Pasta sauce If you have leftover pasta sauce, it can be a secret gem in your fridge. That savory sauce can do so much more than just pasta. Whether you have marinara, alfredo, pesto, or even a day-old homemade tomato-based sauce, there are many ways to repurpose it. So check out these yummy, innovative, simple, high-quality methods to use up every inch of your additional pasta sauce!
Shakshuka-Style Breakfast
The solution: shakshuka! If your marinara or tomato-sauced pasta sauce is savory enough, you can turn it into breakfast (or brunch) with shakshuka. A North African and Middle Eastern classic, it is poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce. Heat up your leftover pasta sauce in a skillet, create little wells for the eggs, and crack them in. Simmer until the eggs have set to your taste, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Pizza Toasts or Flatbreads
Transform leftover pasta sauce into a 5-minute snack or meal by serving it on pizza toast or flatbreads. Smear the sauce over pieces of bread or flatbread, sprinkle over shredded cheese, and top with any toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives. Transfer to a baking dish, and top with the mozzarella and the remaining ½ cup of the parmesan; bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for one or two minutes, if desired, to make crispy, before serving.
Tomato Soup
Donating marinara or tomato-based pasta sauce is another way you can turn it into a thick dish inside a cup of tomato soup. Simply thin the sauce with some broth or water, let it simmer, and season. Add cream or milk for a creamy version. What also pairs perfectly is a grilled cheese–gug up a cozy classic!
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Deliver it for a hearty dinner: with your excess sauce, stuff a pair of bell peppers. Add a paste of cooked rice, ground meat (or plant-based meat), and a bit of cheese to your pasta sauce. We can spoon the mixture into bell peppers that have been sliced in half, sprinkle more cheese on top, and bake until the peppers are soft and the cheese is brown.
Baked Chicken Parmesan In One Dish
Turn leftover sauce into pan-baked chicken Parmesan. Toss chicken breasts in a baking dish, drizzle pasta sauce over the top, top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and bake at 400°F (200°C) until chicken is cooked. You can serve it over some pasta, or alongside your favorite veggie sides, for a full meal.
Eggplant or Zucchini Roll-Ups
Thinly slice eggplant or zucchini, add a thin layer of leftover pasta sauce and a spoonful of ricotta cheese, and roll up. Place the rolls in a baking dish, drizzle more sauce over top, sprinkle on some cheese, and bake until the veggies are cooked through and the cheese is bubbling. It creates a lighter, veggie-centric twist on classic pasta dishes.
Mini Meatball Subs
Spare: Meatball Subs Use leftover pasta sauce to make some mini meatball subs Warm the sauce with cooked meatballs (store-bought or homemade) and stuff into small sandwich buns or hoagie rolls. Sprinkle mozzarella or provolone on top and broil until cheese is melted. Perfect for a mid-week meal or a party munchie.
Savory Bread Pudding
Transform extra bread and pasta sauce into a savory bread pudding! Chop up some stale bread into cubes and combine it with pasta sauce, beaten eggs, cheese, and whatever vegetables or leftover sausage you have. Transfer to a baking dish and place in the oven till firm to the touch. It’s unique and hearty.
Leftover pasta sauce is a wonderfully versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of meals, from breakfasts to snacks, dinners, and appetizers. With just a few additional ingredients, you can transform it into a new dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds. So, the next time you discover a jar or container of pasta sauce in your fridge, consider these ideas on what to make with leftover pasta sauce to create something fresh and delicious!