# Hidden Veg Pasta Sauce Recipe (12 months+) | Clever Mum

> A smooth tomato pasta sauce with carrot, red pepper and onion blended in — genuinely useful for toddlers going through a fussy or vegetable-resistant phase

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Toddler (1-4 years)

 
# Hidden Veg Pasta Sauce

  
        [ CP ](/authors/parenting-desk/)   By [ Clever Mum Parenting ](/authors/parenting-desk/) · Parenting guides 

 
 Published 11 July 2026  

      
 
Quick answer — What is hidden veg pasta sauce? 

 
A smooth tomato pasta sauce with carrot, red pepper and onion blended in — genuinely useful for toddlers going through a fussy or vegetable-resistant phase, without turning dinner into a negotiation. Freezes well in portions for quick midweek meals.

    
For the toddler who'd rather not see a vegetable on the plate, blending them into a sauce they already like is a reasonable, low-conflict strategy — paired, not substituted, with still regularly offering vegetables visibly too (division of responsibility still applies).

 
## Ingredients

 
 * 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 carrot, chopped
* 1 red pepper, chopped
* 1 garlic clove
* 400g tin chopped tomatoes
* 200g pasta of choice
 
 
## Method

 
 * Soften the onion, carrot, pepper and garlic in the olive oil over medium heat for 8-10 minutes.
* Add the chopped tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes until the vegetables are completely soft.
* Blend until smooth.
* Cook the pasta according to packet instructions and toss through the sauce.
 
  
## Tips

 
 * Freeze the sauce separately from cooked pasta in individual portions — thaws and reheats faster than the whole dish.
* Swap to gluten-free pasta if needed; the sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.
 
     
## Questions about this recipe

    Is hidden veg pasta sauce suitable from 12 months+?   
 Yes — this recipe is designed for 12 months+. As always, cut or shape food appropriately for your child’s age and supervise mealtimes. 

   Does this recipe contain common allergens?   
 Yes: Gluten (pasta — check gluten-free pasta if needed). If introducing any of these to your baby for the first time, offer them alone in a small amount first, not combined with other new foods. 

   Can I freeze hidden veg pasta sauce?   
 Yes, this recipe freezes well — see the tips below for the best way to portion and reheat it. 

     
## More toddler (1-4 years) recipes

  [ Mini Veggie & Cheese Frittata Bites ](/recipes/mini-veggie-cheese-frittata-bites/)[ Sheet-Pan Chicken & Veg Traybake ](/recipes/sheet-pan-chicken-veg-traybake/)[ Salmon & Sweetcorn Fish Cakes ](/recipes/salmon-sweetcorn-fish-cakes/)   

This is general information, not medical or dietary advice — every baby and child is
          different. For allergy concerns, a family history of allergies, or anything you're unsure
          about, speak to your health visitor, GP or a registered dietitian before introducing new
          foods. Reviewed August 2026.

    
## At a glance

   Age 12 months+  Prep 10 mins  Cook 25 mins  Serves 4, freezes in portions  Allergens Gluten (pasta — check gluten-free pasta if needed)  Freezer-friendly Yes     
Starting solids?

 

Not sure your baby's ready yet? Our
[weaning guide](/baby/weaning-guide-when-and-how-to-start/)
covers readiness signs, first foods and allergen introduction.