Pizza sauce
Uncooked tomatoes, seasoned and spread straight on the dough. It cooks in the oven, so the taste stays fresh.
Pasta sauce
Cooked tomatoes, usually simmered for a while with herbs. It is ready to eat before it touches the pasta.
Why is pizza sauce uncooked?
Because it makes a better pizza. The sauce cooks in the oven anyway, and uncooked tomatoes keep their fresh taste. Pizza sauce is also quicker to make: there is nothing to simmer.
Are the ingredients different?
A little. Both are tomato-based. Pasta sauce is often made with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and water, seasoned with salt, garlic and herbs such as basil or parsley. Pizza sauce is often made with tomatoes, a little tomato paste and olive oil, seasoned with salt, garlic, pepper and herbs such as basil or oregano.
You can make both at home with fresh or canned tomatoes.
Can I use pasta sauce on pizza?
Yes, but pick a simple one and do not use too much. A thick, heavily seasoned pasta sauce can overpower the pizza and make the base soggy.
Can I use pizza sauce on pasta?
Yes, but heat it through first. You could see pizza sauce as an uncooked pasta sauce.
What makes a good pizza sauce?
Keep it simple: crushed tomatoes seasoned with salt and pepper. Add a little garlic, oregano or a splash of balsamic vinegar if you like. That is all you need.