10 Ways to Thicken Pasta Sauce Without Cornstarch

Looking to make your pasta sauce thicker without using cornstarch?

Well, you’ve come to the right place!

In this article, we’ll show you 10 simple and delicious ways to achieve that desired consistency.

By using tomato paste, simmering the sauce, adding a roux, incorporating mashed vegetables, and more, you’ll be able to elevate your pasta dishes to a whole new level.

So, let’s dive in and discover these fantastic techniques together!

Use Tomato Paste

If you’re looking for a simple way to thicken your pasta sauce, try using tomato paste. It’s a great option that adds both flavor and thickness to your sauce.

Start by heating a small amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Then, add a spoonful or two of tomato paste to the pan and stir it around for a minute or so. The heat will help to intensify the flavors and thicken the sauce.

Once the tomato paste is well mixed, gradually add your pasta sauce and continue to stir until it reaches your desired thickness.

This method is quick, easy, and doesn’t require any additional ingredients. So give it a try next time you’re in need of a thick and rich pasta sauce.

Simmer the Sauce

To achieve a thicker consistency, let the sauce simmer for a longer period of time. This simple technique can work wonders in transforming your thin pasta sauce into a rich and flavorful masterpiece.

As you allow the sauce to simmer, the excess liquid evaporates, leaving behind a concentrated and thicker texture. The heat helps break down the ingredients, releasing their natural flavors and melding them together.

While the sauce simmers, make sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Add a Roux

When you add a roux, it helps to thicken the sauce and give it a velvety texture.

A roux is a mixture of equal parts flour and fat, usually butter, that is cooked together until it reaches a golden brown color.

To make a roux, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and then whisk in flour until it forms a smooth paste.

Cook the roux for a few minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Then, gradually whisk in your sauce or liquid, stirring constantly.

As the roux cooks, it will thicken the sauce and give it a rich, creamy texture.

The longer you cook the roux, the darker and more flavorful it will become.

Incorporate Mashed Vegetables

Incorporating mashed vegetables into your sauce can add a boost of flavor and nutrients without using cornstarch. By blending cooked vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or zucchini, you can create a smooth puree that thickens your pasta sauce naturally.

Not only does this technique enhance the taste of your sauce, but it also adds essential vitamins and minerals to your dish. The natural starches present in the vegetables help to thicken the sauce, giving it a rich and velvety texture. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for those picky eaters in your family.

Use Parmesan Cheese

Using parmesan cheese in your sauce creates a creamy and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. When you add grated parmesan to your pasta sauce, it not only enhances the taste but also helps thicken the sauce naturally.

As the cheese melts, it releases its salty and nutty flavors, creating a rich and indulgent texture. The saltiness of the parmesan complements the sweetness of the tomatoes in the sauce, creating a well-balanced flavor profile.

Additionally, the cheese acts as a natural thickener, giving your sauce a luscious and velvety consistency. It’s important to add the parmesan gradually while stirring continuously to ensure it melts evenly and doesn’t clump.

Cook With Tomato Puree

Cooking with tomato puree gives your sauce a rich and concentrated tomato flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. It’s a simple yet effective way to thicken your pasta sauce without using cornstarch.

Start by sautéing some onions and garlic in a little olive oil until they become fragrant. Then, add the tomato puree to the pan and let it simmer for a while. The puree will naturally thicken as it cooks down, giving your sauce a luscious texture.

The intense tomato flavor will infuse into the sauce, making it even more delicious. So next time you’re making pasta sauce, reach for the tomato puree and enjoy the rich and flavorful results.

Blend in Cooked Rice

To add texture and substance to your dish, try blending cooked rice into your tomato puree. This simple technique not only thickens your pasta sauce but also adds a unique flavor and creaminess.

Start by cooking rice according to the package instructions and let it cool. Once cooled, transfer the cooked rice into a blender or food processor.

Next, add your tomato puree to the blender and blend until smooth. The cooked rice will break down and infuse the tomato puree with its starchy goodness, creating a velvety and thickened sauce.

You can then use this rice-infused tomato puree as a base for your pasta dishes or even as a flavorful topping for grilled meats or vegetables.

Give it a try and elevate your dishes to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Add Bread Crumbs

Did you know that adding bread crumbs to your tomato sauce can give it a delightful crunch and help thicken it up?

It’s a simple and effective trick that you can try the next time you’re making pasta sauce.

All you need to do is take some bread slices, remove the crust, and then pulse them in a food processor until they turn into fine crumbs.

Then, just stir the bread crumbs into your sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.

The bread crumbs will absorb some of the liquid, helping to thicken the sauce and give it a nice texture.

Plus, they’ll add a subtle crunch that will elevate your pasta dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Thicken With Ground Flaxseed

If you’re looking for an alternative to cornstarch, ground flaxseed can help you achieve a thicker sauce while adding a subtle nutty flavor. When added to your pasta sauce, ground flaxseed acts as a natural thickening agent due to its high fiber content.

The soluble fibers in flaxseed absorb liquid and create a gel-like consistency, giving your sauce a desirable thickness. To use ground flaxseed as a thickener, simply sprinkle a tablespoon or two into your simmering sauce and stir well. As the sauce cooks, the flaxseed will swell and thicken the sauce.

Keep in mind that flaxseed can alter the taste of your sauce slightly, adding a hint of nuttiness. So, if you enjoy a mild nutty flavor in your pasta sauce, give ground flaxseed a try as a cornstarch substitute.

Use a Creamy Ingredient

Now that you know how to thicken your pasta sauce with ground flaxseed, let’s explore another method using a creamy ingredient.

Adding a creamy element to your sauce not only enhances its texture but also adds a rich and velvety taste.

One option is to incorporate heavy cream or half-and-half into your sauce, stirring it in gradually until you achieve the desired consistency.

Another alternative is to use milk or yogurt, which can provide a lighter and tangier flavor.

Remember to simmer the sauce for a few minutes after adding the creamy ingredient to allow it to thicken further.