Tomato Paste Pasta Sauce

10.23.25
by: Jill@321Oak
Pennsylvania, USA

Simple Family Meal

Recipe:

This super-simple family dinner comes together fast — just spaghetti, meatballs, and a sauce you can make with tomato paste and pantry staples. See the video here.

Ingredients

• 1 lb pasta, cooked, water reserved
• 2-4 Tbsp oil
• Optional: 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1 6oz can tomato paste
• Pasta water (enough to make the sauce)
• Optional: meatballs
• Seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste (about 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper)
  • Optional: Onion and garlic powder (1/2 tsp each)
  • Optional: Basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning (about 1 tsp)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta. Meanwhile...
2. In a large skillet, heat oil
3. Add onion, cook until caramelized
4. Add Garlic, cook another minute or two
5. Add Tomato Paste, cook - stirring constantly, for several minutes - until the paste has darkened in color and the texture changes (see the video)
6. Add Pasta water, a cup or so at a time, stirring constantly. Continue adding water until the mixture is the consistency of sauce.
7. Add meat balls and seasoning
8. Add pasta, toss, cook for 2 minutes, then serve.

Equipment

• cast iron skillet
• wooden spatula
• universal pot lid
• pasta strainer
• tongs
• garlic press

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Email: jill+comments@321Oak

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