Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of passata or puree?

Absolutely! Just peel, seed, and puree enough fresh ripe tomatoes to equal the quantity called for. Summer tomatoes will make your sauce even sweeter and brighter.

Is it okay to double or triple the batch?

Go for it! This sauce scales beautifully. Just use a bigger pot and stir frequently to prevent burning as it thickens.

How do I make the sauce less thick if I went too far?

No problem! Just stir in a small amount of water or tomato juice until you hit your desired consistency. Remember to recheck the seasoning, too.

Can I use this as a base for other sauces?

Absolutely. It’s a phenomenal starting point for pasta sauces—add sautéed onion, ground meat, more herbs, or a splash of cream to transform it.

Extra Thick Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe

Name: Extra Thick Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil; 3 cups (680 g, one 24 oz jar) tomato passata (can also use strained tomatoes or tomato puree); 2 large cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon); 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Description

This Extra Thick Homemade Pizza Sauce is a rich, intensely flavored sauce made with tomato passata, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Simmered until deeply concentrated, it’s perfect for pizzas that need a thick, robust tomato layer without making the crust soggy. Easy to prepare with only a handful of ingredients, this sauce is ideal for homemade pizza nights.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cups (680 g, one 24 oz jar) tomato passata (can also use strained tomatoes or tomato puree)

Aromatics & Seasoning

2 large cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

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Instructions

Heat the Pan – Preheat a large high-sided saucepan or stock pot over medium heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to gently warm up.
Sauté Garlic and Herbs – Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the heated oil. Stir and cook until the garlic is fragrant and sizzling, about 1 minute, making sure not to burn the garlic.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings – Carefully pour in the tomato passata. Add salt and pepper, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly for a balanced flavor profile.
Simmer and Reduce – Lower the heat to a simmer. Let the sauce reduce, stirring frequently to prevent splattering, until the mixture thickens and resembles tomato paste (about 45 minutes). This process concentrates the flavors, creating a thick sauce ideal for pizza. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Adjust Consistency if Desired – For a slightly thinner sauce (such as for pasta), reduce simmering time to 20-30 minutes or until you yield about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of sauce instead of 1 cup.
Cool and Store – Allow the sauce to cool before using. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze in an airtight container or bag for up to 6 months.

Notes

Use high-quality tomato passata or strained tomatoes for best flavor.
Stir sauce often while simmering to prevent splattering and sticking.
Recipe yields about 1 cup of extra thick sauce, enough for approximately 6 pizzas.
For a looser sauce, reduce the cooking time as per your preferred consistency.
Leftover sauce freezes well and can be used for other dishes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (approx. 6 servings per batch)
Calories: 35
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 1.5g
Saturated Fat: 0.2g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg