This easy pizza sauce made with tomato paste is simple and packed with flavor. With just a few common ingredients, you can whip up a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for any pizza night.
The bold garlic and blend of Italian herbs bring that classic pizzeria taste, while a hint of lemon juice adds a subtle brightness that balances out the richness.
Whether you’re keeping it traditional with just cheese or piling on the toppings, this sauce is versatile enough to complement any pizza. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make, saving you time without sacrificing taste!
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What You’ll Need
- Tomato Paste: Provides a rich, concentrated tomato flavor and thick texture.
- Water: Thins the sauce to the right consistency for spreading.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs (typically oregano, basil, thyme, sage, marjoram, and rosemary) that gives the sauce a balanced, authentic Italian flavor in one simple step.
- Fresh Garlic – Brings a bold garlic flavor to the sauce.
- Granulated Garlic – Provides a milder, even garlic flavor to round things out.
- Onion Powder: Adds mild sweetness and enhances the flavor.
- Sugar: Balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds a little heat and depth.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the sauce and balances the richness.
How to Make Pizza Sauce with Tomato Paste
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
- Heat olive oil and brown the tomato paste for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl.
- Mix in remaining ingredients and let rest for 15 minutes to blend flavors.
Camila's Tips and Variations
- Stir the tomato paste constantly to avoid burning.
- Letting the mixture rest is key for deeper flavor.
- Use fresh tomato paste for the best taste.
- Add minced garlic for extra depth.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- If you want to double the recipe, you can use a 12 oz. can of tomato paste or two 6 oz. cans.
- Cooking the tomato paste briefly before adding the other ingredients helps intensify the flavor, but this step is optional. If you're short on time, you can skip it and simply mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my tomato paste burning?
The heat might be too high. Cook over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent burning.
Why should I add lemon juice to my dish?
Lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of other ingredients and enhances the overall taste. Its acidity helps to elevate and bring out the subtle flavors in your dish, making it more vibrant and well-rounded.
Can I use tomato sauce instead of paste?
Yes, simply replace the paste with tomato sauce.
Related Recipes:
- Cheese Pizza
- Spinach Artichoke Pizza
- Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
- Pesto sauce
- Three Cheese White Pizza
📖 Recipe
Easy Pizza Sauce with Tomato Paste
This easy pizza sauce made with tomato paste is simple and packed with flavor. With just a few common ingredients, you can whip up a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for any pizza night. The bold garlic and blend of Italian herbs bring that classic pizzeria taste, while a hint of lemon juice adds a subtle brightness that balances out the richness. Whether you’re keeping it traditional with just cheese or piling on the toppings, this sauce is versatile enough to complement any pizza. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make, saving you time without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
- one (6 oz) tomato paste
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon granulated or powder garlic , to taste
- ½ teaspoon granulated or powder onion
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ to 1 teaspoon kosher salt , adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 fresh garlic , thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or red wine vinegar (optional)
- A small handful fresh basil , chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, until it browns slightly.
- Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a small bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Let the mixture rest for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Notes
How to Store & Freeze
Store the pizza sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Stir before using.
Nutrition Facts
Easy Pizza Sauce with Tomato Paste
Amount per Serving
Calories
129
% Daily Value*
Fat
8
g
12
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
5
g
Cholesterol
1
mg
0
%
Sodium
636
mg
28
%
Potassium
388
mg
11
%
Carbohydrates
12
g
4
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
6
g
7
%
Protein
2
g
4
%
Vitamin A
559
IU
11
%
Vitamin C
8
mg
10
%
Calcium
58
mg
6
%
Iron
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
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