There is a distinction between Pizza Sauce VS Pasta Sauce, despite the fact that they contain similar ingredients. Pizza sauce is made with raw pureed tomatoes, whereas pasta sauce is made with cooked blended tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and spices.
Whether you want to open a pizza shop or make personal pizzas, most chefs will tell you that the secret is in the sauce. Tomato sauce is a must-have in a pizzeria, but can you substitute spaghetti sauce for pizza sauce, and how will this affect your signature dishes? We set out to answer the question, “Is tomato sauce the same as pizza sauce?” and provide quick-fix tips and tricks.
Difference between Pizza Sauce and Pasta Sauce
Tomato sauce and pizza sauce are similar but not the same. The primary distinction between tomato sauce for pasta and pizza sauce is that pasta sauce is cooked as part of the sauce preparation process, whereas pizza sauce is an uncooked tomato sauce that cooks alongside the pizza. Pasta sauce is cooked before serving and contains fewer seasonings than pizza sauce, with roasted garlic providing the dominant flavor. So, what’s the difference between pasta sauce and pizza sauce? The answer is no, but they are analogous. We go over their differences in more detail below.
What Is Pizza Sauce?
Pizza sauce is typically made with pureed tomatoes and tomato paste, giving it a thicker consistency than pasta sauce. The thicker sauce keeps the dough from becoming soggy as the pizza cooks. It also contains oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, onion powder, and sugar for a tangier flavor profile that complements the fats and oils found in pizza cheeses. The pizza sauce is then spread in a thin layer on top of the pizza dough and cooked alongside the dough and toppings, combining all of the flavors. Cooking instructions for the sauce before placing it on the dough may be included in homemade variations.
What Is Pasta Sauce?
Pasta or spaghetti sauce is typically made with crushed tomatoes, which increases the water content of the sauce and makes it thinner than pizza sauce. Thinner sauces coat your pasta noodles completely, providing flavor in every bite. Pasta sauce typically contains only basic seasonings such as salt, pepper, and dried oregano, allowing each chef to season the dish to taste in order to complement the pasta dish and other ingredients. Tomato chunks are common in pasta sauce, whereas pizza sauce requires a smooth tomato sauce that is usually pureed to reduce chunks. Ground beef or Italian sausage can also be added to spaghetti sauce.
Pizza Sauce vs Spaghetti Sauce
The difference between spaghetti sauce and pizza sauce is that spaghetti has more water than pizza sauce, which gives it a thinner consistency. This makes it more evenly spread across the surface of the noodles. Pizza sauce is thickened with pureed tomatoes to add a layer of flavor between a pizza crust and its toppings.
Because pizza is a bit of an American obsession, getting the sauce just right can be crucial to running a successful pizzeria. If you use pasta sauce on pizza, the sauce might be too thin and soggy for some of your customers.
Pizza Sauce vs Marinara
Pizza Sauce VS Pasta Sauce
Marinara sauce is a semi-smooth tomato sauce with a slightly thinner consistency than pizza sauce and less water content than regular tomato or pasta sauce. The tomatoes in marinara sauce are peeled, finely chopped, and blended to smooth out the chunks, but they are not completely pureed into a paste-like pizza sauce.
What Is Marinara Sauce?
Marinara sauce is a thick tomato sauce that is commonly served with pasta, sandwiches, and dip. It’s made by roasting garlic cloves in a smooth tomato sauce over low heat. Marinara is also known as spaghetti sauce because it is commonly served with spaghetti or penne noodles. It’s also used as a dip for mozzarella sticks and onion rings, as well as on meatball subs and cheesesteak sandwiches. Marinara sauce is thought to have originated in Naples in the nineteenth century as a dish served to sailors (“Marinaro” in Italian) upon their return from sea.
Is Pizza Sauce the Same as Marinara?
Pizza sauce and marinara sauce are not the same things. Because the tomatoes are pureed rather than lightly blended, pizza sauce has a thicker consistency than marinara sauce. Pizza sauce is typically served on a pizza crust, whereas marinara sauce is typically served as a dip or topping.
Pizza Sauce Recipe
It’s easy to make your own pizza sauce! Follow the steps below to learn how to make pizza sauce from tomato sauce. A large mixing bowl and a spatula, preferably a red spatula that will not stain over time, are required. You can also change the signature Italian seasonings and the ratios used to create a special recipe for your pizzeria.
Pizza Sauce Ingredients
1 or 2 16-inch pizzas
- 15 ounces tomato sauce (smooth, not chunky)
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or garlic salt)
- 14 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons Italian seasoning (to taste)
- Oregano, fresh or dried (to taste)
- Basil, fresh or dried (to taste)
- Flakes of red pepper (optional)
How to Make Pizza Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine the tomato sauce and tomato paste. If the tomato sauce contains tomato chunks, smooth them out with an immersion blender or food processor. (If using canned crushed tomatoes, puree the ingredients.)
- To the sauce, add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, sugar, and any other seasonings desired. Mix with a spatula until completely combined.
- Use immediately on pizza dough or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Pizza sauce can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
- To avoid health code violations, allow the refrigerated or frozen sauce to come to room temperature using proper ServSafe methods. To bring frozen sauce to room temperature, thaw it in a sealed package under cold water, in the refrigerator overnight, or in the microwave before using it on pizza dough.
Can You Use Pasta Sauce for Pizza?
With a few ingredients, you can certainly make pizza sauce from pasta sauce. You can make a pizza sauce substitute from pasta sauce in your pantry by straining it, blending it, and seasoning it. So, if you’re wondering, “Can you use spaghetti sauce for pizza?” we’ve included step-by-step instructions below to assist you:
How to Make Pizza Sauce with Pasta Sauce
Is it possible to substitute spaghetti sauce for pizza sauce? Yes! If you don’t have tomato paste on hand, you can make pizza with pasta sauce by following these steps:
- To remove excess liquid from the pasta sauce, strain it.
- In a food processor or blender, puree the pasta sauce until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pulse a few more times until everything is well combined.
- Remove any excess liquid with a strainer.
- Blend in an anchovy filet for more umami flavor.
What Can I Use Instead of Pizza Sauce?
Most pizzas are traditionally made with a red tomato-based pizza sauce, but other sauces can be used on pizza. The following are some popular pizza sauce substitutes:
- Tapenade Olive Oil and Garlic Pesto Ricotta Cheese Barbecue Sauce Ranch Dressing Tapenade Tapenade
- Tapenade Tapenade Tapenade
- Sauce Sweet Chili
- Chimichurri Dressing
- Glaze with Balsamic Vinegar
- Alfredo Dressing
- Sauce for Buffalo Wings
FAQs About Pizza Sauce VS Pasta Sauce
Can You Substitute Pasta Sauce With Pizza Sauce?
Yes, with a few modifications, you can substitute pasta sauce for pizza sauce. For a thicker sauce, reduce the excess water (you can strain it) and cook it longer. If your pasta sauce contains large chunks, smooth it out with a food processor or blender.
Can You Substitute Pizza Sauce With Pasta Sauce?
Yes, with a little tweaking, you can use pizza sauce as a pasta sauce. Begin by sautéing the onions in olive oil. Add crushed canned tomatoes, followed by your pizza sauce, and simmer while stirring. To make a thinner sauce, add a little water. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and ingredients!
What is the difference between pasta sauce and pizza sauce?
The preparation, consistency, and ingredients distinguish pasta sauce from pizza sauce. The variables differ from one another. However, because the sauces’ bases are the same, everyone can use them interchangeably with a few tweaks.
What can be substituted for pizza sauce?
Pizza sauce can be replaced with pasta sauce, pesto, white garlic sauce, Buffalo sauce, Hummus, and other ingredients. Any sauce can be used as a pizza base with the right recipe. However, make sure you’re familiar with the flavor profiles of your toppings before combining them with your base sauce.
What can I add to the marinara sauce?
When reusing pizza sauce as pasta sauce, you can add a variety of seasonings such as pepper flakes, garlic, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning mix, and more. You can also include bell peppers and processed meat in your sauce.
Conclusion about Pizza Sauce VS Pasta Sauce
Is pasta sauce suitable for pizza? Yes, with some modifications. Regardless of the type of pizza you want to make, perfecting your pizza sauce is critical to providing a memorable experience for your customers and converting them into regulars.
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