10+ Pasta Sauce Recipes to Elevate Your Meals
Pasta sauce is a key element in many delicious meals. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner or a special gathering, the right sauce can elevate your dish to new heights.
You’ll find a variety of pasta sauce recipes that cater to different tastes and cooking styles. This makes it easy to create something special for every occasion.
From rich and hearty sauces to light and creamy options, the possibilities are endless. You can explore classic favorites or try something new and exciting. This collection will help you discover the perfect sauce to complement your pasta and satisfy your craving.
1) Rich Italian Sausage Lasagna Sauce
Making a rich Italian sausage lasagna sauce is simple and rewarding. Start by browning some sweet Italian sausage in a large pan. This adds a flavorful base to your sauce.
Next, add minced onions and chopped garlic to the pan. Let them cook until they soften and smell amazing.
Then, stir in crushed tomatoes and your favorite herbs like basil and oregano for extra taste.
Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend well together. You can adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
- ½ cup minced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a large pan.
- Add the minced onion and chopped garlic.
- Cook until onions are soft.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and herbs.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
2) Creamy Tomato and Basil Delight
Creamy Tomato and Basil Delight is a simple and tasty pasta dish. You’ll enjoy the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
To start, cook your favorite pasta until it’s al dente. While that cooks, make the sauce by sautéing garlic and onions in olive oil. Then add diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and fresh basil.
Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend nicely. Toss your pasta in the sauce and serve with grated Parmesan on top.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups (300 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and onion, cooking until soft.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Mix in heavy cream and basil, simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese.
3) Classic Bolognese Ragu
Classic Bolognese Ragu is a hearty meat sauce that’s perfect for pasta. It’s made with a mix of ground beef, pork, and fresh vegetables like carrots and onions. This sauce is cooked slowly for deep flavor.
To start, you will need tomatoes, which can be canned or fresh. Adding red wine helps enhance the taste, while milk makes the sauce creamy.
Serve your Bolognese with tagliatelle or your favorite pasta. Top it with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 pound (450g) ground pork
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 28 ounces (800g) canned tomatoes
- 1 cup (240ml) red wine
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until soft.
- Stir in ground beef and pork, cooking until browned.
- Add red wine and let it reduce slightly.
- Stir in canned tomatoes and milk.
- Simmer on low for at least 1 hour.
- Add salt and pepper to taste before serving.
4) Velvety Alfredo Sauce
Velvety Alfredo sauce is rich and creamy, perfect for pasta. You can make it with just a few simple ingredients. It’s a great choice for a comforting dinner.
To make this sauce, use heavy cream for the best texture. Grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese add depth. A little garlic will bring out the flavors, while a hint of nutmeg makes the sauce special.
You will end up with a delightful dish that feels indulgent. It’s easy enough to whip up after a long day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until warm.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve immediately over pasta.
5) Spicy Arrabbiata with Red Pepper
Spicy Arrabbiata sauce is full of flavor and great for pasta dishes. It combines tomatoes, garlic, and red chili flakes for a delightful kick. Adding roasted red peppers gives it a smoky touch.
To make this dish, you’ll want to use fresh ingredients for the best taste. The sauce pairs well with penne or rigatoni pasta.
You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer chili flakes. This makes it easy to customize based on your taste.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (or to taste)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 roasted red pepper, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in red chili flakes and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add crushed tomatoes and chopped red pepper.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain pasta and mix with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
6) Nutty Pesto Genovese
Nutty Pesto Genovese is a classic Italian sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, and pine nuts. This sauce has a rich and creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with pasta.
To make the best pesto, use high-quality ingredients. Fresh basil gives the sauce its vibrant green color and herby flavor. Pine nuts add a wonderful nuttiness that enhances the dish.
You can serve Pesto Genovese with pasta, on sandwiches, or as a dip. It’s versatile and can elevate many meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
- Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt to taste.
7) Authentic Marinara Dijon
Authentic Marinara Dijon blends classic marinara with a hint of Dijon mustard. This twist adds a tangy flavor that elevates your pasta dishes.
Start with fresh ingredients. Include whole peeled tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. The Dijon mustard gives it a unique taste that many love.
Cook your sauce slowly to let the flavors meld together. It’s perfect over pasta or as a base for other dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh basil, to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add Dijon mustard and salt; mix well.
- Serve over cooked pasta and garnish with fresh basil.
8) Garlic Butter and Herb Elegance
Garlic butter and herb sauce makes a simple yet flavorful pasta dish. You can whip this up in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Start by melting butter in a pan and adding minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it gets fragrant but not browned. Then mix in your favorite fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Toss in cooked pasta to coat it evenly in the rich, buttery sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor.
This dish is great as a side or a main course. Enjoy the delightful taste of garlic and herbs in every bite!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss until well coated.
- Serve hot, topped with grated cheese if desired.
9) Vodka Cream Sauce with Parmesan
Vodka cream sauce is a delicious and rich option for your pasta dishes. It combines the sharp taste of vodka with creamy texture, making it a favorite for many.
You will start with a base of tomatoes and onions, then add garlic for flavor.
The next step is to stir in heavy cream, giving the sauce a smooth finish. Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch that completes the dish perfectly.
This sauce pairs well with penne or rigatoni, as the pasta shapes catch the sauce nicely. It makes for an easy and impressive meal any night of the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
- ½ cup (120 ml) vodka
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ¾ cup (75 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the tomato sauce and vodka, bringing it to a simmer.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the sauce with the cooked pasta and serve warm.
10) Chunky Ratatouille-Inspired Sauce
This Chunky Ratatouille-Inspired Sauce is packed with flavor and fresh vegetables. It combines classic ingredients like eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes for a delicious twist on pasta sauce.
Start by dicing your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. The key is to keep them chunky to give the sauce texture.
Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil to build a flavorful base. Then, add your diced eggplant, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Cook until they’re tender.
To enhance the flavors, sprinkle in some Italian herbs like basil and oregano. This sauce is great with any type of pasta or as a topping for baked dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium eggplant, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- Italian herbs (basil, oregano)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. This is about 350°F / 175°C.
- Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Add eggplant, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
- Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in Italian herbs. Then, serve over pasta.