Reheating jarred pasta sauce is an easy way to revive store-bought sauce and have it ready in minutes for topping your favorite pasta dishes. There are several effective ways to reheat pasta sauce, including using the microwave, stove top, or simply allowing it to simmer on the stove. Regardless of the method you choose, it is important to stir the sauce frequently and watch it closely to avoid scorching or burning. Adding a splash of water or stock can help if the sauce becomes too thick upon reheating. With careful, sustained heat and regular stirring, you can bring jarred pasta sauce back to perfection in minutes to complement your pasta creations.
1. Microwave Reheating
The easiest way to reheat jarred pasta sauce is with the microwave. Pour the pasta sauce into a microwave safe dish, such as a shallow casserole dish or batter bowl.
Start by microwaving the sauce on 50% power for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, remove the dish from the microwave and stir the sauce well. Continue microwaving the sauce in 30 second increments on 50% power, stirring between each increment, until the sauce is heated through to your desired temperature. The total time will depend on the amount of sauce and wattage of your microwave, but will typically range from 2 to 4 minutes.
Microwaving provides an even, gentle heat that reduces the risk of scorching compared to the stove, while still effectively reheating the sauce quickly and evenly. Just be sure to use a dish that is suited for the microwave and to stir the sauce well between heating intervals.
2. Stove Top Reheating
For a more traditional method, you can reheat jarred pasta sauce directly on the stove top.
Place a saucepan over medium heat on the stove. Once the pan is hot, pour in the desired amount of pasta sauce from the jar.
Stir the sauce frequently with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula to ensure it heats evenly and avoids scorching on the bottom of the pan. Stirring also helps prevent any thicker parts of the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Allow the sauce to heat, continuing to stir frequently, until it reaches your desired temperature. Typically, sauce reheated on the stove will take between 5 to 10 minutes to heat through, depending on the amount and initial temperature of the sauce. The sauce may get slightly thicker as it heats.
While requiring a bit more attention, reheating jarred pasta sauce on the stove top allows you to achieve a slightly different texture compared to the microwave, with a more traditional “cooked” taste from the direct heat of the burner. Just be sure to stir frequently to avoid scorching.
3. Simmer on the Stove
For a more delicate approach to reheating jarred pasta sauce, simply allow it to simmer gently on the stove.
Place a saucepan over low heat on the stove. Once the pan is warm, pour in the desired amount of pasta sauce from the jar.
Allow the sauce to come to a simmer, bubbling slowly and gently. Stir the sauce occasionally to ensure even heating.
Simmer the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently enough to prevent sticking. The longer, slower simmer allows the flavors in the sauce to meld and develop further.
The sauce will also thicken slightly as it simmers, so you may need to stir more frequently toward the end of the simmering time to avoid sticking. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of water, broth, or wine.
Simmering jarred pasta sauce is a gentle way to reheat it that preserves more of the original flavor and texture. The longer simmer time allows the flavors to deepen and develop in a more natural way. Just be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and scorching on the bottom of the pan. After 10 to 15 minutes of simmering, your jarred pasta sauce will be ready to pour over your favorite pasta dish.
4. Pro Tips
- Do not allow the sauce to boil rapidly. Boiling will cause the sauce to splatter and may scorch or burn the sauce. For the best results, simmer, warm, or microwave the sauce on a lower heat setting.
- Stir the sauce frequently, every 1 to 2 minutes. Frequent stirring helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevent scorching or sticking on the bottom of the pan.
- If the sauce becomes too thick as it reheats, add a small amount of liquid to thin it out. A few tablespoons of water, broth, wine, or even tomato juice can be added and stirred into the sauce. This helps prevent the sauce from becoming gloppy.
- Use a wide, shallow pan for reheating on the stove top. This will help the sauce heat more evenly and quickly without requiring as much frequent stirring.
- For thicker or chunkier pasta sauces, break up any large pieces before reheating. This helps the sauce heat through more evenly in the microwave or on the stove.
- Do not allow the sauce to sit off the heat for long periods after reheating. Pasta sauce can become unappetizing quickly at room temperature, so reheat only the amount you need and use promptly.
- Consider adding fresh herbs after reheating for an extra pop of flavor. A pinch of chopped basil, oregano, or parsley can be stirred into the hot pasta sauce right before serving.
By following these pro tips and reheating jarred pasta sauce with care, you can revive store-bought sauce to taste nearly as good as the day you first opened the jar. Just avoid excessively high heat and stir frequently to avoid common reheating mishaps and ensure your sauce retains maximum flavor.
In summary, reheating jarred pasta sauce is simple when you follow a few key guidelines: avoid excessively high heat, stir frequently to prevent sticking, and add liquid if the sauce becomes too thick. Using the microwave, stove top, or gentle simmer, you can revive jarred pasta sauce in minutes to top your favorite pasta dishes. With a bit of care, reheated jarred pasta sauce can taste almost as good as freshly made.
FAQs
1. Can you reheat pasta sauce from a can?
Yes, pasta sauce from a can can be reheated using the same methods as jarred sauce, including in the microwave, on the stove top, or by simmering on the stove. Just be careful not to overheat the sauce.
2. How do I reheat homemade pasta sauce?
Homemade pasta sauce can be gently reheated on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Or simmer the sauce uncovered until it reaches your desired consistency. Do not boil the sauce.
3. How long can you keep reheated jarred pasta sauce?
Reheated pasta sauce should be used immediately or cooled and stored in the refrigerator within 2 hours. It will typically remain safe to consume for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
4. What temperatures should pasta sauce be reheated to?
Pasta sauce should be reheated until it reaches an internal temperature around 165 to 185°F/75 to 85°C, or until it is hot throughout and steamy. Avoid excessively high temperatures.
5. Can reheat pasta sauce on stove top in oven safe dish?
Yes, as long as the dish is oven safe up to around 500°F/260°C, you can reheat pasta sauce on the stove top in an oven safe pan or casserole dish. Just monitor it closely to avoid scorching.
