Quick Pizza Sauce
A quick and flavorful pizza sauce combining rich tomato flavors with herbs and a touch of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for homemade pizzas, this sauce is easy to prepare and adds a savory, authentic taste that complements various toppings. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except Parmesan cheese in a saucepan.
- Cook over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese before using on pizza dough.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh basil. If you don't have Ragu Italian tomato sauce, any good-quality marinara works well. Using extra virgin olive oil enhances the sauce’s richness. You can also substitute the oregano with Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile. This sauce can be used for other dishes like Basic Tomato Meat Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza sauce is perfect for homemade pizzas, but it can also be used as a dipping sauce for garlic bread or as a base for pasta dishes. For a complete meal, serve with a side salad or pair it with Calamari Salad (Italian) for a delightful Italian feast. It also makes a great topping for baked chicken or meatballs.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To freeze, transfer the sauce to freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. When you're ready to use it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Pizza Sauce contains roughly 760 calories, with 21g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (348% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 97g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pizza sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using, and reheat as needed. This makes it convenient for busy nights when you want to whip up a quick pizza.
Is it possible to make this sauce spicy?
Absolutely! To add some heat, stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while simmering. You can adjust the level of spiciness to your preference. For an Italian twist, consider pairing it with Peperonata for an extra layer of flavor.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used! You'll need about 2-3 cups of diced fresh tomatoes, and you'll want to cook them down longer to achieve the right consistency. Make sure to peel and seed them for the best results. This fresh version is perfect for summer when tomatoes are in season.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).