Scraped Pan Tomato and Herb Sauce

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

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A vibrant sauce made from tomato scraps and fresh herbs, using every bit of flavor left in the pan after cooking. This Middle Eastern-inspired quick recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs tomato paste, canned crushed tomatoes, fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 5 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Middle Eastern cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes while stirring constantly to deepen the flavor and remove raw taste.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil and 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano. Simmer for 2 more minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat and serve immediately over cooked pasta or vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Scraped Pan Tomato and Herb Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Scraped Pan Tomato and Herb Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tomato paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Scraped Pan Tomato and Herb 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 Scraped Pan Tomato and Herb Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

Is Scraped Pan Tomato and Herb Sauce vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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