Most spaghetti sauce recipes only call for a can of tomatoes and some spices. However, if you want to thicken your sauce, there are a few things you can do. This blog post will find some different ways to thicken your spaghetti sauce in minutes. So, whether you are short on time or just looking for a thicker sauce, read on!
Even the best cooks find themselves needing a little assistance now and then.
If you’re looking for an easy way to thicken your spaghetti sauce, look no further!
You will have a delicious, hearty, and thick spaghetti sauce in minutes with these simple tips.
So what are you waiting for? Read on to learn how to thicken spaghetti sauce like a pro!
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The spaghetti sauce
Spaghetti sauce is one of the most popular sauces in the world.
It is used on pasta, pizza, salads, and many other dishes, usually made with tomatoes, garlic, onion, and olive oil.
The sauce can also be seasoned with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and other herbs.
The spaghetti sauce is made by simmering the ingredients in a pot.
If the sauce is too thin, there are some techniques you can use to thicken spaghetti sauce.
How to Thicken Spaghetti Sauce
Spaghetti sauce is one of those things that’s pretty easy to make but can be tricky to get just right.
It’ll be watery if your sauce is too thin and won’t cling to your pasta.
On the other hand, it’ll be gloppy and hard to stir if it’s too thick.
Fortunately, it’s easy to make your homemade spaghetti sauce thicker, and it only takes a few minutes.
Let’s see some ways to thicken spaghetti sauce without making significant changes to the flavor.
Simmer your pasta sauce for a more extended period
The longer the pasta sauce simmers, the thicker it will become.
This allows the water to evaporate, leaving behind a concentrated mixture of flavors.
This method will take a bit longer, but it will also add more flavor to the sauce as it reduces.
The results will be worth it!
So when you’re next in the kitchen, remember that patience is key to making a great spaghetti sauce.
Add tomato paste or tomato sauce
One easy way to achieve the perfect consistency is to add a little tomato paste.
A spoonful or two will thicken up your sauce without changing the flavor.
Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover tomato paste that you might have hanging around in your fridge.
So next time your pasta sauce is looking a little watery, reach for the tomato paste and give it a whirl.
You might just be surprised at how much of a difference it makes.
Add heavy cream or grated cheese
One option is to stir in some heavy cream, which will give the sauce a rich, velvety texture.
Another option is to add grated cheese, which will help thicken the sauce and give it a boost of flavor.
Just add the cheese slowly and stir constantly. Otherwise, it may clump up.
Thicken your spaghetti sauce by adding mashed potatoes
This is an excellent option if you want to add some extra carbs and bulk to your meal.
Add a few spoonfuls of mashed potatoes to your sauce and stir until combined.
If the sauce is still too thin, you can add more mashed potatoes or even some instant potato flakes.
Just taste the sauce as you go, as too much thickener can make it heavy and gloopy.
When done right, adding mashed potatoes to your spaghetti sauce is a simple and effective way to achieve the perfect consistency.
Add egg yolks
Adding an egg yolk to your spaghetti sauce is a way to thicken it up.
Avoid adding the yolk directly into the hot sauce so you don’t get strands or lumps of the egg.
It is best to beat the egg yolk separately, add a little of the hot sauce to level out the temperatures, and then pour it into the sauce.
Stir constantly to make sure everything mixes evenly.
The egg yolk will add body and richness to the sauce, making it extra delicious.
Keep in mind that this cooking hack works best with cream-based sauces like carbonara sauce.
If you want to thicken tomato sauce, you may want to try another thickening method, such as adding some shredded cheese or tomato paste.
Add ground beef
Spaghetti is a classic dish that everyone loves.
But sometimes, you want something a little heartier. That’s where ground beef comes in.
Adding ground beef to your spaghetti sauce is a great way to thicken it up and add extra protein.
Plus, it’s super easy to do. Just brown the ground beef in a pan and add it to your sauce. That’s it!
So the next time you’re in the mood for a little extra flavor, give this method a try. You won’t be disappointed.
How to thicken spaghetti sauce with cornstarch
If you’ve ever found yourself with a thin, watery spaghetti sauce, you know it can be frustrating. Luckily, there’s an easy fix.
Just mix a small amount of cornstarch and water.
Add it slowly to your sauce and constantly stir, as you don’t want the sauce to become too thick.
The cornstarch will help thicken it up, giving you the rich, creamy sauce you were hoping for.
And best of all, it’s an entirely natural way to achieve the desired consistency.
Once you have reached the desired consistency, remove the sauce from the heat and enjoy!
So next time your sauce is looking a little runny, reach for the cornstarch.
It just might be the secret ingredient you’ve been searching for.
Thickening sauces with arrowroot starch
It is a quick and easy way to get the consistency you desire without changing the flavor of your dish.
Simply mix the arrowroot starch with cold water, then add it to your sauce while stirring. You’ll see results in minutes!
Just be sure not to add too much arrowroot starch, as it can make your sauce gummy.
This powdery substance comes from the root of a tropical plant used for centuries as a thickening agent.
Not only does it thicken sauces quickly, but it also doesn’t change the flavor of your dish.
Whether you’re looking for a thicker spaghetti sauce, but you want to avoid using flour, arrowroot starch is a great option.
Thickening sauces with xanthan gum
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to thicken your spaghetti sauce, xanthan gum is a solution.
To use xanthan gum to thicken the sauce, add a small amount to the sauce, stir until dissolved, and cook as usual.
The xanthan gum will bind with the water in the sauce, creating a thicker, richer consistency.
Xanthan gum is a thickener safe to use in cooking and often used in gluten-free baking.
Also, you can use it to thicken soups, stews, gravies, and more.
Xanthan gum is available at most health food stores or online.
Give it a try the next time you need to thicken a sauce!
You can read here about the uses and risks of Xanthan gum.
Why do you have watery spaghetti sauce?
Have you ever wondered why your spaghetti sauce is so watery?
It might be because you’re not cooking the sauce long enough.
If the sauce isn’t cooked long enough, the water won’t have time to evaporate and will make the sauce thinner.
Another mistake may do not draining the pasta enough
When making pasta, be sure to drain it thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.
Otherwise, all of the excess water will dilute your sauce’s flavor.
In addition, be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as overcooked pasta will also release more water into the sauce.
Finally, it could be your pan.
If your pan is big, there’s more surface area for the sauce to evaporate off of, making it thicker.
So if you want to avoid a watery spaghetti sauce, make sure to use a bigger pan and cook the sauce longer.
You can ensure that your spaghetti sauce is flavorful and delicious every time by following these simple tips.
More about pasta? Take a look at our Tomato Basil Pasta and the easy One Pot Caprese Pasta recipes.
FAQs About How to Thicken Spaghetti Sauce
It usually takes around 15 minutes for the sauce to thicken. However, this will vary depending on the amount of liquid in the sauce and the type of thickener used.
Some standard methods include simmering the sauce to evaporate some water content, adding tomato paste or puree, using a roux or slurry, or adding arrowroot powder or cornstarch.
Not necessarily. While some thicker sauces may be higher in calories due to adding cream or cheese, simply thickening your sauce will not make it calorie-dense.
You can use other ingredients that allow you to thicken the pasta sauce while providing just a few calories.
