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Healthy Thermos Pasta with Hidden Veggie Marinara

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A quick and easy pasta recipe featuring a smooth, flavorful marinara sauce packed with hidden vegetables, perfect for keeping warm in a thermos for on-the-go meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 small carrot, peeled and chopped
  • 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup dry pasta (small shapes like elbow macaroni or mini shells)
  • Water for boiling
  • Grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast (optional topping)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Chop the carrot and onion into small pieces. Thaw spinach by rinsing under warm water and squeeze out excess moisture.
  2. Bring 4 cups (1 liter) of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add a pinch of salt and the pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually 7–9 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside. Save a small cup of pasta water to loosen sauce later if needed.
  3. In the same saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the chopped carrot and spinach. Cook for 5 minutes until the carrot softens slightly. Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer on low for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Transfer the sauce mixture to a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Let the sauce cool slightly before blending to avoid splatters. Return the smooth sauce to the saucepan and warm gently.
  6. Add the cooked pasta back into the saucepan. Stir to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Preheat your thermos by filling it with boiling water for 5 minutes, then empty. Immediately pack the pasta and sauce mixture into the thermos, sealing it tightly.
  8. When ready to eat, top with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan or nutritional yeast, if desired.

Notes

Preheat the thermos with boiling water before packing to keep pasta warm longer. Use small pasta shapes for better fit and texture. Blend sauce after simmering for a smooth texture. Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Cooking veggies softens flavors and avoids bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy pasta, thermos pasta, hidden veggie marinara, easy pasta recipe, quick lunch, on-the-go meal, kid-friendly pasta, vegetable sauce

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