10+ Pasta Sauce Recipes to Elevate Your Pasta Dishes

Pasta sauce is a key element in many delicious meals, adding flavor and richness to a variety of dishes.

With so many different recipes available, you can easily find the perfect sauce for your favorite pasta or even try something new.

Whether you prefer classic tomato-based sauces or creamy alternatives, there’s a recipe out there that suits your taste.

Incorporating pasta sauce into your cooking can make mealtime an exciting experience.

With simple ingredients and straightforward methods, you can create sauces that impress family and friends.

Get ready to explore a world of flavors that will enhance your pasta dishes and inspire your culinary creativity.

1) Classic Marinara with Italian Sausage

Pasta sauce is a key element in many delicious meals, adding flavor and richness to a variety of dishes.

With so many different recipes available, you can easily find the perfect sauce for your favorite pasta or even try something new.

Whether you prefer classic tomato-based sauces or creamy alternatives, there’s a recipe out there that suits your taste.

If you’re looking for a rich and hearty pasta sauce, this classic marinara with Italian sausage is perfect. The flavorful sausage adds depth to the sauce, making it a favorite for many.

Start by sautéing the sausage in olive oil until browned. This gives the sauce a delicious base. You can add garlic and onions for more flavor.

Next, pour in your favorite marinara sauce and let it simmer. The mix of spices and sausage creates a comforting meal you can enjoy any night.

Serve this sauce over your choice of pasta for a delicious meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 (6 ounce) sweet Italian sausage links
• ¼ cup white wine
• 1 (32 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups water

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the sausage and brown on all sides.
3. Stir in the garlic and onions until soft.
4. Pour in the marinara sauce and water.
5. Simmer for 20 minutes on low heat.

2) Creamy Tomato Basil Delight

Creamy Tomato Basil Delight is a simple and tasty pasta dish. You can have it ready in under 30 minutes. It features fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a rich cream sauce.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to the package directions. While that cooks, prepare the sauce.

Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft. Then, add tomato paste, cream, and fresh basil. Stir until heated through.

Once the pasta is ready, combine it with the sauce. Make sure all the pasta is coated nicely. You can top it with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta of your choice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to the package instructions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft.
4. Add tomato paste and stir for a few minutes.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well.
6. Stir in the fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
7. Drain the pasta and combine it with the sauce.
8. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

3) Rich and Savory Bolognese

Bolognese sauce is a classic Italian dish that’s both rich and hearty. It’s perfect for a comforting pasta meal. You use ground meat, like beef or pork, combined with vegetables and tomatoes.

To make this sauce, you let it simmer slowly. This process helps all the flavors develop beautifully. It’s excellent served over pasta like tagliatelle or pappardelle.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork
• 1/4 pound (115g) pancetta
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cups (480ml) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup (240ml) red wine
• 1 cup (240ml) beef stock
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like basil or oregano)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the ground meat and cook until browned.
4. Add wine and let it reduce for a few minutes.
5. Mix in crushed tomatoes and beef stock. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer on low for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in milk a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

4) Quick and Zesty Arrabbiata

Arrabbiata sauce is a simple and spicy Italian sauce that’s great for pasta. It uses fresh ingredients and comes together quickly. You’ll enjoy the bold flavors of garlic and chili.

To make this sauce, start with some olive oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper for a zesty kick. Once fragrant, add canned tomatoes and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

This sauce pairs well with penne pasta. Top it with fresh basil or grated cheese for extra flavor. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes
• Salt to taste
• Fresh basil (optional)
• Grated cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper. Sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Pour in canned tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Season with salt and serve over cooked pasta.

5) Homemade Pesto with Fresh Basil

Making homemade pesto with fresh basil is simple and quick. This sauce is packed with flavor and works well with pasta, sandwiches, and more.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Begin by blending the basil, garlic, and pine nuts together in a food processor. Slowly add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Then, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper to taste.

You can enjoy this sauce right away or store it in the fridge for later.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, and pine nuts.
2. Blend until chopped finely.
3. Slowly add olive oil while blending until smooth.
4. Mix in the grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

6) Velvety Alfredo with Parmesan

To make Velvety Alfredo with Parmesan, you will need just a few simple ingredients. This creamy sauce is rich and perfect for fettuccine or any pasta you like.

Start by melting butter in a pan. Add heavy cream and let it heat gently. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly.

For extra flavor, a pinch of nutmeg can make a big difference. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This sauce comes together quickly and makes your meal feel special.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and heat gently.
3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.
4. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well.
5. Serve over your favorite pasta. Enjoy!

7) Garlic Butter and Herb Elixir

Garlic butter and herb elixir adds a rich flavor to pasta dishes. This sauce is quick to make and uses simple ingredients you might already have at home.

Start by melting butter in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, mix in your favorite fresh herbs like basil and parsley.

The combination of garlic and herbs creates a delicious aroma. You can pour this elixir over cooked pasta for a tasty meal.

Feel free to add grated Parmesan for extra flavor. This sauce is versatile and works well for many pasta types.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
3. Stir in the fresh herbs and salt.
4. Pour over cooked pasta and add Parmesan if desired.

8) Three-Ingredient Cream Sauce

This three-ingredient cream sauce is simple and delicious. You only need cream, butter, and parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for a quick pasta meal.

To start, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add heavy cream. Stir it together and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Next, add grated parmesan cheese to the sauce. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. You can adjust the thickness by adding more cream if needed.

This creamy sauce goes well with any pasta you love. Enjoy it on a busy night when you want something quick and satisfying!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add the heavy cream and stir.
3. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes.
4. Mix in the parmesan until melted.
5. Serve over your favorite pasta.

9) Rustic Tomato and Oregano Blend

This rustic tomato and oregano blend is simple and full of flavor. It makes a great sauce for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up.

Start by gathering your ingredients. Fresh tomatoes work best, but canned tomatoes will also do the trick. Pair them with fresh or dried oregano, garlic, and a touch of olive oil for a delightful blend.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (14 oz each) whole tomatoes or 800 g fresh tomatoes
• 1/2 brown onion, diced
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add diced onion and cook until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add tomatoes and oregano, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

10) Spicy Vodka Pasta Surprise

Spicy Vodka Pasta is a delightful dish that brings a kick to your dinner table. It’s creamy and full of flavor, making it a popular choice.

You can make this delicious sauce in just under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.

The key ingredients make this dish shine. You’ll love the combination of tomato paste, garlic, and heavy cream. A splash of vodka adds a unique twist that balances the flavors beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 box of your favorite pasta
• 1 can of tomato paste
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1 oz vodka
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until soft.
4. Stir in tomato paste and vodka, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add heavy cream, stirring until well combined.
6. Mix in the cooked pasta and season with salt and pepper.
7. Enjoy!