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    Home » Sauces » How To Make Spaghetti Sauce From Tomato Paste

    How To Make Spaghetti Sauce From Tomato Paste

    Published: Nov 9, 2021 by Megan Porta · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Transform 1 can of tomato paste (plus a few spices) into a delicious, savory, easy spaghetti sauce that’ll fill all the bellies around your table tonight! Done in just 20 minutes and made using only a few ingredients, this is the easiest way to make your next batch of pasta sauce.

    Fork inserted into the center of a heaping pile of spaghetti with sauce.

    Why This Recipe Works

    One of the easiest meals on the planet to make is a comforting batch of spaghetti. It is super easy to make, it is affordable and it’s off-the-charts comforting and delicious!

    If you ever find yourself in a situation where you either don’t have the energy to make a batch of homemade pasta sauce or you do not want to take a trip to the grocery store to grab a jar of sauce, I’ve got your back!

    All you need is a can of tomato paste and a few other ingredients that are already likely sitting in your kitchen. Dinner has never been easier!

    Recipe Ingredients

    Spaghetti sauce ingredients lined up on a cutting board.

    Tomato paste – Tomato paste is the star of the show, with its deep, complex and robust tomato flavor!

    Ground meat – This ingredient is 100% optional, but can add some serious flavor to the end result if you have it on hand. Consider cooking ground beef, ground sausage or ground turkey beforehand and adding it to the sauce.

    Seasonings – Oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder are the recommended seasonings, but feel free to wander with this. Use any dried or fresh herbs of your liking, such as basil leaves, dried or fresh Italian parsley or fennel seeds.

    Sugar – Cater the amount of sugar used in the recipe to your liking or omit entirely for a less sweet flavor. You can also opt to replace the sugar with honey or agave nectar for a touch of natural sweetness.

    A Web Story On Using Tomato Paste To Make Sauce!

    You can transform tomato paste into a spaghetti sauce dinner so easily!

    How To Make Spaghetti Sauce From Tomato Paste

    Combine the following ingredients in a medium saucepan:

    • Tomato paste
    • Water
    • Sugar
    • Oregano
    • Italian seasoning
    • Salt
    • Black pepper
    • Onion powder
    • Garlic powder
    Tomato paste and spices in a skillet, ready to cook.

    Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then simmer over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Pan of cooked, smooth spaghetti sauce.

    Pour over cooked pasta cooked to al dente and top with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

    Recipe Notes

    • For a meaty sauce, add 1 pound of lean ground beef, turkey or sausage. If you go this route, cook the meat in a skillet first and drain excess grease. Add the remaining ingredients to the skillet and cook as directed.
    • Spruce up the sauce by using any or all of the following: red pepper flakes, fresh tomatoes or diced canned tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, olive oil, fresh basil or dried basil, grated Parmesan, a few minced garlic cloves or fresh chopped onions.
    • Add sugar (or other sweetener) 1 teaspoon at a time for a sweeter sauce.
    • Store room temperature leftovers in an airtight container or glass jar in the fridge. Use within 4-5 days.
    • Adding homemade marinara sauce boosts the flavor hugely!
    • Add a dash or two of red wine for a more complex end result.

    Other Easy Homemade Sauce Recipes to Make This Week

    If you are looking for other easy sauces to make from scratch, check out this helpful list of 18 homemade sauces you can use now or freeze for later. Inside this roundup, you’ll find savory sauces like pizza sauce and marinara sauce as well as sweet ones such as hot fudge sauce and blueberry, too!

    Make This Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe With Fresh (or Frozen) Tomatoes

    If your pasta is already cooked and you just need a delicious, savory sauce to top your noodles with, consider making this delicious homemade pasta sauce using fresh or frozen tomatoes!

    Spaghetti Sauce Made Using Tomato Sauce

    Transform 2 cans of tomato sauce into a batch of delish pasta sauce! If you have tomato sauce on hand instead of tomato paste, this is a great option for you.

    How To Thicken Pasta and Marinara Sauces

    If you make or purchase a batch of pasta sauce and find that is thin and lacks substance, there are ways to fix it! Read on for tips about how to thicken pasta sauce and how to thicken marinara.

    Leftover Pasta Sauce Recipes

    If you don’t want to toss your next batch of sauce, this roundup will provide you with recipes to make using leftover pasta sauce so nothing goes to waste.

    Marinara vs Spaghetti Sauce

    So close in texture, color and flavor that you could call them cousins! Let’s get to the heart of the issue and explore marinara vs spaghetti sauce. What are the differences?!

    Plate of spaghetti with sauce and Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

    FAQ About Spaghetti Sauce

    Can spaghetti sauce be frozen?

    Store spaghetti sauce in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If there are visible signs of mold, discard the sauce. To extend the shelf life, freeze it! Allow the sauce to cool completely and pour it into an airtight container or freezer bag. Place in the freezer for up to 4 months. When you are ready to use the sauce, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw completely. Pour it into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes before serving.

    Are spaghetti sauce and pizza sauce the same?

    Pizza sauce is typically made using tomato sauce, tomato paste and seasonings and is cooked briefly on the stovetop. Spaghetti sauce is made using additional ingredients such as onions, bay leaves and crushed tomatoes and simmers for a couple hours to help enhance the flavor.

    Can spaghetti sauce be used for pizza?

    Spaghetti sauce sauce can be used in place of pizza sauce in a pinch. First, run the sauce through a strainer to get rid of excess liquid. Transfer to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon each of fennel seed and Italian seasoning.

    Is spaghetti sauce gluten free?

    Most spaghetti sauce recipes are gluten-free. When looking for gluten-free store-bought varieties, check the label for ingredients that contain wheat.

    Does spaghetti sauce go bad?

    Unopened spaghetti sauce will typically remain at optimal quality for approximately 1 year, but can be used past that. Opened sauce will remain fresh when stored properly in the fridge for up to 10 days. Discard if visible signs of mold are present.

    Recipes To Make Using Pasta Sauce

    Aside from the obvious reason (the amazing FLAVOR!), my favorite thing about pasta sauce is that it is so versatile. Here are a few pasta dish options that feature it!

    • Pour it over the top of cooked noodles of any kind.
    • Use in place of store-bought sauce in your next pan of Baked Spaghetti or Baked Ziti!
    • Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs
    • Lasagna and Cheesy Manicotti are both sooo good when made with Instant Pot spaghetti sauce!
    • Use it as an ingredient to stuff spaghetti squash with!
    • Add it to your morning eggs because everything tastes great with eggs.
    • Top scrambled eggs with a few spoonfuls!
    • Use it as a dip for breadsticks or garlic bread.

    More Tomato-Based Recipes

    • Roasted Tomato Soup
    • How to Prep Tomatoes for Freezing
    • Roasted Tomatoes
    • Fresh Tomato Sauce Made in a Pressure Cooker
    • Creamy Pasta Skillet
    • Instant Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
    • Easy Baked Spaghetti

    Will you help add value to Pip and Ebby?
    If you make this recipe and love it, stop back and give it a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a comment. THANK YOU!

    How To Make Spaghetti Sauce From Tomato Paste

    Transform 1 can of tomato paste savory, easy spaghetti sauce! Done in just 20 minutes, this sauce is super convenient and affordable.
    4.91 from 20 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Sauce
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 49kcal
    Author: Megan Porta

    Ingredients

    • 6 oz tomato paste
    • 1 1/2 cups water
    • 2 tsp sugar
    • 1 tsp oregano
    • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1 tsp pepper
    • 1/2 tsp onion powder
    • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

    Instructions

    • Combine all ingredients in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then simmer over medium-low heat for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
    • Pour over cooked pasta and top with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

    Notes

    • For a meaty sauce, add 1 pound of lean ground beef, turkey or sausage. If you go this route, cook the meat in a skillet first and drain excess grease. Add the remaining ingredients to the skillet and cook as directed.
    • Spruce up the sauce by using any or all of the following: red pepper flakes, fresh tomatoes or diced canned tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, olive oil, fresh basil or dried basil, grated Parmesan, a few minced garlic cloves or fresh chopped onions.
    • Add sugar (or other sweetener) 1 teaspoon at a time for a sweeter sauce.
    • Store room temperature leftovers in an airtight container or glass jar in the fridge. Use within 4-5 days.
    • Adding homemade marinara sauce boosts the flavor hugely!
    • Add a dash or two of red wine for a more complex end result.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 49kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 923mg | Potassium: 458mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 668IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 2mg
    Did you make this recipe?If you loved this recipe, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below!
    « Spaghetti Sauce Recipe With Fresh Tomatoes
    Recipes For Leftover Spaghetti Sauce »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dusty

      October 19, 2022 at 6:46 pm

      this was amazing. definitely a money saver. you can literally customize however you want.

      Reply
    2. Natalie

      September 09, 2022 at 8:35 pm

      5 stars
      This is so delicious and so cheap and easy to make! Never going back to jarred spaghetti sauce!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        September 12, 2022 at 8:58 am

        It is true – this is the way to make it – always better with a homemade touch! Thanks, Natalie!

        Reply
    3. Barb

      August 25, 2022 at 5:23 pm

      5 stars
      Great sauce and so easy to make.

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        August 26, 2022 at 2:45 pm

        Thank you, Barb! I’m glad it was enjoyed. One of my go-to recipes too.

        Reply
    4. Angie

      July 29, 2022 at 9:42 am

      5 stars
      Great sauce and suggestions!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        July 29, 2022 at 1:42 pm

        Thank you Angie! It’s been fun to see what we can make from products and feed our families well.

        Reply
    5. shalee

      June 09, 2022 at 6:29 am

      havent tasted it yet but boy it smells so good. thanks for the recipe, needed sauce for my meat balls

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        June 10, 2022 at 5:01 am

        Yes! Perfect recipe with easy ingredients usually on hand to make it. Thanks Shalee!

        Reply
    6. Ellie

      May 06, 2022 at 12:14 am

      5 stars
      Easy and tasty

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        May 10, 2022 at 8:58 pm

        So glad you liked it Ellie!

        Reply
    7. Leann

      April 03, 2022 at 6:47 am

      3 stars
      Way too much pepper, I’d half the pepper content. It completely over powered the sauce. I’d also do an extra tsp of sugar.

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        April 05, 2022 at 1:30 am

        If you don’t love pepper, that’s an easy tweak Leann. Glad you figured out what works for you!

        Reply

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