What To Do With Pasta Sauce

18 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Spaghetti Sauce

Putting a half-used jar of marinara in the fridge and discovering that it has gotten moldy and disgusting by the time you go back to use it is not an uncommon occurrence. It happens to me on a regular basis, almost daily. While I usually aim to use up the leftover spaghetti sauce, it seems as though I am losing track of the container as it becomes further buried in the war zone that is my refrigerator. This implies that I’m squandering not only food, but also money that I’ve worked hard to obtain.

My mission, in an effort to be less wasteful and more creative in the kitchen, was to come up with some simple and innovative ways to use up the extra marinara that I had on hand.

To guarantee that the jars of pasta sauce in your shopping basket are healthy, sift through the best and worst pasta sauces before you start browsing through all the delicious possibilities.

Is it possible to have some friends around for a night of Heads Up and drinks?

1 cup of spaghetti sauce, 1/2 cup of chopped Kalamata olives, 1/2 cup of chopped roasted peppers, and a tablespoon of capers are combined to form this dish.
Alternatively, if you want to go all out, combine the tapenade with some store-bought hummus and spread the mixture over slices of French bread.
Here’s a simple, healthful side dish to serve alongside all of your favorite Italian-inspired dinners if you’re looking for something quick and easy.
After cutting four zucchinis in half lengthwise, set them aside.
Place on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and top with tomato sauce, diced tomato, grated Parmesan cheese, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
Bake for 15 minutes, then turn the oven on to broil for the final 3 minutes, or until the cheese is slightly browned on top.
(Believe us when we say your taste buds will appreciate you!) Consider cooking thisEggplant Parmesan for Onerecipe from culinary blogger Betsy of BetsyLife.com the next time you’re snacking and binge-watching Netflix alone.

Moreover, because the eggplant is baked rather than fried, this warm dish is one that you can feel good about devouring.

In a mixing bowl, combine a teaspoon of spaghetti sauce with a 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper, and stir well to combine.

The only thing better than pizza night is a pizza party.

Make these adorable small veggie pizzas with only a few ingredients: Ezekiel English muffins, leftover canned tomato sauce, chopped vegetables, and mozzarella cheese.

Prepare a full and nutritious side salad to accompany your mini pizzas while they’re baking.

Shutterstock When it comes to meatloaf, there are countless variations to choose from.

Combine it with 2.5 pounds of lean, grass-fed ground beef, 1/2 cup of seasoned dry breadcrumbs, 1 egg, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion in a large mixing bowl until well combined.

Bake at 350°F for 1 hour, or until the centre is no longer pink, until the sauce is bubbling around the outside of the pan.

Begin by sautéing some minced garlic in olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the mussels open, covered in a saucepan of boiling water.

There is a lot to learn about ratatouille if your only exposure to it has been from the movie about the rat who dreams of being a fantastic chef.

To prepare it at home, sauté some garlic, sliced bell peppers, eggplant, onion, yellow squash, and zucchini in olive oil until the vegetables are soft and tender.

Allow the stew to boil until the vegetables are cooked before serving.

Combine equal parts marinara and spicy sauce in a medium or large mixing basin, and then coat the chicken wings with the mixture.

Protein, decent carbohydrates, and a little healthy fat are all included in this recipe, in addition to the delectable spicy, creamy, and salty elements that make this dish so delicious.

Cook until the whites of the eggs are set by cracking in 2 eggs and covering with a lid.

Shutterstock Are you running low on salsa for your upcoming dinner party?

1 cup of marinara, a splash of spicy sauce, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, corn kernels, black beans, chopped cilantro, and diced red onion are mixed together in a large mixing bowl.

You’ve got a bowl full of salsa that’s ready in seconds.

However, by making a few clever substitutions, it is quite feasible to indulge without destroying a week’s worth of good eating habits.

The yogurt will curdle if you turn the heat up too high, so be careful.

Carrots and zucchini ribbons are our favorite vegetables, but any vegetable would do.

Go to the refrigerator and take out any leftover tomato sauce you have.

What would be born if a piece of pizza and a quesadilla were to fall in love and have a child together?

For a quick and easy homemade version, put some of your leftover spaghetti sauce over a medium whole wheat tortilla.

While most people don’t think “bloody mary” when they see a jar of marinara, you can use it to whip up a great Saturday morning pick-me-up with a little imagination.

) 12 cup spaghetti sauce, 14 cup water, 3 tablespoons lime juice, and 12 tablespoons horseradish are combined with 1.5 to 3 ounces vodka (that’s 1 or 2 shots) to make a cocktail.

Best and worst hot sauces—ranked is a unique study that includes some of our favorite hot and spicy options.

The spaghetti squash is about to become your new best friend if you love the idea of low-carb zoodles but aren’t too excited about the prospect of slicing the vegetable into ribbons yourself.

Please visit SkinnyTaste.com for detailed instructions on how to create this ricotta-enhanced lasagna dish that will please lasagna enthusiasts everywhere.

Look through your refrigerator for cooked quinoa or rice, prepared vegetables, marinara sauce, and cheese to make this dish.

To finish the pepper, sprinkle it with a little additional cheese and bake it at 350°F for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and golden.

Distribute a layer of leftover spaghetti sauce over a slice of sprouted whole grain bread, then top with your favorite cheese and other ingredients like as tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms.

Finish by adding another piece of bread and toasting it in a pan until the bread is browned and the cheese is starting to melt, about 2 minutes.

12 Ways to Use a Jar of Pasta Sauce for Dinner (That Aren’t Just Spaghetti)

Stromboli with ham and cheese served on a white platter Photograph courtesy of footballgrl16 Power from the pantry! We enjoy utilizing readymade spaghetti sauce or pasta sauce in our lasagne recipes, ziti recipes, manicotti recipes, and simple spaghetti meals, among other dishes. However, in the quest of quick and easy evening meals, we’ve taken a jar of sauce in a whole other path. Whether you’re making delicious spaghetti tacos or scrumptious meatball sandwiches, the whole family will enjoy these unique twists on classic recipes.

Italian Country Style Ribs

The Stromboli is served on a white platter. Footballgrl16 provided the image. It’s got to be the pantry! We enjoy using readymade spaghetti sauce or pasta sauce in lasagne recipes, ziti recipes, manicotti recipes, and simplespaghetti meals, among other dishes. However, in the quest of quick and easy evening meals, we’ve taken a jar of sauce in a new direction. It doesn’t matter if you’re making delicious spaghetti tacos or scrumptious meatball sandwiches; the whole family will enjoy these creative tweaks.

Brenda’s Pepperoni Chicken Rollups

Stromboli with ham and cheese served on a white dish. Image courtesy of footballgrl16 The power of the pantry! When making lasagna, ziti, manicotti, and basic spaghetti meals, we like to use readymade spaghetti sauce or pasta sauce. However, in the quest of quick and easy evening dinners, we’ve taken a jar of sauce in new ways. Whether you’re making delicious spaghetti tacos or scrumptious meatball sandwiches, the whole family will enjoy these unique twists on classic dishes.

Lasagna Burritos

Burritos de Lasagna served on a white dish Photograph courtesy of ElyseJO Wrap saucy, meaty, cheesy lasagna rolls in flour tortillas for the ultimate fusion culinary experience. In ElyseJO’s words, “When you take two wonderful dishes — lasagna, and burritos — and combine them into something fresh, you have a dinner that is truly unique!” Advertisement

Simple Lasagna Burgers

On a white dish, simple Lasagna Burgers are served. Image courtesy of thedailygourmet A need for a juicy burger, along with some leftover Italian sausage and ricotta cheese, provided the inspiration for this rapid dish, according to scheffdawg’s recipe. “Use spicy Italian sausage and season with your favorite hot sauce to taste while combining the meats together for an added kick.”

Italian Style Chili

In a blue bowl, Italian-style chili is served. Photograph courtesy of pomplemousse The recipe for this easy-to-make variation on conventional chili is provided by AmyHood. “Pepperoni, mushrooms, and a container of premade spaghetti sauce are all called for in this recipe. It seems like every time I prepare this for someone else, I’m asked for the recipe.”

Meatball Sandwich

Cooking Monster Bryan is to thank for this delicious meatball sandwich. Baked meatball sandwiches cooked with seasoned ground beef and baked in the oven are served on gently toasted baguettes with prepared tomato sauce and melted provolone cheese on top.

“It’s so simple and delicious!” exclaims hotdiggitydogs. “It’s something I’ve prepared multiple times for my family and friends, and we’ve all raved about it! I’ve also cooked the meatballs separately and served them with noodles on a couple of occasions. It’s fantastic!” Advertisement Advertisement

Spaghetti Tacos

On a grey plate, there are spaghetti tacos. Photograph courtesy of Joseph D. Andrews The idea for these weird tacos came from an episode of a famous children’s comedy television show. They’re quick, easy, and entertaining to make. Simply fill a crispy taco shell with pasta and spaghetti sauce, top with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately to savor! “These were requested by my children after they saw them on one of their favorite television shows,” explains Kitty Johnson. “It was really simple and quick.”

Pizza Fondue

Renee Paj’s photo of the pizza fondue This delicious sauce with a pizza flavor comes together in a matter of minutes. Cubes of French bread are dipped into this entertaining fondue. “This is a fantastic alternative to cheesy fondue sauces! This pizza fondue is a hit with both children and adults alike “MARNIKINS expresses himself in this way:

Quick Baked Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan Baked in Minutes According to ChristineM, “In this lighter version of chicken Parmesan, I omit the pan-frying in oil and instead bake lightly-breaded chicken breasts in the oven before topping with sauce and cheese.” “My family is not a huge fan of a lot of sauce and cheese, so I only use a bit to flavor the meal rather than using a lot. You are welcome to add more if you choose, but the piece is fantastic as is. Serve the chicken over the pasta, topped with more sauce if desired.” Advertisement

Delicious Spaghetti Bread

Chicken Parmesan Baked in a Hurry According to ChristineM, “In this lighter version of chicken Parmesan, I omit the pan-frying in oil and instead bake lightly-breaded chicken breasts in the oven before topping them with sauce and cheese.” “To be honest, my family isn’t huge on a lot of sauce and cheese, so I only add a small amount to flavor the meal. You are welcome to add more if you choose, but the document is good as is. Additional sauce should be served with the chicken.” Advertisement

Ham and Cheese Stromboli

Stromboli with ham and cheese served on a white platter Photograph courtesy of footballgrl16 Each mouthful of this stromboli, which is stuffed with ham, sausage, salami, and pepperoni, is bursting with authentic Italian taste. ALTRACHEL, a reviewer, said, “This was quite yummy and simple to make. Due to the fact that we had far more than two people could consume, we ended up eating cold stromboli for days on end – it was delicious!”

Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Chef Victoria Greene prepares a baked Eggplant Parmesan meal in a glass dish. With the help of a jar of spaghetti sauce, this classic Italian dish is made even easier. A sumptuous dinner is created by layering crunchy bread crumb-coated eggplant with a creamy sauce and two varieties of cheese. Advertisement

27 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do with a Jar of Pasta Sauce

As a working mom, you’re usually on the lookout for quick and easy supper ideas that can be thrown together in minutes. As it turns out, a magic trick is just around the corner, and you probably already have everything you need in your pantry-a jar of spaghetti sauce!

With recipes ranging from novel noodles to soups, casseroles, and more, we’ve compiled a selection of unusual pasta sauce recipes that make use of this pantry staple in a variety of crazy-creative ways.

Lasagna Soup

Everything is prepared in a single pot, and the noodles do not need to be precooked? Please include us in your plans! This delicious Lasagna Soup from The Blond Cook is a snap to make for evening dinners. Combining this flavorful soup with a side salad and crusty bread makes for a quick and easy supper.

No-Fry Chicken Parmesan Enchiladas

You mean we don’t have to precook the noodles because everything is made in one pot? Please include us on the list! It’s easy to whip up this delicious Lasagna Soup from The Blond Cook for weekday meals on the fly. Combine this flavorful soup with a green salad and crusty bread for a quick and easy supper that everyone will appreciate.

Lasagna Stuffed Mushrooms

Lasagna Stuffed Mushrooms are a tasty and easy method to persuade your children to consume more of the beneficial elements of this superfood. They are made with huge portobellos, tons of cheese, and a delectable sauce that will have you substituting them for noodles on a regular basis. The recipe may be found on Two Peas and Their Pod.

Chicken Parmesan Sliders

Using huge portobellos, tons of cheese, and a tasty sauce, Lasagna Stuffed Mushrooms are a simple method to encourage your children to consume the beneficial components of this superfood. You’ll find yourself substituting them for noodles on a regular basis. Two Peas and Their Pod provides the recipe.

Italian Pot Roast

It’s time for some comfort food! This Italian pot roast, which utilizes canned sauce and can be served on top of a creamy helping of polenta, is a delicious way to jazz up your standard pot roast. Olivia’s Cuisine has the recipe for you.

Italian Sausage Hoagies

With this quick and easy recipe, you’ll have restaurant-style hoagies ready to hit the dinner table in no time. Bonus points, perhaps? It accomplishes its goal with the help of a jar of chunky marinara. The recipe may be found at Chelsea’s Messy Apron.

Pasta Sauce Healthy Minestrone Soup

It is not always necessary to spend hours slaving over the stove in order to prepare a batch of soup. This easy minestrone soup recipe combines fresh vegetables with a jar of spaghetti sauce that can be found at any grocery store. It takes 15-20 minutes to prepare and serve. You may find the recipe on Plating Pixels.

Instant Pot Marinara Rice + Brats

Psst! This quick and easy dinner may be prepared in 30 minutes or less, thanks to your trusty Instant Pot. The components are straightforward (think: marinara sauce, jasmine rice, brats, and fresh vegetables), yet the dish is bursting with flavor. This Worthey Life has the recipe, which you can get here.

Pizza Stuffed Chicken

Consider alternatives to traditional pizza delivery! When you mix the flavor of freshly baked pizza with a full chicken supper, you get something truly delicious. You may utilize the flavors of your family’s favorite pizza toppings as inspiration for this recipe, which is simple to prepare. Take a look at Dinner at the Zoo for the recipe.

Italian Baked Eggs

Breakfast for supper or the finest brunch you’ve ever had!

This cheesy baked eggs meal can be prepared in just 15 minutes, and it is extremely simple to modify with whatever cheese you happen to have on hand. In addition, the kids will enjoy dipping their bread into their eggs. You can find the recipe on Damn Delicious.

Roasted Garlic White Chicken Lasagna Soup

If you enjoy creamy, soothing soups, you’ll enjoy this one as much as I do. One of the main components is canned Alfredo sauce, which you can customize by adding more vegetables or noodles to fit your family’s preferences. The recipe may be found at Little Spice Jar.

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

If you think using a jar of marinara for spaghetti is a bit blah, you need to check out this amazing recipe for inspiration. It transforms regular spaghetti and meatballs into a delicious baked cheesy dish that is sure to please. We promise you that this is not your typical pasta. More information may be found at Damn Delicious.

Pizza Grilled Cheese

A child who does not enjoy pizza and grilled cheese is difficult to find, which is why we believe this combination is as brilliant as it is tasty. It’s got all the ingredients of your favorite pie (complete with marinara sauce), but it has the outer-beauty of a delicious grilled cheese sandwich on the outside. Learn how to make the dish at Mom to Mom Nutrition.

Marinara Soup

Who knew that a container of marinara sauce could be transformed into a warm cup of veggie soup in only 20 minutes? I certainly didn’t. A chilly weeknight may be transformed into a warm and toasty good time with this technique, which is superior to any other magic trick. Even better: you most likely already have all of the components on hand. The Seasoned Mom has the recipe, which you can get here.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Observe this closely, casserole enthusiasts! This cheesy chicken parmesan recipe is a great evening dish that can satisfy a large group of hungry people at the same time. It’s also a cinch to create, and it all starts with your favorite tomato-based spaghetti sauce. The recipe may be found at The Weary Chef.

Spaghetti and Hot Dogs

What do you get when two of the most popular kid-friendly foods come together? Of course, there will be spaghetti and hot dogs! Consider this one-pot dinner as a tasty improvement to the box of noodles you have stashed away in your cabinet. Don’t forget to include some vegetables for an added dose of nutrition! Kitchen Simmer has the recipe you’re looking for.

Skillet Pizza Pasta

Is that a slice of pizza? Is that some sort of pasta? It’s both—as well as really tasty. The tastes of your favorite pizza (think customisable fillings, hidden vegetables, and pepperoni!) are the key to this unique pasta. Plus, it’ll be ready in the same amount of time as your noodles would be! Learn how to make the dish at Mom to Mom Nutrition.

Italian-Style Meatloaf with Marinara

Searching for comfort cuisine that the whole family will enjoy? Look no further. The meatloaf comes to the rescue! This recipe receives bonus points for incorporating herbs and spices that you are likely to already have in your cupboard. All you need is a jar of marinara and you’re ready to go! Saporito Kitchen has the recipe you’re looking for.

Easy Beef-Stuffed Shells

If we have to say so ourselves, these filled shells are a baked marvel of culinary artistry.

They’re simple to make and oozing with cheesy goodness. Furthermore, they reheat well, allowing you to have a satisfying weeknight supper anytime you choose! Taste of Home has the recipe you’re looking for.

One-Pot Zucchini Prosciutto Mozarella Rolls

If we do say so ourselves, these filled shells are a culinary marvel. The best part is that they’re really easy to prepare and quite cheesy. Furthermore, they reheat well, allowing you to have a satisfying weeknight supper anytime you choose. Taste of Home has the recipe you’ll need.

3-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Shells

Psst! This dish is delicious, creamy, and completely vegan! What exactly is the secret? Cashews! The perfect go-to dinner when you’re seeking a healthier version of your favorite comfort food, this dish is a must-try. Try it for yourself, and you’ll be blown away by this quick but delectable lunch. Pinch of Yum has the recipe, which you can find here.

Rustic Grilled Vegetable and Sausage Pasta

What is it about this spaghetti dish that we find so appealing? It might be the nutritious vegetables, the strong tastes, or the sweet Italian sausage. It’s possible that you’ll be able to tailor the ingredients to the preferences of your family. Alternatively, it might be due to the fact that it is a simple improvement over the jar of marinara you have in your cabinet. The recipe may be found at Boulder Locavore.

Spicy Slow Cooker Chili

Chili deserves three shouts! This dish makes use of a convenient shortcut: spaghetti sauce! In a large mixing bowl, combine it with ground beef, season with more chiles to suit your family’s tastes, and simmer in a slow cooker until done. You’ve prepared a filling dish that will make any dinnertime more enjoyable. The recipe may be found in A Taste of Madness.

5-Ingredient One-Pot Pasta with Chicken Sausage

Is there anything better than a one-pot supper that is both delicious and convenient? That’s the beauty of this 5-ingredient pasta dish, which features chicken sausage, vegetables, and cheese as its main ingredients. The pasta will even take on the flavor of your favorite sauce, which is a major plus! The recipe may be found atKristine’s Kitchen Blog.

Freezer English Muffin Mini Pizzas

If the thought of prepping meals ahead of time makes your heart skip a beat, you’re in luck. The ultimate in convenience, these kid-sized English muffin pizzas are a lunchbox favorite or a quick supper option when you use spaghetti sauce instead of pizza sauce. Get the recipe from the website Simple as That.

Spaghetti Sauce Sloppy Joes

Are you ready for the ultimate sloppy joes shortcut that has ever existed? This classic sandwich is made using leftover spaghetti and meat sauce, which serves as the perfect basis. Cooking a quick and delicious supper has never been easier (and what youngster doesn’t enjoy a dish that has the word “sloppy” right in the title?). Tip Garden has the recipe you’re looking for.

Slow Cooker Chicken Parm

Put this in the category of “Favorite Crock Pot Recipes” right now! This chicken parmesan dish requires only three ingredients, yet the results are out of this world delicious. The cleaning is simple, and you’ll like the portion of the procedure when you can just set it and forget it! You can find the recipe here. Abigail Matsumoto is a writer and artist living in Los Angeles. Karly Wood is a young woman who lives in the United States.

IN CONNECTION WITH THIS ARTICLE: 8 Spaghetti Recipes You Haven’t Tried Yet (Really!) 51 Quick and Easy Pasta Dishes to Make Dinnertime a Breeze 10 Sheet Pan Dinners that are a Breeze to Make 30 Delicious (and Easy!) Recipes to Get You Started in the New Year

Easy Pasta Sauce Recipe

Put this under the category of “Favorite Crock Pot Recipes,” and put it in there immediately. This chicken parm dish requires only three ingredients, but the results are out of this world. You will enjoy the set-it-and-forget-it aspect of the procedure, as well as the simplicity of the cleaning. Please see this page for further information on how to make this recipe: Abigail Matsumoto is a writer and artist living in New York. Karly Wood is a young woman that lives in the United States of America.

Make dinnertime a breeze with these 51 easy pasta dishes.

Crushed Tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes are used in this dish. This is quite important for this sauce. Although diced tomatoes can be used, the consistency of the sauce will not be the same as it would be with whole tomatoes. Tomatoes are often a little thicker or thinner depending on the brand and, in certain cases, depending on the season. Add 1/4 cup of water to the sauce to get it going. If your sauce is too thick, thin it up with a bit extra water. Cook’s Tip: As the sauce cooks, it will thicken as it cooks. It is preferable to start with a thinner sauce than you want the completed sauce to be while making the sauce.

Onions and Garlic

The flavor of the sauce is greatly enhanced by the addition of onions and garlic. Make use of one medium onion and three to five garlic cloves for this recipe. Yes. Yes, you read that correctly. Three to five cloves are recommended. What’s the deal with the range? If the cloves are little, you can use more of them. This results in a spaghetti sauce that is a little lumpy. The sliced onions are mostly responsible for the consistency. I cut them up in a harsh manner. If you want a sauce that is velvety smooth, you have three options:

Finely dice the onions
Set aside. In a food processor, pulse the onions until they’re practically a paste-like consistency
After the sauce has done simmering, puree it until smooth.

Butter

Adding a pat of butter to my sauce is something I didn’t start doing until recently, but my, what a difference it has made. It takes only a small piece of butter to give the sauce a roundness that you’ll enjoy.

Dried Basil

I’m aware of the situation. I’m aware of the situation. All of the fashionable culinary snobs claim that dried herbs have no taste and are thus unnecessary. Do you understand what I’m saying? ‘ Eff them all. Seriously. Purchase some high-quality dried basil and you’ll be fine. Is dried produce the same as fresh produce? Nope! However, it will enhance the flavor. It is simple to determine whether or not the dried basil you are using is fresh by smelling it. Despite the fact that you are not rubbing it between your fingers, you should be able to sense a fresh basil scent.

Cook Time

It simply takes 10 minutes to cook this sauce on the stovetop.

Seriously. Cook it for a longer period of time, up to one hour, for a more intense taste. The sauce thickens as it cooks longer, so be sure to cook it thoroughly. Stir it occasionally, and add more water if necessary to get the desired consistency.

Salt, Pepper, and Other Good Flavors

Simmering time for this sauce is only 10 minutes total. Seriously. Longer cooking time (up to one hour) will result in a richer taste. Because it is cooked for a longer time, the sauce becomes thicker. Make care to stir it occasionally and to add more water if necessary to prevent burning.

Can I use this sauce for pizza?

Sure! I like a thick sauce on my pizza, so I’d recommend cooking the sauce till it’s thick before using it on the pie.

How do I freeze tomato sauce?

Allow the sauce to cool fully before using it. Place the mixture into a freezer-safe storage container. Put it in the freezer for up to three months. Refrigerate overnight to allow the frozen food to thaw. Before serving, bring the mixture to a boil. Make necessary adjustments to the consistency.

Can I use fresh tomatoes?

I wouldn’t do that. Fresh tomatoes are quite delicious. This dish, on the other hand, was created using canned tomatoes.

Can I can this sauce?

Nope! It is not a canning recipe that has been authorized.

Can I omit the sugar?

Nope! Canning using this recipe is not permitted.

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion finely diced
3-5 cloves garlic minced or put through a garlic press
2 tablespoons dried basil
Pinch red pepper flakes (about 1/4 teaspoon)
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 pat butter (about 2 teaspoons)
128 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil

The olive oil should be heated until it shimmers on a high heat setting. Cook the onions, turning regularly, for approximately three minutes, or until they are tender and translucent. During the cooking process, the onions should sizzle and hiss. Toss in the garlic. Using a whisk, mix all of the ingredients. This keeps the garlic from becoming too hot to handle. Continue to cook for an additional two minutes. Combine the basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using a whisk, mix all of the ingredients. Toss in the butter. Stir for about a minute, then add half of the smashed tomatoes and simmer for another minute. Remove any stuck-on particles from the bottom of the pan by scraping it. Reduce the heat to a low setting. Toss in the remaining tomatoes. 1/4 cup water should be added at this point. Pour in more water if the sauce appears to be too thick
Reduce the heat and let the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes or up to one hour. If you want to simmer the sauce for an extended period of time, mix it occasionally and add extra water as needed to keep the sauce at the proper consistency.

The Right Way to Sauce Pasta

My request for a glass of grappa at the Italian restaurant down the street from my residence was taken care of by the bartender. “You are the first person I have ever seen order that,” she shouted when she received the order back. I asked her how long she’d been working there, assuming she was only a few days or a week or two into her job. “It’s been almost two years,” she explained. As you can see, this isn’t the type of Italian restaurant where you’d go to order a shot of grappa with dinner.

That type of Italian restaurant is the kind of place I envision Billy Joel singing about.
When the garlic bread is too soft and saturated, I enjoy pulling off bits of it, and when the waiters come around with the enormous pepper mill, as if it might save limp baby spinach, I enjoy it (with dressing always served on the side).
It’s a feast for the senses.
The manner in which they serve spaghetti.
What, specifically, is the issue?
After all, who cares if it was hastily put together before of time?
The truth is, no matter how delicious your sauce is, if you don’t properly sauce your pasta, you’re losing out on one of life’s greatest pleasures: a delicious bowl of pasta.

A good store-bought marinara sauce may be made even better by adding the proper seasonings and finishing touches towards the end of cooking. Step-by-step instructions on how to properly sauce your pasta are provided below.

Step 1: Heat Your Sauce Separately

The pasta should be mixed with sauce that is already hot and ready, with a few exceptions (such as when creating an ap pesto sauce or a basic Roman-style cheese sauce, such as carbonara or cacio e pepe). Cooked pasta should not be heated in a cold pan of sauce, since this may cause the pasta to absorb more water and become mushy over time. For my sauce, I either use a wide saucier (the sloping sides of a saucier make it simpler to use for tossing pasta than a straight-sided pot) or a big skillet (which has straight sides).

Step 2: Cook Your Pasta al Dente (Really)

Alternatively, in another pot, bring several quarts of salted water to a rolling boil, if desired. Keep in mind that you do not want your pasta water to taste like the sea. One to two percent salinity is what you should strive for, which equates to around 1 or 2 teaspoons of kosher salt per quart or liter of water or juice. In addition, you don’t need a lot of water—just enough to keep the spaghetti from sticking to the pan. When cooking little shapes such as penne or fusilli, I use a pot or a saucier to cook them in.

A period came when cooked-to-mush macaroni and cheese was the accepted standard in our country.
It is recommended that you cook pasta until it is al dente — “to the teeth,” which implies just until it is cooked through.
Allow it to continue!
Tortellini can be mushy, chalky, or any combination of the two.
Cooking the pasta in the sauce rather than in boiling water will increase the length of time it takes for the pasta to be fully cooked.
Make sure to maintain the sauce thinned with pasta water until the pasta is finished cooking if you want to go with this technique.

Step 3: Transfer Cooked Pasta to Sauce

Alternatively, in another pot, bring several quarts of salted water to a rolling boil for the pasta. You don’t want your pasta water to taste like the sea, so keep that in mind when cooking. Salinity levels of one to two percent are ideal, which equates to around one or two teaspoons of kosher salt per quart or liter of liquid. A small bit of water is also sufficient—just enough to keep the spaghetti from sticking together. I use a saucepan or a saucier to cook tiny shapes like penne or fusilli.

For a while, the standard for pasta in our nation was mushy, overcooked noodles.
“To the tooth” signifies that the pasta should be cooked until it is completely cooked through.
Wait a little more.
Tortellini can be mushy, chalky, or anything you choose.
It will take longer to cook pasta if it is cooked in sauce rather than boiling water, therefore prepare it in the sauce rather than boiling water.

If you choose to utilize this approach, make sure to maintain the sauce thinned out with pasta water as the pasta cooks to completion. And last, whatever you do, avoid drizzling oil over cooked pasta since doing so will make it much more difficult for the sauce to stick to the pasta later on.

Step 4: Add Pasta Water

Once the pasta has been added to the sauce, the pasta water should be added. This is the most important phase in the entire procedure. In addition to helping thin the sauce to the proper consistency, starchy pasta water also helps the sauce stick to the pasta and emulsify with the butter and cheese that will be added later. There should be a creamy texture to the sauce, regardless of whether it’s a chunkymarinara, a substantial ragù Bolognese, or a basic carbonara. To begin, I add a couple of tablespoons of pasta water per serving of pasta and sauce to the pan and mix well.

Step 5: Add Fat

If you have a sauce that is really low in fat (such as a tomato sauce), now is the time to increase the fat content. A tiny amount of fat, such as extra-virgin olive oil or butter, is required for a smooth texture in the spaghetti sauce. In the absence of fat, you will get at best a watery sauce (no one has ever complained, “Waiter, my pasta isn’t quite wet enough”), and at worst a sauce that over-thickens with starch alone and takes on a pasty consistency. By adding more fat to the sauce, you may create an emulsion that leaves the sauce creamy while yet being loose.

I like to add a little glug of really nice extra-virgin olive oil or a pat of butter to finish it off (depending on my mood and the specific sauce).

Step 6: Cook Hard and Fast

Once everything has been combined in a pan (cooked pasta, spicy sauce, pasta water, and additional oil), it’s time to bring it to a simmer. In addition to reducing liquid (and so thickening the sauce), simmering encourages mechanical stirring, which aids in the emulsion of the sauce with the fat and the coating of the pasta that is achieved through the starchy pasta water. It is important to note that the hotter your skillet is, the more fiercely your sauce will bubble, and the greater the emulsion you will get.

You’ll find that finishing pasta is a game that needs continual modifications.

Don’t be intimidated by it!

Step 7: Stir in Cheese and Herbs off Heat

Once the pasta and sauce have reached the desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat and mix in any cheese or chopped herbs that may have been added. The addition of cheese directly over the fire is normally safe when working with thicker, well-emulsified sauces, but with thinner sauces or ones that include nothing else than the cheese, doing so can lead it to clump and become difficult to work with.

Step 8: Adjust Consistency

You thought you were through with the pasta water, didn’t you? Not quite yet, at least! You’re ready to serve the pasta, which means you’ve got one final chance to make any last-minute changes to the texture. (And you’ll almost certainly need to: Since then, the cheese has thickened the sauce a little, and the pasta has continued to absorb water from the sauce, some of which will have evaporated.) Adding extra pasta water and reheating the sauce over a low heat until everything is just how you want it is safe once the cheese has been emulsified into the pan.

Step 9: Garnish As Necessary

Transfer the cooked, sauced pasta to a hot serving dish or individual plates, and then top with the final garnishes, if you’re included any, and serve immediately after. Depending on your preference, they can range from finely chopped fresh herbs to shredded cheese to a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. At this point, I like to sprinkle over some extra-virgin olive oil that has been freshly squeezed. To get excellent pasta texture, it is critical to ensure that all of your serving plates are hot.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Pasta isn’t one to hang around and wait for anybody. Once the pasta has been placed in the sauce, a countdown timer will begin automatically and will not be able to be delayed or stopped. Pasta continues to cook and soften as it rests in the sauce. The sauce will begin to cool and thicken as it cools. The only remedy is to serve it as soon as possible and consume it with enthusiasm. It should not be an issue if you’ve followed the instructions to the letter. **That’s Italian for “with enough speed to spatter one’s tunic with splatters of sauce.”

Get The Recipes:

It’s not like pasta is a patient creature. As soon as the pasta is added to the sauce, a countdown timer begins to run, which cannot be stopped or stopped. As the pasta rests, it will continue to cook and soften. The sauce will begin to cool and thicken as it continues to cook and simmer. All that can be done is to serve it promptly and devour it with zealous enthusiasm. It should not be an issue if you’ve followed the instructions to the letter. **That’s Italian for “with enough speed to speckle one’s tunic with splatters of sauce. “**

9 Ways to Use Leftover Pasta Sauce So You Never Waste It

Raise your hand if any of the following scenarios apply to your current situation: You take the lid off a jar of marinara sauce. You put the leftovers at the back of the refrigerator. After a month has passed, you come upon the jar and the small blue fuzzballs that have been growing within. You’re getting a lot of furious direct messages from spaghetti sauce and its associates. You have recurrent dreams about the meatballs you could have eaten if only you’d remembered the jar was there in the first place.

We understand what you’re saying.

It’s time to earn back your spaghetti sauce’s favor once more.

Fast and simple (a win-win), single-serving recipes (because, sometimes, the benefits of your labor of love are reserved for yourself only), and crowd pleasers (because there are times when you can’t keep it all to yourself) are the categories in which we’ve divided the recipes.

1.One-pot beef and three-bean chili

There’s nothing easier than making this one-pot beef and three-bean chili for a substantial supper that will feed a big party (or leave plenty of leftovers). Chop the onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes into small pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine them with ground meat, spaghetti sauce, and any other seasonings that strike your fancy.

And dinner will be served shortly! And, because avocado makes everything better, finish it all off with a slice of lime. We’ve also got a straightforwardvegetable chili that accomplishes the job admirably.

2.One-pot chicken cacciatore pasta

There’s nothing easier than making this one-pot beef and three-bean chili for a substantial supper that will feed a big party (or provide plenty of leftovers). Onions, peppers, and tomatoes should be chopped. In a large mixing bowl, combine the onions, ground beef, spaghetti sauce, and any other seasonings you want. Then there’s the matter of dinner. Top it all off with a slice of avocado, since that makes everything taste better. In addition, we have a straightforwardvegetable chili that is very fantastic.

3.Vegan tempeh Sloppy Joes

We don’t blame you if the word “Sloppy Joes” brings up memories of embarrassing summer camp experiences. However, give this modified vegan version a try, especially on evenings when your heart wants a burger but your head wants vegetables instead. In addition, give camping a shot. It’s absolutely not as horrible as your summer camp memories make you believe it to be. In this spicy sandwich, tempeh, a vegetarian alternative to ground beef, is combined with onions and peppers to create a flavorful combination.

Everything is entirely yours.

4.Eggplant parmesan for one

In order to save time while dining alone, it might be tempting to just microwave food that has been frozen. However, with a little more work, you can create a lunch that is far more enjoyable and healthy. This quick and easy eggplant parm dish will have you wishing you never had to cook for anybody else in your life again. And that sensation of self-satisfaction is a one-time gift that goes on giving. Here are some alternative options that you may prepare and consume on your own.

5.Single-serving shakshuka

When you’re eating by yourself, it’s easy to go for a prepackaged meal that you can heat up quickly. It is possible, however, to make a dinner that is far more enjoyable and healthful with a little little work. This quick and simple eggplant parm dish will have you wishing you never had to cook for anybody else in your life once more. And that sensation of self-satisfaction is a gift that continues on giving for a long time. You can also prepare and enjoy the following dishes by yourself.

6.Lasagna in a mug

“WHAT! “Mugs are only for drinking coffee and carrying pens,” no one has ever stated. So you want lasagna, but you don’t want to go through the time-consuming process of making an entire pan, especially if it’s just you and your significant other for dinner tonight. We’ve been there ourselves. And nothing can keep you company quite like a bomb-ass lasagna, no matter what container you’re serving it in. With this mug recipe, you can have warm, saucy comfort food in a cup in as little as 10 minutes.

(We are huge fans of cottage cheese, which can be found in almost anything.) For when the throngs descend upon you, begging for your culinary creations.

7.Pizza hummus

Who doesn’t enjoy a good slice of pizza? When served whole, the crowd-pleaser may be a bit messy (as well as pricey and competitive), so we appreciate an easy, dippable solution: fried chicken. Hummus on a pizza crust. Yep. Yes, you read that correctly. Pizza. Hummus. To make this recipe, just combine chickpeas, tomato sauce, and seasonings together in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy. Serve it to your thankful comrades with a sprinkle of chopped tomatoes on top (and kick out the ungrateful ones).

Also, consider making a second batch in case the first one is completely depleted. What’s going on? What do you do when you’ve produced too much hummus and now you’re stuck with even more leftovers? This is a nightmarish situation. Don’t be alarmed; there are several applications for them as well.

8.Honey BBQ chicken meatballs

All of your visitors will enjoy the basic ingredients that go into these meatballs, even the pickiest of eaters. The egg, ground chicken, honey, and tomatoes serve as the building blocks of this dish’s structure. They operate in conjunction with the chiles, sauce, and spices, which are what give the dish its true kick in the balls. Alternatively, you may use rolled oats or crushed flax for the bread crumbs and add avocado to enhance the nutritional value even more. If you’re a vegetarian, you might want to experiment with substituting spaghetti sauce in our veggieball recipes.

9.Quinoa pizza bites

The return of quasi-pizza is a welcome sight. It’s marinara sauce, to be precise. What exactly did you expect? Pizza and muffins are two of our favorite finger snacks, and this recipe combines the two. The bites are rich in flavor and filled with protein thanks to the quinoa, making them an excellent healthy option that guests will enjoy on game days. What’s more nutritious: pizza or muffins? With the number of pals you’re accumulating, you might want to consider renting a larger space for your gaming day.

For an even more satisfying snack, chop up some of your favorite toppings (olives, broccoli, or mushrooms sound delicious to us) and place them in the muffin pans.

See!

In addition, you have been granted permission to return to Italy, which is a huge plus.

Pasta sauce recipes

Items 1 through 19 out of 19 shown.

Pesto sauce

A 4.4-star rating out of a possible 5.90 stars. In just 15 minutes, you can make your own wonderful pesto sauce.

Rich ragu

A 4.6-star rating out of a possible 5.54 stars. A hearty, adaptable meat sauce that is rich in flavor: You may serve it with spaghetti in a Bolognese manner, or use it as a basis for lasagne or moussaka.

Cheese sauce

A rating of 4.7 stars out of a possible 5.133 stars. This iconic storecupboard white sauce is laden with powerful cheddar cheese and can be made in about 15 minutes, according to our simple recipe. Make macaroni and cheese or cauliflower cheese with this recipe.

Tomato sauce

A rating of 4.3 stars out of a possible 5.17 stars After you’ve tried this simple, uncomplicated mix with garlic and oregano, you’ll never go back to pre-made jars of spaghetti sauce.

White sauce

A 4.6-star rating out of a possible 5.49 stars. Our step-by-step instruction will show you how to prepare a roux and get rid of lumps in your béchamel sauce, which every home cook should have in their arsenal.

Squished tomato pasta sauce

A five-star rating out of five is given. 4 out of 5 stars Instruct children ages 3- 6 in the preparation of their own superhealthy fresh tomato sauce to serve with noodles.

Mushroom sauce

A rating of 4.8 stars out of a possible 5.39 stars This simple creamy mushroom sauce, which is rich and full of umami savouriness, is excellent with steak, poultry, or tossed into hot pasta.

Kale pesto

A rating of 4.8 stars out of a possible 5.39 stars In fact, this lush green cabbage-like vegetable is a true superfood, and it’s delicious when whirled up in a blender and used instead of basil in an Italian sauce.

Tomatobasil sauce

A rating of 4.8 stars out of a possible 5.145 stars Save both time and money with this easy and delicious sauce, which goes well with pasta, meat, and fish.

Roasted red pepper sauce

A star rating of 4.6 out of a possible 5.9 stars This simple sauce is really flexible, and it is excellent poured over both roasted vegetables and poultry.

Marsala sauce

There are 5.9 stars out of a possible 5. This basic sauce is really flexible, and it goes great with both roasted vegetables and poultry.

Wild garlic pesto

A star rating of 4.6 out of a possible 5.9 stars. This basic sauce is really adaptable, and it goes great with roasted vegetables as well as chicken.

Fresh herb sauce

A four-star rating out of a possible five-star rating This light green purée is a refreshing alternative to usual heavy sauces, and it pairs beautifully with an Italian-style roast turkey or poultry.

Tagliatelle with vegetable ragu

A rating of 4.2 stars out of a possible 5.45 stars. This vegan Bolognese-style sauce is delicious served over spaghetti and contains three of your daily five-a-day vegetables.

Penne with a punchy tuna sauce

A star rating of 2.6 out of a possible maximum of 5.5 stars This fast and delicious meal is bursting with flavors from the Mediterranean. Leftovers will store nicely in the refrigerator for lunch the next day.

Rocket pesto

A rating of 4.3 stars out of a possible 5.11 stars This quick and simple peppery pesto, which is a nice departure from the typical basil kind, is excellent dolloped on pasta or drizzled over summer salads
It is also good on sandwiches.

Pasta with tunatomato sauce

A rating of 4.3 stars out of a possible 5.88 stars This low-fat, delectable pasta dish may be thrown together using ingredients found in tins and packages in the pantry.

See more sauce recipes for pasta.

The Basics of Cooking a Better Pot of Pasta

The most important message we want to convey is as follows: Pasta sauce does not have to be difficult or time-consuming to be delicious. Actually, the finest ones are the ones that have been tried and true; it’s the sauce that you’ve prepared so many times that you know it like the back of your hand by now. Choose one or two fundamental sauces that excite you, learn them, then use them over and over again, and you’ll fall in love with them every time you do. Not only can memorizing a sauce recipe serve as a meal backup plan that you’ll always have in your back pocket, but you may even become well-known for your sauce if you do so.

In a pasta dish, the spaghetti noodles are just as vital as the sauce that goes on top of them.

5 Classic Sauces Worth Memorizing

A basic tomato sauce will never go out of style, no matter how many years pass. A can or two of nice tomatoes, a large amount of garlic, and a few fresh herbs, all cooked together until your home smells like an Italian restaurant, is the epitome of simple comfort food. While a container of marinara would suffice in a hurry, there’s nothing quite like a fresh batch of homemade sauce. This traditional dish only calls for five ingredients and can be completed in 20 minutes. How to make use of it: When it comes to marinara, spaghetti reigns supreme, but penne or ziti come in a close second because some of the sauce may nestle inside those short forms, ensuring that you receive enough of sauce with each mouthful.

The tastiest meat sauces are made by simmering them low and slow for an extended period of time, allowing the fluids from the meat to flavor the sauce.

Spend a relaxing day watching it cook on the stove, or put it in the slow cooker and let it do its thing.

Noodles that are wider than fettuccine, which you may also use, will not be weighted down by the ground meat, which is a bonus.

An easy favorite is the bright, fresh mixture of basil, garlic, olive oil, almonds, and cheese that comes together in minutes.

How to make use of it: Because of their nooks and crannies, fusilli, orecchiette, and penne are excellent for capturing the rough texture of pesto sauce.

Brown butter is a one-component pasta sauce that is equal parts quick and fancy — it’s nutty, rich, and delicious, and it’s made with only one ingredient.

Butter should be melted in a pot for a few minutes longer, until it smells nutty and is golden brown in color, as seen in the photo.

The ravioli is very delicious.

Save your luscious Alfredo sauce for a night out at your favorite Italian restaurant — it’s easy to make at home and can be served as-is or with a chicken topping if you prefer.

Alternatively, go rogue and use it as a pizza sauce.

The author of Mediterranean Every Day: Simple, Inspired Recipes for Feel-Good Food, Sheela is a Senior Contributing Food Editor at Kitchn and the author of Mediterranean Every Day.

She graduated with honors from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy, and she is also a Registered Dietitian in the state of New York. FollowSheela