The Best 5-Minute Homemade Pizza Sauce from Tomato Paste (No Cooking Required!)
Imagine crafting a rich, vibrant pizza sauce in just 5 minutes, without ever turning on the stove. Sound too good to be true? Not with this incredible recipe! Learn how to transform humble tomato paste and a few key seasonings into a delicious, no-cook pizza sauce that will become your new favorite. This isn’t just a quick fix; it’s a game-changer for homemade pizza night, delivering a gourmet taste that far surpasses any store-bought alternative.
When I first whipped up this recipe, I was genuinely surprised by how effortless it was to create a truly delicious pizza sauce from scratch. There’s absolutely no cooking necessary – simply combine the ingredients in a bowl, give them a good stir, and you’re instantly ready to spread this flavorful base onto your pizza dough. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave homemade goodness but are short on time.
Most home cooks agree: food prepared from scratch often tastes undeniably better, and this pizza sauce is a perfect example. Forget bland, watery, or overly sweet pre-made sauces that often disappoint. Give this quick and easy homemade pizza sauce recipe a try, and I’m confident you’ll agree that its fresh, robust flavor and unparalleled simplicity will make store-bought versions a thing of the past. It’s truly a secret weapon for elevating your homemade pizza experience!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a solution for quick, delicious, and authentic pizza flavor. Here’s why this homemade pizza sauce will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:
- Made with Common Pantry Staples: You likely already have all the ingredients on hand, making it incredibly convenient and budget-friendly. No special trips to the grocery store required!
- Tastes Much Better Than Store-Bought Sauce: Experience the difference fresh spices and quality tomato products make. This sauce offers a depth of flavor and brightness that packaged alternatives simply can’t match.
- No Cooking is Required: Seriously! Just stir the ingredients together, and it’s ready to use. This saves you valuable time and keeps your kitchen cooler, especially on hot days.
- Easy Cleanup: With no simmering pots or pans, all you’ll need is a single mixing bowl and a spoon. Quick preparation means even quicker cleanup, letting you enjoy your pizza sooner.
- Gourmet Taste in 5 Minutes Flat: Achieve a rich, authentic Italian flavor profile in mere minutes. It’s the perfect blend of speed and quality, ensuring your pizza always tastes amazing.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Pizza Sauce
This section provides detailed ingredient notes and excellent substitution options. You’ll find all precise measurements, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post.
- Tomato Sauce: This forms the base of our sauce, providing a smooth, liquid consistency. Opt for a good quality canned tomato sauce, preferably one with minimal added ingredients, to ensure the freshest taste.
- Tomato Paste: The secret to this sauce’s incredible depth and thickness. Tomato paste adds a concentrated tomato flavor that makes the sauce rich and robust, preventing it from becoming watery on your pizza crust.
- Seasonings: A carefully chosen blend of spices creates that classic pizza parlor flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A pre-mixed blend typically containing oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. It’s the cornerstone of Italian flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a consistent, savory garlic flavor without the sharpness or moisture of fresh garlic, which is ideal for a no-cook sauce.
- Onion Powder: Adds a subtle, sweet onion undertone that complements the garlic and tomatoes perfectly.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors. Adjust to your personal preference.
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For those who enjoy a little kick! It adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Sugar: Just a touch of granulated sugar is the “secret ingredient” that balances the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a well-rounded and more palatable sauce. Don’t skip it; it makes a huge difference!
Customizing Your Sauce: Easy Substitutions & Variations
One of the best parts about making your pizza sauce at home is the flexibility to tailor it to your exact taste preferences. Here are some fantastic substitution ideas to experiment with:
- Garlic Alternatives: Instead of garlic powder, you can substitute fresh garlic (about 2 cloves, minced) or dried minced garlic (about 1.5 teaspoons). If you opt for fresh garlic, I highly recommend sautéing it gently in a tablespoon of olive oil for a minute or two until fragrant before adding it to the sauce. This mellows its flavor and enhances its aroma, though it does mean a little cooking!
- DIY Italian Seasoning: No Italian seasoning on hand? No problem! Create your own blend by adding 1 Tablespoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. You can also include small pinches of dried thyme, rosemary, or marjoram for a more complex profile.
- Spice It Up: For a spicier pizza sauce, use red pepper flakes in place of or in addition to cayenne pepper. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste. A dash of hot sauce could also work, though it might thin the sauce slightly.
- A Touch of Freshness: While this is a no-cook sauce, a few fresh ingredients can be stirred in right before serving or baking. Consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil or a pinch of fresh oregano for an aromatic boost.
- Olive Oil Boost: Though not strictly necessary for a no-cook sauce, a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil (1-2 tablespoons) can add a lovely richness and silky texture. Stir it in with the other ingredients.
How to Use Your Versatile Homemade Pizza Sauce
This isn’t just for your classic pizza night! This flavorful sauce is incredibly versatile and can elevate many dishes. Here’s how to make the most of your homemade creation:
For traditional pizza, simply spread a generous layer of this sauce evenly over your pizza dough. Then, add your favorite cheese and toppings before baking. The recipe makes enough sauce for approximately 2-3 large pizzas, or you can use it for several smaller personal-sized pizzas or quick pizza bagels.
You’ll find that this robust pizza sauce pairs exceptionally well with any of your go-to pizza toppings. Whether you’re a fan of classic pepperoni, savory mushrooms, fresh bell peppers, grilled chicken, or a vibrant veggie medley, the sauce provides a perfect base. You truly can’t go wrong with this versatile foundation.
Looking to venture beyond a traditional round pizza? This sauce is perfect for a variety of pizza-inspired creations. Try it on a delicious sheet pan pizza for an easy family meal, a comforting pizza casserole, or even as the flavorful filling for classic calzones or savory strombolis. Its thick consistency holds up beautifully in baked dishes.
Have extra sauce left over? Don’t let a single drop go to waste! This homemade pizza sauce makes an excellent marinara-type dipping sauce. Serve it warm alongside crispy garlic bread, flavorful pepperoni bread, classic breadsticks, gooey mozzarella sticks, fun pizza rolls, or even toasted ravioli. It’s a fantastic way to add a burst of Italian flavor to any snack or appetizer.
Storing Your Homemade Pizza Sauce for Future Feasts
This sauce is so easy and delicious, you’ll want to make extra! Proper storage ensures you can enjoy its fresh taste whenever a pizza craving strikes.
Refrigerator: Store any leftover pizza sauce in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I highly recommend using a glass jar or container, as the vibrant tomato sauce can sometimes stain plastic containers, making them difficult to clean thoroughly.
Make Ahead: Get a smart jump start on your next homemade pizza night by preparing the sauce a day or two in advance. In fact, letting the sauce sit overnight in the refrigerator often enhances its flavor profile significantly. This resting period allows all the herbs and spices to fully meld and incorporate into the sauce, soaking up extra deliciousness. When you’re ready to make your pizza, you can take the sauce straight out of the fridge and add it to your pizza dough or crust – there’s no need to heat it beforehand, as it will warm up perfectly in the oven.
Freezer: For longer storage, this pizza sauce freezes beautifully. Portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers, or for even more convenience, divide it into smaller, individual portions (e.g., enough for one pizza) before freezing. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To use, simply transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight before you plan to make your pizza.
Pro Tip: For super-fast thawing, pour the sauce into a freezer bag, press out all the air, and lay it flat in your freezer. This thin layer will thaw much more quickly than a thick block of sauce in a container.
Best Pizza Sauce Recipe FAQs
Absolutely not! That’s one of the best features of this recipe. This homemade pizza sauce is designed to be a no-cook sauce. It doesn’t need to simmer on the stovetop beforehand, as it will heat up and fully develop its flavors beautifully while your pizza bakes in the hot oven. This saves you time and effort without compromising on taste.
While both are tomato-based, pizza sauce and pasta sauce (including marinara) have distinct differences in their preparation and consistency. Pasta and marinara sauces are typically cooked and simmered for an extended period, allowing flavors to deepen and textures to soften, and they often have a higher water content. Pizza sauce, like this recipe, is usually uncooked. It’s also designed to be thicker and less watery, ensuring it holds up well on the pizza crust without making it soggy, and it will cook along with the pizza in the oven.
Yes, you absolutely can! While dried herbs work wonderfully in this recipe, finely chopped fresh basil or oregano can add a bright, aromatic burst of flavor. For the best results with fresh herbs in a no-cook sauce, stir them in right before you spread the sauce on your pizza or just before serving if using as a dip. This preserves their delicate freshness.
Achieving your preferred consistency is easy. If you find the sauce too thick, you can thin it out by adding a small amount (1-2 tablespoons at a time) of extra tomato sauce or even a splash of water until it reaches your desired spreadability. If you prefer an even thicker, more concentrated sauce, consider adding a little more tomato paste, starting with a tablespoon, and mixing well.
Yes, this recipe is naturally both vegan and gluten-free! All the ingredients – tomato sauce, tomato paste, and the specified seasonings – are plant-based and do not contain gluten. This makes it a fantastic, inclusive option for nearly everyone to enjoy their homemade pizza night.
Other Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more simple and delicious meal ideas? Here are some other family-friendly recipes that are sure to become new favorites:
- Honey Sesame Chicken: A sweet and savory delight, perfect for a quick Asian-inspired meal.
- Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese: A comforting classic with a spicy kick that’s incredibly satisfying.
- Easy Tater Tot Casserole: A hearty, cheesy, and simple dish that’s a hit with both kids and adults.
- Hearty Beef Chili – Crockpot Recipe: Let your slow cooker do the work for a rich and flavorful chili, perfect for any season.
We hope you give this incredibly simple and flavorful homemade pizza sauce a try. Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your quick and easy homemade pizza sauce with tomato paste turned out! Your reviews, comments, and feedback are always incredibly valued and help other home cooks discover this fantastic recipe.
Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce (No Cook!)
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 15 ounce tomato sauce
- 6 ounce tomato paste
- 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste (optional)
Instructions
-
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the tomato sauce and the tomato paste. Stir these two ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined, ensuring no lumps of tomato paste remain.
-
Next, add all the remaining ingredients to the bowl: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, granulated sugar, black pepper, and the optional cayenne pepper. Stir everything vigorously until all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the tomato mixture.
-
Your homemade pizza sauce is now ready to use! You can spread it immediately on your pizza dough for homemade pizza, stromboli, or calzones. Alternatively, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week, or use it as a delightful dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks and more.
Notes
This versatile recipe yields approximately 2 ¾ cups of prepared pizza sauce, which is typically enough to generously cover 3 to 4 pizzas, depending on the size and your preferred thickness of the sauce layer.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share your delicious creations with me on Instagram @crayonsandcravings and be sure to follow on Pinterest @crayonsandcravings for even more inspiring recipes and culinary tips!
Pin Recipe
Leave A Review