Neapolitan Thin-Crust Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Italian thin-crust pizza topped with a spicy, aromatic tomato sauce and melted mozzarella for a perfect balance of heat and creaminess. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 30 minutes blends pound pizza dough, tablespoons olive oil, crushed canned tomatoes into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside for 45 minutes to get it very hot.
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon red chili flakes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup crushed canned tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: On a floured surface, stretch 1 pound pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and sprinkle 1 tablespoon cornmeal on a pizza peel or flat baking sheet.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the dough onto the cornmeal, spread the spicy tomato sauce evenly over the dough, and top with 8 ounces sliced fresh mozzarella.
  6. Step 6: Bake on the preheated stone or baking sheet for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven and scatter 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves on top before slicing and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Neapolitan Thin-Crust Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Neapolitan Thin-Crust Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Neapolitan Thin-Crust Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Neapolitan Thin-Crust Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Neapolitan Thin-Crust Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce?

Italian pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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