Pasta is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. However, traditional pasta sauces can be high in calories, fat, and sodium. This recipe for healthy pasta sauce is a great way to enjoy your favorite pasta dish without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
This sauce is made with fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, and it is completely free of processed ingredients. It is also low in calories, fat, and sodium, making it a great choice for people who are looking for a healthy meal.
Best of all, this sauce is incredibly easy to make. It can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal. So next time you’re craving pasta, give this healthy pasta sauce a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients and Equipment
To make this healthy pasta sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
You will also need the following equipment:
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Immersion blender (optional)
How to Make Healthy Pasta Sauce
To make this healthy pasta sauce, follow these steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the red and green bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- If desired, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth.
- Serve over your favorite pasta and enjoy!
Tips and Possible Variations
Here are a few tips for making this healthy pasta sauce:
- Feel free to add other vegetables to this sauce, such as carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can puree the sauce in a regular blender or food processor.
- This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Here are a few possible variations of this healthy pasta sauce:
- For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or milk.
- For a more flavorful sauce, add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese.
This healthy pasta sauce is a delicious and versatile way to enjoy your favorite pasta dish. It is easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized to your own taste preferences. So next time you’re looking for a healthy and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try.
You won’t be disappointed!