Gluten Free Recipes

Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies | Gluten Free Pasta Recipes

Sometimes I want pasta that feels indulgent but still sneaks in some extra goodness. This creamy tomato sauce is thick, smooth, and full of hidden vegetables that melt right into every bite. It’s the kind of meal you cook once and then feel slightly smug about serving, because no one guesses how many veggies went into it. I’ve tried plenty of gluten free pasta recipes, but this one is always at the top of my list. The sauce clings perfectly to noodles, and if you’re like me, you’ll probably be licking the spoon before it ever hits the plate. That’s fine. Cooking should be fun and a little messy, right? Whether you’re new to gluten free vegan recipes or you’ve been cooking them for years, this dish is comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down. It’s creamy, it’s cozy, and it’s proof that simple ingredients can taste like a big hug in a bowl.

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Table of Contents

  • 1) Key Takeaways
  • 2) Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies Recipe
  • 3) Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies
  • 4) How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies
  • 5) Tips for Making Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies
  • 6) Making Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies Ahead of Time
  • 7) Storing Leftover Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies
  • 8) Try these Main Course next!
  • 9) Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies
  • 10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This creamy tomato pasta with hidden veggies is both comforting and nourishing. It packs vegetables into a smooth, rich sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Perfect for anyone who loves gluten free pasta recipes yet craves flavor that feels indulgent.

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You get a simple ingredient list, easy cooking steps, and results that work for family dinners or quick weeknight meals. It’s one of those gluten free vegan recipes that leaves nobody feeling like they missed out.

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The sauce is versatile enough to pair with your favorite gluten free pasta recipe and can be made ahead of time. The dish balances comfort and nutrition without feeling heavy.

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2) Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies Recipe

I’ve cooked many gluten free pasta recipes, but this one remains a staple. The creamy tomato sauce blends zucchini, carrot, and bell pepper into something smooth and silky. I find joy in knowing I’ve managed to sneak vegetables into a dish that still feels like a treat.

The steps are simple. Chop vegetables, sauté them until they soften, then blend with tomatoes and herbs until it all comes together. Stir in almond milk, toss with pasta, and dinner feels ready in no time. It’s fast enough for busy evenings and comforting enough for lazy weekends.

Every bite carries flavor without heaviness. You won’t need much else on the table except maybe some crusty gluten free vegan bread recipe on the side. Trust me, this one wins hearts and stomachs alike.

3) Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies

Zucchini adds body to the sauce without stealing the spotlight. Once blended, it disappears into the creamy base. Nobody at my table ever guesses it’s there, which is half the fun.

Carrot sweetens the sauce naturally. The gentle sweetness balances the acidity of the tomatoes, which makes the sauce feel rich yet mellow.

Red bell pepper brings brightness and a subtle layer of flavor. It blends into the sauce so smoothly that it just tastes deeper, not different.

Onion forms the base of many sauces, and this one is no exception. Sautéing it until soft makes the sauce taste full and warm.

Garlic gives the sauce a strong foundation. Just a little garlic, cooked gently, adds warmth that lasts through every bite.

Olive oil carries the flavors and makes the vegetables soften nicely. I like the subtle fruitiness it adds.

Crushed tomatoes form the heart of the sauce. They bring tang, color, and that unmistakable tomato flavor.

Almond milk makes the sauce creamy without adding dairy. It blends into the tomato base and softens the sharp edges.

Tomato paste deepens the flavor, giving the sauce richness that feels slow cooked even when it’s not.

Oregano and basil add a familiar Italian flavor that ties everything together. They make the sauce smell like comfort food from the moment they hit the pan.

Salt and pepper are the final touch to bring balance. Don’t skip tasting as you go so you catch the right spot.

Gluten free pasta is the canvas for this sauce. Pick the shape you love and let the sauce cling to it. That’s where comfort lives.

4) How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies

Step 1 Chop zucchini, carrot, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add vegetables and cook until softened, stirring now and then.

Step 2 Stir in tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Let them cook for a minute. The smell will tell you it’s ready for the next step.

Step 3 Add crushed tomatoes. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer. This is where flavors blend and soften.

Step 4 Transfer the sauce to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Be careful with the heat, and hold the lid steady.

Step 5 Return the blended sauce to the pan. Stir in almond milk. Taste and season with salt and pepper until it feels balanced.

Step 6 Cook your favorite gluten free pasta. Toss it with the sauce. Serve warm and enjoy how the creamy tomato flavor wraps around each bite.

5) Tips for Making Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies

I always say don’t rush the sauté. Let the vegetables soften slowly so they blend well later. That’s how the sauce turns creamy instead of grainy. It’s simple advice, but it makes the biggest difference.

If you want protein, stir in lentils or chickpeas. They fold into the sauce without changing the smooth feel. This makes the dish hearty enough for a full meal.

Try different herbs. Oregano and basil are classics, but thyme or parsley can add a twist. I like playing with flavors depending on what I have on hand. It keeps the dish interesting without losing the comfort of gluten free recipes that always work.

6) Making Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies Ahead of Time

I like to make the sauce a day early. It rests in the fridge and the flavors settle in deeper. Then I just reheat it gently and toss with fresh pasta. Dinner feels almost effortless that way.

The sauce keeps well in a sealed container for up to four days. When I reheat it, I sometimes add a splash of almond milk to bring back that smooth texture. It works like a charm.

Cooking the pasta right before serving makes the dish feel fresh. This mix of make-ahead sauce with fresh pasta keeps the balance between convenience and taste.

7) Storing Leftover Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies

Leftovers make me happy, especially with pasta. Store cooled pasta with sauce in a sealed container in the fridge. It stays good for three days without losing much flavor.

When reheating, add a spoon of almond milk or water. This keeps the sauce creamy. Heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring halfway through.

I find the pasta still tastes good even cold from the fridge, though it feels better warmed. Either way, it’s a reliable gluten free recipe to enjoy more than once.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies

Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggies | Gluten Free Pasta Recipes

Sometimes I want pasta that feels indulgent but still sneaks in some extra goodness. This creamy tomato sauce is thick, smooth, and full of hidden vegetables that melt right into every bite. It’s the kind of meal you cook once and then feel slightly smug about serving, because no one guesses how many veggies went into it. I’ve tried plenty of gluten free pasta recipes, but this one is always at the top of my list. The sauce clings perfectly to noodles, and if you’re like me, you’ll probably be licking the spoon before it ever hits the plate. That’s fine. Cooking should be fun and a little messy, right? Whether you’re new to gluten free vegan recipes or you’ve been cooking them for years, this dish is comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down. It’s creamy, it’s cozy, and it’s proof that simple ingredients can taste like a big hug in a bowl.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: gluten free pasta recipe, gluten free pasta recipes, gluten free recipe, gluten free recipes, gluten free vegan bread recipe, gluten free vegan recipes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Elena

Ingredients

  • 1 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Gluten free pasta of choice, cooked according to package instructions

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, zucchini, carrot, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 10 minutes.
  2. Stir in tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the crushed tomatoes. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Transfer mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Return to pan.
  5. Stir in almond milk. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Toss the sauce with your favorite gluten free pasta and serve warm.

10) Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate | Calories: 310 | Carbohydrates: 58 g | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 6 g | Fiber: 7 g | Sugar: 9 g | Sodium: 350 mg

Written by Elena from Elena Cooks

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