Hidden Veggie Pasta Recipe (High Protein)

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Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword hidden veggie pasta recipe, hidden veggie pasta sauce, high protein veggie pasta, veggie pasta with paneer

Diet Vegetarian

Method Air Fryer, Oven, Stovetop

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 420kcal

2 - 2 ½ cups penne pasta (8 oz) (or 3-3.5 cups cooked pasta)
3 medium tomatoes cubed (about 1½ cups)
1 medium red bell pepper cubed (about 1 cup)
1 large carrot diced
1 medium zucchini chopped (about 1 cup) (or bottlegourd)
1 small red onion sliced
5-6 large garlic cloves
2 teaspoons olive oil
salt and black pepper to taste
½ cup paneer (Indian cottage cheese) (or tofu, cottage cheese, cream, coconut cream)
1 ½ - 2 teaspoons dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
½-3/4 cup water (or vegetable broth) (for blending)
¼ -½ cup reserved pasta water
1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley (or basil) chopped

Boil the pasta according to the packet instructions. Reserve some pasta water and set it aside.
Add the diced vegetables to a baking tray in a single layer, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), then roast the vegetables for 25-30 minutes, or until they are nicely roasted. Stirring about halfway through.
Alternatively,
Air Fry: at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Stovetop: You can also roast the veggies in a pan or skillet on the stovetop.
Let the roasted veggies cool slightly, add them to the blender along with paneer (or cottage cheese, tofu, heavy cream, coconut cream), seasonings like oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and water (or vegetable broth). Blend until smooth.
Note: For extra richness, you can use whole milk (or light coconut milk) instead of water while blending. For extra creamy sauce, add milk instead of water (broth).
Add the blended, smooth sauce to a large saucepan or pot. Then add the boiled, and drained pasta to the sauce along with the reserved pasta water, and salt if required. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Serve with fresh parsley or basil and cheese on top. Enjoy!