Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Easy Carrot Pasta Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 13 reviews

This easy carrot pasta sauce is a flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional pasta sauces, featuring caramelized carrots blended into a smooth, savory sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a vibrant and creamy sauce served over penne pasta and garnished with Parmesan and chives.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Pasta

  • 1 pound penne pasta

Garnish

  • Parmesan cheese
  • Chives

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and chopped carrots, cooking for about 10 minutes until the carrots begin to caramelize and brown, enhancing their natural sweetness.
  2. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking together for one minute to meld the flavors and release the aromas.
  3. Simmer Sauce: Add the vegetable stock and Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for another 10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and soft enough to blend smoothly.
  4. Blend Sauce: Using an immersion blender, puree the sauce directly in the pot until completely smooth. Alternatively, allow the sauce to cool slightly, then transfer it to a traditional blender and blend until silky.
  5. Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until it is just under al dente, so it finishes cooking in the sauce.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Add the blended carrot sauce to a large skillet and return to low heat. Toss in the pasta and about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, stirring gently until the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce coats each piece beautifully.
  7. Season and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed with a pinch of salt. Serve the penne garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped chives for a fresh, flavorful finish.

Notes

  • To make the sauce vegan, use a vegan Worcestershire sauce and omit the Parmesan or replace with a vegan cheese alternative.
  • For a smoother texture, strain the sauce after blending.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add more vegetable stock or reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  • This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
  • Feel free to substitute penne with any other pasta shape you prefer.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/easy-carrot-pasta-sauce-recipe/