When you're short on pasta sauce, you can use tomato soup as a substitute by making some adjustments to coax out the best flavor and texture.

Since tomato soup is runnier, start by only using a little bit of soup and mixing it with pasta water, which includes starch from the cooked pasta to thicken the soup.

If it needs to be even thicker, mix cornstarch or flour with water until it dissolves, then add this slurry mixture to the tomato soup, stirring until it is properly incorporated.

Stirring in tomato paste is another way to thicken the soup without changing the flavor. Adding cream will also thicken the soup, but it can dramatically affect the flavor.

For Italian-inspired dishes, add spices like oregano, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder to your soup. For a Mexican salsa roja sauce, add chili peppers, onions, and garlic.

Add sausage or ground beef for a heartier, savory taste. Incorporating chopped veggies and grains, like quinoa, can also add flavor and get rid of some of the liquid in the soup.