Food Recipe Collections & Favorites 7 Tomato Paste Recipe Ideas for Flavor-Packed Meals and Sauces Bet you never thought a bit of tomato paste could go such a long way. By Dawn Perry Dawn Perry Dawn is the author of Ready, Set, Cook; How to Make Good Food With What's on Hand. She served as the food director for Real Simple and has worked in the test kitchens of Everyday Food, Bon Appétit, and the meal kit delivery service Martha & Marley Spoon. Dawn is the author of Short Stack Editions' Cucumbers and her recipes and writing have been featured in the LA Times, The New York Times, and The Washington Post among other publications. She recently started Superkind Cookies, a premium cookie company shipping treats nationwide. Highlights: * Author of Ready, Set, Cook; How to Make Good Food With What's on Hand. * Former food director for Real Simple * Worked in the test kitchens of Everyday Food, Bon Appétit, and Martha & Marley Spoon * Recipes and writing have been featured in the LA Times, The New York Times, and The Washington Post Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 24, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Corey Olsen Long reserved for lasagna and ragù, tomato paste is working its way into kitchens everywhere for meals that go beyond the standard Italian fare. If you're game for trying a recipe that uses tomato paste, we have several easy-to-follow ones to get you started. Try your hand at making versatile dishes like a fragrant homemade chicken tikka masala, tender mussels and white beans, and more. Pro tip: For bigger flavor (and easier storage), swap those tiny cans of yore for tidy tubes of double-concentrated paste. 01 of 07 Tomato-and-Pepper Aioli Jen Causey Would you be interested in upgrading your ketchup? Better yet, are you looking for a dip that goes with much more than just french fries? Start with tomato paste and mayonnaise, then mix in a few more key ingredients. You'll have a tangy sauce that will dramatically improve any veggie or sandwich. Get the recipe: Tomato-and-Pepper Aioli 02 of 07 Sweet and Spicy Tomato Glaze Victor Protasio If you're looking to up your grill game, try using this sweet and spicy tomato glaze (with none other than tomato paste) for an extra kick of flavor. Make a little extra, and you can freeze it for a later meal. Or keep it for one week in the fridge in a tightly sealed container. Get the recipe: Sweet and Spicy Tomato Glaze 03 of 07 Tomatoey Beans and Mussels Jen Causey Steamed mussels is one of the easiest dishes you can make that looks like a fancy meal. This version is flavored with tomato paste, garlic, and paprika, and bulked up with creamy cannellini beans. Don't skip the bread here: You'll want to keep dunking it in the tomato paste sauce/broth until the last bite. Get the recipe: Tomatoey Beans and Mussels 04 of 07 Tomato and Shrimp Bisque With Toast Points Gentl & Hyers The addition of shrimp turns this tomato bisque into something special. You can also make this recipe ahead of time; toast the bread and garnish the reheated soup with fresh dill just before serving. Get the recipe: Tomato and Shrimp Bisque With Toast Points 05 of 07 Quick Chicken Tikka Masala Jen Causey Recreate the beloved delivery staple, chicken tikka masala right at home. Make the quick curry paste in a food processor and you're basically there. This is a great starting point for any home cook. Get the recipe: Quick Chicken Tikka Masala 06 of 07 Braised Fish With Spicy Tomato Sauce Greg DuPree This recipe uses a braising method which offers a foolproof method of cooking flaky, moist fish. The use of tomato paste, coriander, cumin, cilantro, and other herbs and spices makes it a flavorful dish that will surely become a family favorite. Get the recipe: Braised Fish With Spicy Tomato Sauce 07 of 07 Hazelnut Romesco Pasta Salad Jennifer Causey This hazelnut romesco pasta salad is a great twist on the traditional Spanish dish. It goes well with grilled chicken or fish but is hearty enough to stand alone as a complete meal. Nuts add an earthy undertone that compliments the tartness of the tomato paste. Get the recipe: Hazelnut Romesco Pasta Salad Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit