Out of jarred marinara sauce? You'll never need to buy it again when you make this easy recipe using canned tomato paste plus a few pantry ingredients. Not only is it economical, this tomato paste pasta sauce is incredibly delicious!
If you're like me, you probably turn to easy pasta recipes when you're short on time or lack the energy needed to get dinner on the table. Not only are they satisfying, even the pickiest of eaters enjoy them.
But don't fret if you forgot to pick up a bottle of spaghetti sauce at the supermarket. This tomato paste pasta sauce not only tastes better than most store-bought sauces, it will be ready in the time it takes to boil water and cook a box of noodles.
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Saved dinner! I forgot to buy sauce, and now I don't think I'll ever buy jarred again.
- Holly
Ingredients
Balsamic vinegar: While it may sound contradictory, balsamic vinegar balances out the acidity of the tomatoes. If you don't have any on hand, you can leave it out.
Or add a pinch of organic sugar if the sauce tastes sour. You can also substitute a splash of your favorite red wine.
Italian parsley: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil compliment the flavors of this sauce. But if unavailable, simply omit them. You do not need to add extra dried herbs.
Please see the recipe card for the complete ingredients, measurements, and instructions.
How to make pasta sauce from tomato paste
- Saute the garlic in olive oil.
- Add the tomato paste, water, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a low boil, then reduce the heat and simmer.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper, then stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Serving suggestions
This easy meatless spaghetti sauce pairs well with any of your favorite pasta shapes, including ones made from wheat, rice, corn, quinoa, lentils, chickpeas, or a blend.
It's wonderful with tofu meatballs, herbed nutritional yeast tofu, and vegan baked pasta casserole. Try this quick tomato paste sauce in any recipe calling for jarred marinara.
Have extra tomato paste? Don't miss my guide to more vegan recipes that use tomato paste.
Made this recipe or have a question? Please leave a comment below. 💙 For even more recipes, join the Veggies Save The Day community. It's less like a newsletter and more like emails between friends.
Love and Veggies,
Amy
📋 Recipe
15 Minute Tomato Paste Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-6 ounce can tomato paste
- 1½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, (or substitute dried oregano or basil)
- 1 bay leaf
- salt and pepper, to taste
- splash balsamic vinegar*
- 12-16 ounces cooked pasta, for serving
- fresh Italian parsley or basil, torn or chopped, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds.2 cloves garlic
- Stir in the tomato paste, water, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf.1-6 ounce can tomato paste, 1½ cups water, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 bay leaf
- Bring to a low boil, then lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Discard the bay leaf. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, to taste. Add in a splash of balsamic vinegar and stir to combine.salt and pepper, splash balsamic vinegar*
- Toss with cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh Italian parsley or basil, if desired.12-16 ounces cooked pasta, fresh Italian parsley or basil
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Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation.
Suzanne says
This is so good I just added a small diced onion it turned out perfect.
Amy Katz says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Suzanne! Onion is a great addition. Thanks for coming back to leave a comment!
Anne says
I loved your photos of the items used and the step by step photos as you cooked it. I had some tomato paste left over and cooked the fresh garlic and olive oil and mixed in the tomato paste with Italian seasoning, water, oregano, parsley, a little wine and a little sugar. I loved seeing the gravy thicken up. It was amazing. Thank you so much.
Amy Katz says
Thank you, Anne! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Evelyn says
Love how easy and tasty. Beats store bought any day. Only addition was 1 tablespoon of butter that makes it taste rich.
Amy Katz says
Thanks so much, Evelyn! Love this variation.