Pizza sauce from tomato paste is one of the quickest, most reliable ways to create a bold, flavorful base for homemade pizza. When your fridge is empty or time is tight, a small can of tomato paste can transform into something truly satisfying. This guide walks you through exactly how to make it taste just right—balanced, herby, and rich enough to rival store-bought jars. Whether you’re experimenting for the first time or perfecting your go-to crust, this recipe gives you all the tools you need. Plus, we’ll answer top questions and give you smart tips for substitutes when you’re out of sauce.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1: The Story & Simplicity of Pizza Sauce from Tomato Paste
Why Tomato Paste is the Ultimate Pizza Shortcut
Sam first discovered the magic of pizza sauce from tomato paste in a cramped New York apartment with nothing in the pantry but a crust, cheese, and a lonely can of tomato paste. He remembered his grandmother’s love for simple ingredients—and took a chance. A splash of olive oil, a sprinkle of oregano, garlic, and a dash of sugar turned that concentrated red paste into the star of the night.
Years later, after cooking in bistros across Europe and tasting bold street pizzas in Southeast Asia, Sam still leans on that memory. He realized that sometimes, the best dishes come from limitations. Tomato paste gave him depth, control, and freedom to shape the sauce just how he liked it. That little can packed a punch—and he’s used it ever since.
The Power of Pantry Staples
Tomato paste isn’t just a backup—it’s a powerhouse. Unlike pre-made sauces that can be watery or overly sweet, paste offers rich flavor with zero fluff. It’s shelf-stable, budget-friendly, and easy to scale. You can build layers of flavor with just garlic, herbs, olive oil, and your favorite spices.
2: The Best Recipe for Pizza Sauce from Tomato Paste
Ingredients & Ratio Breakdown
To get the best pizza sauce from tomato paste, the key lies in balancing intensity with moisture. Tomato paste is thick and concentrated, which means it needs water—and the right mix of seasonings—to mimic the taste and texture of traditional pizza sauce. The golden ratio? Start with 2 tablespoons of water for every tablespoon of tomato paste. This 2:1 ratio keeps the sauce rich without being clumpy.
But flavor is just as crucial as consistency. Add a drizzle of olive oil, a touch of garlic powder, oregano, basil, and a pinch of sugar to cut through the acidity. A quick simmer on the stovetop helps blend everything beautifully. For convenience, here’s a simple recipe chart you can follow:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tomato paste | 6 oz (1 small can) |
| Water | 6–8 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried basil | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Sugar (optional) | ½ teaspoon |
| Crushed red pepper | Pinch (optional) |
Mix all the ingredients in a saucepan and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes. Taste and adjust salt, herbs, or sugar as needed. This base is great for spreading on homemade dough, using in Pizza Pockets, or even dipping garlic knots.
Optional Add-Ins for Flavor Boost
Once you’ve nailed the basics, it’s time to personalize. Love heat? Add crushed red pepper or chili oil. Want a bold umami kick? A dab of anchovy paste or grated parmesan works wonders. For a deeper, slightly sweet finish, a splash of balsamic vinegar or tomato jam can add real character.
3: FAQ-Based Pizza Sauce Fixes
Can You Use Tomato Paste Instead of Pizza Sauce?
Yes—you can absolutely make pizza sauce from tomato paste. But don’t use it straight from the can. Tomato paste is thick, tangy, and highly concentrated, so it needs water and seasoning to transform into a proper pizza base. Without that, the flavor’s too sharp, and the texture’s too dense.
To make great pizza sauce from tomato paste, add olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and just enough water to loosen it. A pinch of sugar helps balance the acidity. Once mixed and simmered, it becomes a quick, homemade alternative to jarred sauce—perfect when you’re out of the bottled stuff. Whether you’re making thin-crust pies or stuffed crusts, this DIY trick is a lifesaver.
This method pairs beautifully with breakfast pies too—try it with ideas from our Breakfast Pizza Recipe guide for even more ways to use it creatively.
What Happens If You Use Tomato Paste Instead of Tomato Sauce?
If you use tomato paste instead of tomato sauce, your pizza may come out overly tart and dense. Tomato sauce is thinner and already seasoned, while paste is raw and super concentrated. That’s why making pizza sauce from tomato paste is more than just a swap—it’s a process of blending, seasoning, and simmering.
To make it work, follow the same base: combine tomato paste with water, olive oil, herbs, and optional sweetener. That way, you get the best of both worlds—intense flavor and smooth spreadability. Dishes like Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup use similar principles: balance strong tomato elements with herbs and moisture. That same rule applies here—so your pizza tastes just right.
4: When You Have No Pizza Sauce
Creative Substitutes Beyond Tomato Paste
There are nights when even a can of tomato paste isn’t within reach. Don’t worry—great pizza doesn’t stop there. If you can’t make pizza sauce from tomato paste, other flavorful alternatives step up easily. Pesto adds a fresh, herbal punch. A simple garlic and olive oil blend turns your crust into a white pizza base. BBQ sauce brings smoky sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with chicken or bacon toppings.
Crushed canned tomatoes, blitzed with a little salt and oregano, work in a pinch. Even roasted red peppers blended with olive oil can offer a bright, savory base. These aren’t just last-ditch solutions—they’re creative detours. Some of the most satisfying pizzas Sam ever made abroad used sauces he threw together on instinct. If you’re feeling bold, check out flavor-forward options like our Italian Sausage Soup Recipe that highlight how versatile tomato flavor can be outside of standard sauces.
How to Make Pizza Sauce from Tomato Paste (Reddit Insights + Pro Tips)
If you’ve ever searched Reddit threads for how to make pizza sauce from tomato paste, you’ll find one consistent theme: keep it simple, but season it well. The most common recipe starts with equal parts tomato paste and water. From there, users stir in dried garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and a touch of sugar. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and actually tastes better than many store-bought sauces.
Sam takes it one step further with a splash of balsamic vinegar and a dash of smoked paprika. That gives the sauce depth and a slight tangy-sweet twist. His travels inspired this tweak after enjoying rustic pizzas in French countryside cafés that used tomato reductions in place of traditional sauces. Want more kitchen confidence? Even bold dishes like our Easy Orange Chicken Recipe follow the same principle—balance boldness with simplicity.
No matter where you’re cooking, making pizza sauce from tomato paste is about flexibility, flavor, and working with what you’ve got.
5: Frequently Asked Questions About Pizza Sauce from Tomato Paste
Does tomato paste work as pizza sauce?
Yes, tomato paste can be turned into excellent pizza sauce with the right add-ins. Alone, it’s too thick and acidic—but when mixed with water, olive oil, herbs, and a touch of sugar, it transforms into a flavorful, smooth sauce perfect for any crust.
Can I make tomato sauce from tomato paste?
Absolutely. Combine tomato paste with water to reach your desired consistency, then season with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs. It’s a quick and affordable way to make tomato sauce for pizza, pasta, or other dishes.
What is the ratio of tomato paste to water for pizza sauce?
The ideal starting point is a 2:1 ratio—two tablespoons of water for every tablespoon of tomato paste. Adjust slightly depending on how thick or spreadable you want your sauce.
What to use if you have no pizza sauce?
Try pesto, garlic olive oil, BBQ sauce, or crushed tomatoes seasoned with herbs. These quick swaps can still deliver big flavor and save dinner when traditional sauce isn’t available.
How to make pizza sauce from tomato paste Reddit?
Reddit users recommend mixing tomato paste with equal parts water, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, and sugar. Sam adds a splash of balsamic for extra depth. It’s fast, flexible, and delicious.
What happens if you use tomato paste instead of tomato sauce?
Without adjustments, tomato paste is too thick and strong. But if you season and dilute it properly, it becomes a powerful base for pizza or other tomato-based recipes.
for mor recipes follow me in facebook and pinterest
6: Conclusion
Making pizza sauce from tomato paste is one of the easiest kitchen wins. With just a few pantry staples and five minutes of effort, you can whip up a rich, delicious sauce that outshines many store-bought options. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this method is reliable, customizable, and seriously satisfying. From quick weeknight dinners to full-blown pizza parties, your homemade sauce can carry the flavor—and the story—of every slice. Next time you find yourself low on ingredients, remember: your best sauce might be hiding in that tiny can of tomato paste.
Print
How to Make Pizza Sauce from Tomato Paste (Easy, Rich & Flavorful)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup of sauce (enough for 2 medium pizzas) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy and flavorful pizza sauce from tomato paste takes just minutes and a handful of pantry staples. Rich, thick, and customizable, it’s the perfect solution when you’re out of jarred sauce but still want homemade pizza flavor.
Ingredients
6 oz (1 small can) tomato paste
6–8 tablespoons water (adjust for desired thickness)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to reduce acidity)
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
In a small mixing bowl, combine tomato paste and water. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Add olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and sugar. Mix thoroughly.
For extra depth, stir in crushed red pepper or a splash of balsamic vinegar if desired.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Use immediately or simmer on low heat for 5–10 minutes to meld flavors more deeply.
Spread on pizza crust and bake as desired.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, reduce water slightly.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
You can double the batch and freeze in portions.
Perfect for pizza, calzones, pizza pockets, and dipping sticks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Pizza & Pasta Recipes
- Method: No-Cook or Simmered
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 4g