There are several effective ways to thicken tomato sauce:
- Add Tomato Paste: Tomato paste is a classic method to thicken sauce while intensifying the tomato flavor. Add it gradually, about one tablespoon at a time, stirring and simmering for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Simmer and Reduce: Letting the sauce simmer on low heat for longer allows excess water to evaporate, naturally thickening the sauce and enhancing flavor.
- Use Pasta Water: Adding a small amount of starchy pasta cooking water can thicken the sauce due to the starch content, helping the sauce adhere better to pasta.
- Make a Starch Slurry: Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce, then simmer until thickened.
- Make a Roux: Cook butter and flour together to form a roux, then whisk it into the sauce to thicken.
Other options include adding fine breadcrumbs, shredded Parmesan cheese, or cream cheese for a creamy texture. Each method can be chosen depending on flavor preference and convenience but using tomato paste and simmering to reduce are the most commonly recommended approaches for thickening tomato sauce effectively.
