It’s this time of year when you have a few garden zucchini and yellow squash rolling around in the crisper or counter top that need to be used up. This garden vegetable ragu is the answer to your dinner prayers.

As of recently, Michigan weather has dipped a little and hasn’t been too hot – which means it’s not too hot for pasta. This meatless pasta dish calls for summers go-to produce, red wine and parmesan cheese – you know, all the go-to things in life.

It comes together quickly and simmers for an hour before being served over your regular cooked pasta and topped with grated parmesan. I also like to serve it with bread and/or a simple arugula salad.

To cook this Garden Vegetable Ragu Set out:

olive oil – Aids in softening the vegetables and adds richness and flavor.
yellow onion – Adds a sweet and subtle onion flavor to the dish.
carrot – Adds subtle texture and sweetness to the sauce.
zucchini – Lends a mild flavor with lots of healthy nutrients and antioxidants.
yellow squash – Mild in flavor and loaded with lots of vitamin and minerals.
garlic – For that distinct punchy flavor.
crushed tomatoes – The base to the ragu. I prefer using delallo crushed tomato sauce (not sponsored).
sugar – This cuts the acidity of the tomatoes to create a more balanced sauce.
basil (dried) – Adds bright, slightly minty flavor with hints of anise.
oregano (dried) – Adds earthy and slightly bitter flavor.
italian seasoning – Lends earthy and herbaceous flavor.
red pepper flakes (optional) – For a spicy kick.
dry red wine – Like Malbec or Merlot will adds richness and give the sauce robust flavor.
parmesan cheese – Lends a fruity, nutty and slightly salty flavor.
tube shaped pasta – Any tube-shaped past (penne, rigatoni, macaroni or paccheri) will work to collect the thick sauce.
kosher salt – This will draw out flavor and season the sauce.
freshly ground black pepper – Adds some subtle bite and flavor.

In a deep-sided skillet or pot add about a teaspoon or two of olive oil and then heat over medium heat. Sauté 1 medium diced yellow onion with a pinch of kosher salt over medium-low heat until soft and translucent.

With a slotted spoon, transfer the sautéed onion to a dish with 1 medium grated carrot.

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the yellow squash and zucchini in an even layer.

Cook for about 5 to 8 minutes, stirring every couple a minutes so the vegetables get some color to them.

When the squash is soft and golden add the onions and carrots back in to the pan along with 2 to 4 minced cloves of fresh garlic, 1 teaspoon each oregano and basil and 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning. If using red pepper flakes, add them here as well.

Cook until carrots soften and garlic becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add in the 2 (28 ounce) cans of crushed tomatoes over the sautéed vegetables and add 1 teaspoon sugar.

Lastly pour in 1 cup of wine.

Simmer the sauce uncovered on low to medium-low for 45 to 60 minutes and stir periodically. Towards the end is when I cook the pasta.

If by chance the sauce gets too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to revive it.

Stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, taste and season with kosher salt and fresh black pepper. I used 1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – however season it to your liking.

Any tube pasta works go-to to hold thick sauces. Serve the sauce on penne, rigatoni, macaroni, paccheri (<—this is what I’m using in this dish).

Cooks Note:

There is some water released from the zucchini and squash while they cook in the sauce. It’s not noticeable until you plate it up and the veggies sit onto of the noodles. As far as I know, there’s nothing to be done but to mix it all together. However, this is where thick slices of italian bread comes in handy! You can use it to wipe your bowl clean!

Lastly, sprinkle the vegetable ragu with a little or a lot of extra parmesan.

Make it meaty! Cook 3/4 pound of italian sausage (pork or turkey!) before sautéing the vegetables. If using pork italian sausage, you may not need the olive oil for sautéing.
Add Mushrooms! Sauté mushrooms after the onions and before the zucchini. Work in batches to not crowd the veggies.
Picky eaters? Smooth the sauce! Once the sauce has simmered, use a immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth!