How to Transform Plain Tomato Sauce into Delicious Pasta Sauce

Pasta is a delicious staple in many households, and the sauce is often what brings the dish together. While store-bought sauces are convenient, they can be expensive and often loaded with preservatives. Making your own pasta sauce with tomato sauce is a great way to save money and ensure that your meal is free of unnecessary additives.

Making pasta sauce with tomato sauce is easy and versatile. You can create a basic sauce by combining canned tomato sauce with simple ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Or, you can get creative and add your own twist by incorporating ingredients like meat, vegetables, or cheese. With a little know-how and experimentation, you can create a delicious and customizable pasta sauce that your whole family will enjoy.

How to Make Pasta Sauce with Tomato Sauce: Recipes, Tips, and Tricks

In this section, we will guide you through various tips and tricks for making pasta sauce with tomato sauce, along with some acclaimed recipes that you can try at home.

1. Choose the Right Tomato Sauce
To make a delicious pasta sauce from tomato sauce, you need to select the right tomato sauce. You can either use canned tomato sauce, tomato puree, or crushed tomatoes. It is best to go for non-flavored tomato sauce as this can affect the taste of your pasta sauce.

2. Add More Flavor to Your Tomato Sauce
When making pasta sauce with tomato sauce, you can add additional flavor to your tomato sauce by adding herbs and spices such as basil, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also use fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary. Adding sautéed onions and garlic to your tomato sauce also enhances the flavor. Simply, sauté sliced onions and garlic in olive oil until they soften and turn golden brown, then mix them into your tomato sauce.

3. Use High-Quality Olive Oil
Olive oil is a fundamental ingredient in making any pasta sauce. Therefore, it’s essential to choose high-quality olive oil as it provides a rich flavor to your sauce. Use extra-virgin olive oil, it’s a healthier option and has a distinct taste that enhances the overall flavor of your pasta sauce.

4. Experiment with Different Types of Pasta
Pasta sauce is not complete without pairing it with the right pasta. Experiment with different types of pasta and choose the one that complements your sauce. If you’re making a thick pasta sauce, choose pasta with ridges or twists, like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. On the other hand, if you’re making a smooth pasta sauce, mix it with spaghetti, fettuccine, or capellini.

5. Homemade Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is easy and quick to make, and it’s perfect for any pasta dish. To make this sauce, you need tomato sauce, garlic, olive oil, oregano, basil, chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar. Combine them all in a large pot and simmer for around 30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Marinara sauce tastes great with spaghetti or linguine.

6. Classic Italian Tomato Sauce
To make a classic Italian tomato sauce, you need canned tomato sauce, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Saute the onion in olive oil until it becomes soft and translucent, then add garlic and gently cook for a minute. Add your canned tomato sauce, salt, sugar, and pepper, and stir in the onion mix. Simmer for around 20 minutes until the sauce thickens. Serve with your favorite pasta.

7. Fresh Tomato Sauce
If you have fresh tomatoes in your kitchen available, you can make fresh tomato sauce. Saute some diced onions in olive oil until soft and pour in chopped fresh tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped basil. Simmer until the tomatoes break down, then use an immersion blender to make the sauce smooth. Fresh Tomato sauce matches perfectly with ravioli or cheese tortellini.

8. Make Extra Sauce for Later Use
To save time, you can make extra sauce in advance and store it in the freezer. First, let the sauce cool down. Then, transfer it to freezer bags and freeze the pasta sauce for later use. You can store the pasta sauce in the freezer for up to six months.

9. Serve with Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese is a must-have condiment for any pasta dish. Adding grated Parmesan cheese to your pasta sauce provides an additional saline flavor and adds to the overall umami flavor of your dish.

10. Garnish as Per Your Preference
Garnishing your pasta sauce with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley adds an additional aroma to your dish. You can also add colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes and olives to make it more appealing.

Benefits of Making Pasta Sauce with Tomato Sauce

There are several benefits to making your pasta sauce with tomato sauce. Not only is tomato sauce a versatile and flavorful ingredient, but it’s also incredibly healthy. Here are some of the top benefits of using tomato sauce in your pasta sauce recipe:

1. Rich in Nutrients

Tomatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for maintaining good health. Some of the nutrients found in tomatoes include vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and folate. By making your sauce with tomato sauce, you’re giving your body a nutrient boost while enjoying a delicious meal.

2. Low in Calories

Tomato sauce is naturally low in calories, making it an ideal ingredient for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. Unlike creamy sauces that are high in fat and calories, tomato sauce is a light and healthy option that can help you achieve your weight loss goals.

3. Easy to Customize

Another benefit of making pasta sauce with tomato sauce is that it’s incredibly easy to customize. Whether you prefer a spicy sauce or a sweeter sauce, you can easily adjust the flavor of your tomato-based sauce to suit your taste preferences.

4. Budget-Friendly

As one of the most affordable ingredients, tomato sauce is an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. Instead of spending money on expensive pre-made pasta sauces, you can make your own delicious sauce using tomato sauce without breaking the bank.

5. Versatile

Tomato sauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of recipes. Not only is it great for pasta sauces, but it can also be used in soups, stews, and other dishes to add flavor and nutrition.

6. Promotes Heart Health

The lycopene found in tomatoes has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease. By using tomato sauce in your pasta sauce recipe, you’re not only creating a delicious meal, but you’re also promoting heart health.

7. Boosts Immunity

Tomato sauce is packed with vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. By incorporating tomato sauce into your diet, you can enhance your body’s ability to fight off infections and illnesses.

8. Supports Digestive Health

The fiber found in tomatoes can help support digestive health by promoting regularity and preventing constipation. By including tomato sauce in your pasta sauce recipe, you’re adding a healthy dose of fiber to your meal.

9. Aids in Vision Health

Tomatoes contain beta-carotene, which is essential for healthy eyes. By consuming tomato sauce regularly, you can help support your vision health and prevent age-related vision problems.

10. Enhances Bone Health

The vitamin K found in tomatoes is essential for strong bones. By using tomato sauce in your pasta sauce recipe, you’re providing your body with the nutrients it needs to maintain healthy bones and prevent osteoporosis.

Ingredients for Making Pasta Sauce with Tomato Sauce

Before we dive into the steps for making a delicious pasta sauce using tomato sauce, let’s first take a look at all the ingredients you will need:

Steps to Make Pasta Sauce with Tomato Sauce

Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients

Finely chop an onion and mince two cloves of garlic. Keep them aside. A good tip while using tomato sauce for pasta is to have some salt and sugar ready beforehand. This helps to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce and give the pasta a delicious flavor.

Step 2: Heat Olive Oil

In a frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat. Once the oil is hot enough, add the minced garlic, finely chopped onions, and red chili flakes (optional). Sauté everything together until the onions turn translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant. This should only take a couple of minutes, so make sure you don’t overcook them.

Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce and Spices

Now it’s time to add the tomato sauce to the frying pan. Stir everything well. Season with a teaspoon of salt, a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, and a teaspoon of sugar. Mix the ingredients well together and let the sauce come to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer the Pasta Sauce

Once the sauce has boiled, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. Simmering the sauce allows all the flavors to come together while also reducing the liquid in the sauce slightly. This will help create a richer and thicker sauce for your pasta.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Once you’ve let the sauce simmer for a bit, it’s important to check the seasoning of the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Add more salt, sugar, or dried Italian seasoning if necessary. Mix everything together and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes more.

Voila! Your delicious homemade pasta sauce made with tomato sauce is ready to be poured over your favorite pasta. The simple ingredients and steps make this pasta sauce a quick and easy recipe to follow. Enjoy a hearty and delicious meal in no time!

Ciao for Now!

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make pasta sauce with tomato sauce. Now it’s time for you to try it out and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Remember, you can always come back to this recipe and tweak it to your liking. Thanks for reading and joining me in the kitchen. Don’t forget to visit again for more delicious recipes. Happy cooking!