How to get spaghetti sauce to stick to noodles

If you have a batch of pasta sauce and find that is thinner than you’d like, there are ways to fix it! Read on for tips about how to thicken spaghetti sauce without paste.

There is nothing better than gazing at a batch of thick spaghetti sauce after opening it. What happens when instead of thick, you find a thin sauce that lacks luster? Whether you can’t have tomato paste or just don’t have any on hand, there are ways to thicken spaghetti sauce without this ingredient.

Use one or more of the strategies below to thicken it up so your next pasta dish can shine! No one will ever know it was once sad and thin.

How To Thicken Spaghetti Sauce Without Paste

Do not toss your weak and watery red sauce! Take a deep breath and employ one or more of the below strategies to achieve a thicker mixture that DOES NOT REQUIRE TOMATO PASTE.

Let It Simmer

Simmering sauce on the stovetop over medium-low heat is the easiest way to thicken it. Bring the mixture to a boil, then dial back to a simmer for anywhere between 10-60 minutes until desired consistency has been achieved. Stir occasionally to avoid scorching.

Slow Cooker

This method is a super simple trick! If you have time to wait, transfer the mixture to a crockpot and let it cook for a few hours to achieve a thicker consistency. Stir throughout, cooking for up to 4 hours.

Tomato Sauce

If you have a can of tomato sauce on hand, throw it into the mix! This is one of the most simple ways to not only achieve a thicker sauce, but add flavor as well. Stir and cook on the stove top for 5 minutes, or until fully combined and warmed through.

Tip: Make your own thick tomato sauce in your Instant Pot for an extra amazing taste! And learn how to thicken tomato sauce for an even more robust texture.

Corn Starch Slurry

Adding a corn starch slurry is an easy way to thicken sauce quickly. Simply combine equal parts cornstarch and water (start with 2-3 tablespoons of each) in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth, then stir into the sauce.

Pasta Water

You likely have a pot of noodles cooking alongside your sauce. After they have finished cooking, reserve the water it cooked in. This water is filled with starch, which can act as a great thickening agent.

Add up to 1/2 cup of the pasta water to your sauce and stir until fully combined. Adjust the amount of liquid used, depending on consistency you desire. Discard excess water.

Roux

Roux is a flour-fat thickening agent, typically involving butter but other oils can be used instead. In a separate pan or skillet, heat 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Add equal parts all purpose flour and whisk until smooth.

Add to the sauce and stir until combined and warmed through. This is a delicious method when also wanting to achieve creamy texture, flavor and a nice glossy sheen.

Heavy Cream

To add creaminess on top of thickness, add up to 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream to the mixture. Add incrementally until desired thickness has been reached.

Mashed Potatoes

Adding mashed potatoes to sauce will give it a nice and creamy, thick texture that everyone will love. If you do not have mashed potatoes prepared, consider adding up to 1/2 cup mashed potato flakes instead.

Potato Starch

If you have a pot of potatoes boiling, reserve the water they were cooked in. This water is filled with starchy liquid, which can act as a great thickening agent. Add up to 1/2 cup of liquid to the sauce and stir until combined.

Vegetables

Mashed vegetables (or finely chopped) will add chunkiness and act as a delicious thickening ingredient. Veggie options include carrots, zucchini, green beans, asparagus, mushrooms or onions.

Meat

Beef it up! Adding any variety of cooked ground meat will produce a nice, thick sauce all meat eaters will love. Consider adding Italian sausage, ground beef, ground turkey or even venison.

Cook 1 pound of meat of your choice until golden brown and no longer pink. Drain and add to the mixture.

FAQ About Spaghetti Sauce

Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipes

Before we dive into thickening strategies, let’s talk homemade sauce recipes. Here are a few delicious options for you to choose from!

• This is the best homemade spaghetti sauce you’ll ever meet!
• Using an Instant Pot to cook pasta sauce makes it flavorful and quick to prepare, but tastes like is has simmered on the stove all day. Pour this delicious savory sauce over a pile of cooked noodles!
• Ready for some serious magic? If you’re limited on ingredients and/or time, make this super simple version of pasta sauce made with tomato sauce and just a handful of other ingredients.
• And if you have paste on hand instead of sauce, try this super easy way to turn tomato paste into pasta sauce!

Flavor Boosters

• Spruce up the sauce by using any or all of the following: red pepper flakes, hot sauce, fresh tomatoes or diced canned tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, olive oil, fresh basil or dried basil, grated Parmesan, a few minced garlic cloves or fresh chopped onions.
• Consider adding sugar (or other sweetener) 1 teaspoon at a time for a sweeter sauce.
• Adding homemade marinara sauce boosts the flavor hugely!
• Add a dash or two of red wine for a more complex end result.
• Throw in some chopped veggies, such as green pepper, onion, mushrooms, zucchini or carrots.
• Cheese is a great way to boost flavor. Add up to 1/2 cup of cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese or parmesan cheese.
• Add seasonings. Oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, onion powder and garlic powder are all great ways to increase the flavor profile. Use any dried or fresh herbs of your liking, such as basil leaves, dried or fresh Italian parsley or fennel seeds.
• A few splashes of Worcestershire sauce will add a ton of bold flavor.

Other Easy Homemade Sauces to Make This Week

If you are looking for other easy sauces to make from scratch, check out this helpful list of 18 homemade sauces you can use now or freeze for later. Inside this roundup, you’ll find savory sauces like pizza sauce and marinara sauce as well as sweet ones such as hot fudge sauce and blueberry, too!

How To Prepare Tomatoes for Freezing

If you have fresh garden tomatoes on your hands, be sure to freeze extras so you can turn them into a sauce later. Prepping fresh tomatoes for freezing is super easy! Don’t waste those juicy red morsels that have spent the summer growing in your garden.

Learn the best method for freezing whole tomatoes to thaw and use them in the coming winter months!

Recipes Using Pasta Sauce

Spaghetti is a classic and comforting dinner option, but what to do with leftover sauce? If you don’t want to toss it, click over for ideas about ways to use leftover spaghetti sauce so nothing goes to waste.

Marinara vs Spaghetti Sauce

So close in texture, color and flavor that you could call them cousins! Let’s get to the heart of the issue and explore marinara vs spaghetti sauce. What are the differences?!

And here is a post about how to thicken marinara if you find yourself with a weak batch.

Top 11 how to get spaghetti sauce to stick to noodles edited by Family Cuisine