15-Minute Simple Tomato Paste Pasta Sauce
A quick and flavorful pasta sauce made from tomato paste, garlic, and sundried tomatoes. The key to this sauce is cooking the tomato paste until it deepens in color and develops a rich, concentrated flavor. Using pasta water helps create a silky texture that coats the spaghetti perfectly. This versatile sauce comes together in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying without much fuss. The addition of a bay leaf adds subtle depth, while fresh herbs provide a bright finishing touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil with sundried tomato and minced garlic for 2 minutes on low heat
- 2
Turn heat to medium and add tomato paste, cooking for about 5 minutes
- 3
Add pasta water and bay leaf, bring to low boil then reduce heat and simmer while stirring occasionally
- 4
Remove from heat and discard bay leaf
- 5
Season with salt and black pepper to taste
- 6
Toss with cooked pasta and stir to combine
- 7
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil and serve
Tips
Cook the tomato paste until it darkens slightly to develop deeper flavor and remove any raw taste
Save pasta water before draining - the starch helps bind the sauce to the pasta
Remove the bay leaf before serving to avoid any bitter taste if accidentally bitten
Good to Know
Refrigerate for up to 5 days in airtight container
Can be made 2 days ahead and reheated gently
Serve immediately while hot over pasta
Common Mistakes
Don't skip cooking the tomato paste long enough to avoid raw metallic taste
Don't forget to remove bay leaf before serving
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
This recipe specifically uses tomato paste for concentrated flavor. Fresh tomatoes would need much longer cooking time and different liquid ratios to achieve similar consistency.
What if I don't have pasta water?
You can substitute with regular water or vegetable broth, but pasta water's starch content helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
How long will this sauce keep in the refrigerator?
The sauce will keep for up to 5 days refrigerated in an airtight container and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.