Spaghetti, penne, ziti, farfalle, the humble macaroni. They're all excellent vehicles for pasta sauces like Primal Kitchen Organic Roasted Garlic Marinara, Organic Tomato Basil Marinara, No Dairy Vodka Sauce, and Sundried Tomato Sauce. But there’s so much more these sauces can do besides dress up noodles. Our red sauces are made with organic California-grown tomatoes and farm-fresh flavors so they’re perfect for all sorts of recipes, from soups to casseroles and appetizers to beverages. 

Don’t sleep on everything pasta sauces can do. They might be one of the most versatile ingredients in your pantry—you just need to know how to use them. Here are 5 enticing ideas to get you started. 

Gazpacho 

Gazpacho is a chilled tomato-based vegetable soup that’s as refreshing as it is unique. It’s usually made by combining a long list of ingredients in a high-powered blender, but you can let one of the Primal Kitchen Marinara Sauces do most of the work. 

Just blend one of our savory red sauces with bell peppers and cucumber until very smooth. Taste and add a splash of red wine vinegar if you want more acidity, then let chill in the fridge. Couldn’t be easier! 

For an unexpected twist, add a few cups of watermelon chunks to the blender to make watermelon gazpacho—a must-try summer recipe! 

Bruschetta

Looking for a quick and easy appetizer or snack that bursts with tomato flavor? Look no further than bruschetta: toasted bread rubbed with garlic, usually topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt add the finishing touches.

Sub out the fresh tomatoes for any red pasta sauce. (Tomato Basil or Sundried Tomato are great here!) Optionally drizzle your bruschetta with organic balsamic vinegar, or pile on roasted red peppers and marinated artichoke hearts for a heartier bite. 

Bloody Mary 

Did someone say brunch? Ring in the weekend with a Bloody Mary cocktail (or virgin mocktail) garnished with celery, olives, and a piece of crisp bacon. Traditionally, Bloody Marys are made with tomato juice, but try using No-Dairy Vodka Sauce instead for a more complex flavor.

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a hearty vegetable “peasant stew” made by cooking eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions together with tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs like thyme and rosemary. The result is a deceptively delicious vegetable stew with a rich, deep flavor. 

For a shortcut version, try using Primal Kitchen Tomato Basil Marinara to save time. Chop the other vegetables into ½-inch pieces and sauté in olive oil until they start to soften. Stir in minced garlic, then add the Marinara Sauce. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are very soft. Top with sliced fresh basil and enjoy hot or at room temperature. 

Baked Meatballs 

This is a recipe that everyone in the family will love.

• Start with store-bought or homemade meatballs. Place them in a casserole dish with a jar of your favorite Primal Kitchen red sauce, cover tightly, and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
• Remove the cover and optionally add a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over top. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melty.
• If you want, switch on the broiler to brown the cheese for a minute or two. 
• Serve these meatballs as is or in gluten-free bread rolls for a meatball sub. 

These recipes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to using pasta sauce in interesting and scrumptious ways, no noodles required. If you have Primal Kitchen red sauces in your pantry, you can easily whip up all sorts of tomato-based fare, so make sure you always have a few jars on hand. You never know when a tomato craving will strike!