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    Home » Recipe » Sauces and Condiments » Easy Pizza Sauce (No Cook)

    Easy Pizza Sauce (No Cook)

    Published Aug 25, 2022 · Updated Apr 7, 2025 by Ginnie · Leave a Comment

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    Learn how to make the easiest Pizza Sauce ever! This delicious sauce is ready in minutes, full flavor, and super versatile. You can use it on all your favorite pizza recipes, and best of all, there's no cooking required!

    Closeup of a spoon spreading pizza sauce over pizza dough.

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    Ginnie's Take

    Are you wondering how to make pizza sauce at home without a lot of hassle? Then let me introduce you to one of my favorite recipes! While I love a rich, thick, long-simmered sauce as much as the next person, sometimes (actually, pretty often) I just want pizza FAST. You know what I mean? And that's where this no cook Pizza Sauce comes in! It's super tasty, and it's ready in mere minutes.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Delicious Taste - This flavorful sauce has all those classic Italian flavors (rich tomatoes, zesty herbs) you crave. It's truly scrumptious, and you'd never guess it takes minutes to make.
    • Easy - If you can stir a few ingredients together, you can make this quick sauce. It really is that easy.
    • Quick - Have I mentioned that it's ready in just five minutes? This is the perfect simple sauce for last minute meals and weeknight dinners!
    • Versatile - Use this tasty sauce on all your favorite pizza recipes. It works on everything from simple cheese pizzas to gourmet delights!
    Jump to:
    • Ginnie's Take
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Pizza Sauce
    • How to Use
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • Related Recipes
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    • Easy Pizza Sauce (No Cook)
    A jar of the finished recipe on a napkin with a spoon in the background.

    Ingredients

    This recipe uses flavorful, yet basic ingredients you probably have in your pantry! Here's what you'll need:

    • Tomato Sauce - A basic tomato sauce (not paste) provides the base for this simple recipe. Since you'll be adding your own seasoning, make sure to use plain tomato sauce for this recipe. A few brands I like are Hunt's, Muir Glen, Contadina, and 365 (Whole Foods).
    • Spices - This recipe uses a combination of classic pizza spices: dried basil and oregano, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes (which you can skip for a milder sauce). You can use fresh garlic for this recipe or garlic powder ... either works great, so try it both ways to see which you prefer.
    • Cheese - While not traditional, I like to add a little grated Parmesan to my sauce. It adds a layer of rich umami flavor that's so delicious. Make sure to use freshly shredded cheese! The packaged stuff is too dry, and it won't melt into the sauce. Out of Parm? You can always leave out the cheese (this will also make the sauce vegan / dairy free), and it will still work great.
    • Salt - I recommend using kosher salt for this recipe (and for almost everything else you cook). It has a clean flavor that's so much better than standard table salt!

    Tip: Keep a few cans of tomato sauce in your cupboard at all times (it's one of my favorite pantry staples). That way, you can make homemade pizza whenever a craving strikes!

    Homemade pizza sauce ingredients arranged on a marble counter.

    How to Make Pizza Sauce

    This easy Pizza Sauce recipe only takes five minutes to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:

    1. Combine tomato sauce, spices, and parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Mix well.
    2. Season to taste. The amount of salt you need will depend on your personal preference, as well as the amount of salt in your tomato sauce. Sauce provides a lot of flavor to pizza, so I'd recommend erring on the generous side!

    You'll be happy to know that's all there is to it ... yes, it really is that quick and easy!

    Tip: When preparing pizza toppings, make this sauce first. That way, the dried herbs will have softened up by the time you top the crust.

    A photo collage showing how to make pizza sauce step by step.

    How to Use

    Because it isn't cooked and there is no tomato paste in it, this homemade sauce is fairly thin. Don't slather it on pizzas like you might a thicker sauce. Instead, add a thin layer to your crust so your pizza won't end up soggy.

    • Pizza - This sauce is super versatile and works with many different of pizza toppings! You'll find it in these Broccoli Pizza, Summer Veggie Pizza, and Grilled Pizza recipes, but you can substitute it for the sauce in any of my pizza recipes.
    • Dipping Sauce - You can also use this recipe as a dipping sauce! Warm it gently in your microwave, then serve it with breadsticks, Garlic Bread (or even better, Cheesy Garlic Bread), these Four Cheese Calzones, or even this Broccoli Rabe Sandwich.

    Tip: This recipe makes enough sauce for one large pizza or two smaller pizzas. Like I mentioned above, you want to use a thin layer of sauce. If you have a little left over, use it to make an english muffin pizza or a Tortilla Pizza the next day!

    A spoon spreading sauce on a pizza crust.

    Variations

    Once you've tried this basic no cook Pizza Sauce recipe, you can have fun experimenting a bit! Here are some easy ideas to try:

    • Different Herbs - This recipe uses classic pizza spices, however other Italian herbs would also be delish. Try rosemary, thyme, marjoram, sage, or ground fennel, too.
    • Thicker Sauce - If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix in tomato paste (one tablespoon at a time) until you reach the desired consistency. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the other seasonings, too.
    • Garlic - I typically make this sauce with fresh garlic, however garlic powder also works well. For a more unique flavor, Roasted Garlic would also be delicious!
    • Vegan - You can use a plant based Parmesan, or leave out the cheese to make this sauce vegan. I've made it without cheese many times, and it still tastes great!

    Storage

    This recipe can be prepared ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. If you have leftovers, transfer them to a small airtight container, then refrigerate for up to four days. The sauce can also be frozen for one to two months.

    An overhead image of a jar of no cook pizza sauce on a polka dot napkin.

    Related Recipes

    Have I made you hungry with all this pizza talk? You'll love these recipes, too:

    • Pesto Base - My Mediterranean Veggie Pizza, Kale Pizza, Pesto, Feta, and Veggie Pizza, Pumpkin Pizza, and Green Pizza with Pesto, Feta, Artichokes, and Broccoli recipes swap out the tomato sauce for a pesto base. So delish!
    • White Pizza - Love a no sauce pizza? Check out my White Pizza, Caprese Pizza,and Roasted Vegetable Pizza recipes.
    • Deep Dish - This mouthwatering Deep Dish Pizza with Broccoli, Spinach, and Feta is my twist on a popular restaurant favorite!
    • Unique Flavors - Looking for creative topping ideas? Check out my Hummus Pizza, Peach Pizza, Gorgonzola Pear Pizza, Grape Pizza, Plum and Gouda Pizza, and Mini Butternut and Gorgonzola Pizza recipes!
    A spoon filled with pizza sauce hovering over a jar of the sauce.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Does pizza sauce need to be cooked?

    No, pizza sauce does not need to be cooked. You can make this easy no cook version by stirring together tomato sauce and spices (basil, oregano, garlic), then season with salt to taste.

    How do you thicken pizza sauce without cooking it?

    To thicken pizza sauce without cooking it, stir in a little tomato paste, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

    Do you heat sauce before putting it on pizza?

    No, you do not need to heat sauce before putting it on pizza. It should be put on pizza cold or at room temperature.

    What can be used as a substitute for pizza sauce?

    Instead of pizza sauce, try using pesto, olive oil, ricotta cheese, barbecue sauce, romesco sauce, bechamel, tapenade, caramelized onions, or even hummus on your pizza instead. Basically, anything saucy works!

    What is the difference between pizza sauce and marinara / pasta sauce?

    Compared to pasta sauce, pizza sauce may be uncooked (but not always), and it often has a more concentrated, intense flavor than marinara sauce. It's often thicker than pasta sauce, and different tomatoes may also be used to make it. For example, pizza sauce is often made with tomato sauce, while pasta sauce may be made with whole or crushed tomatoes. Pasta sauce often has a sweeter flavor, too.

    Can you freeze pizza sauce?

    You can freeze leftover pizza sauce in an airtight container for one to two months.

    A jar of the finished sauce on a polka dot napkin.
    A spoon spreading pizza sauce over dough.
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    5 from 1 vote

    Easy Pizza Sauce (No Cook)

    Learn how to make the easiest Pizza Sauce ever ... it's ready in minutes and so delicious!
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Total Time5 minutes mins
    Course: Sauce
    Cuisine: Italian
    Servings: 1 cup
    Calories: 133kcal
    Author: Ginnie

    Ingredients

    • 1 (8-ounce / 227 gram) can tomato sauce
    • 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
    • 1 clove garlic, minced (or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder)
    • ½ teaspoon dried basil
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
    • kosher salt

    Instructions

    • Combine tomato sauce, cheese, garlic, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
    • Season sauce generously with salt to taste.
    • Use immediately or refrigerate until ready to use. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Recipe makes about one cup, more than enough for one large pizza or two smaller pizzas.
    This recipe works best with plain, unflavored tomato sauce. Do not substitute tomato paste.
    For best results, spread sauce thinly on pizza crust. The sauce has lots of flavor, so you need less than you think!
    Make sure to read all the info before this recipe card for lots of tips, variations, and recipe ideas!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 133kcal
    Did you make this recipe?I love hearing from you! Leave a comment and rating below, or tag @HelloLittleHome or #hellolittlehome on Instagram!
    A jar of pizza sauce on a polka dot napkin with a spoon in the background.
    Easy Pizza Sauce (No Cook)Easy Pizza Sauce (No Cook)
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    About Ginnie

    Ginnie is the writer, photographer, and chief content creator behind Hello Little Home. She loves trying new things (whether that’s creating delicious vegetarian recipes, exploring a new city, trying a fun DIY project, or sharing a pretty makeup look), and she hopes to inspire you to do the same! Read more about Ginnie here.

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    Hi, I'm Ginnie! Welcome to Hello Little Home, which is all about inspiring everyday creativity! I'm excited to share my favorite things with you ... vegetarian recipes, travel inspiration, DIY projects, decor ideas, beauty and fashion tips, and more! Read more about me here!

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