spinach for extra variety.
How long does this sauce last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it should last up to a week in the fridge.

Garden Harvest Spaghetti Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in the diced onions. Sauté them until they turn translucent—this should take about five minutes. Next, add the minced garlic. Stir it around for a minute until you can smell that lovely, fragrant aroma.

Now, it's time to add the vegetables—zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots. Stir them in and let them cook until they soften, which should be around eight minutes. Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste. Stir everything together to get that paste mixed in well.

Season the sauce with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it's bubbling gently, cover the pan and let it simmer away for about 20 minutes. Remember to give it a stir now and then to keep anything from sticking.

When your sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded beautifully, stir in the fresh parsley. Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it warm over your favorite spaghetti, and if you're a cheese lover, don't forget to sprinkle some Parmesan on top!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Loaded with fresh vegetables for a nutritious boost.
  • Easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
  • Infused with classic Italian flavors like oregano and basil.
  • Customizable to suit your taste or dietary needs.
  • Kid-friendly and perfect for the whole family.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup diced yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced zucchini
1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of colors)
1 cup diced carrots
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots to the pan, and cook until softened, about 8 minutes.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the tomato paste.
6. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Cover and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning to taste.
9. Serve over your favorite spaghetti and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

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