This guide will help you explore the delicious world of different types of pasta sauce and find the perfect one for your next dish.
Pasta is one of the most beloved comfort foods in the world and it’s no secret why. With its comforting, warm and satisfying flavor, pasta is the perfect dish for any meal, any day of the week. Well, for me at least! 🙂 But let’s not forget about the real star of the show – the sauce!
Pasta sauce can make or break a dish and the options are endless. From classic tomato sauce to creamy Alfredo, each type of pasta sauce offers its own unique flavor and texture. To help you navigate the world of pasta sauces, I’ve put together a guide about the most popular types of pasta sauces..
Most popular types of pasta sauce
Tomato Sauce
This classic sauce is made from simmered tomatoes, herbs and spices. I like the fact that it’s versatile and goes well with any pasta shape.
Here are three pasta recipes with tomato sauce you should try:
Alfredo Sauce
Alfredo sauce is a classic, creamy sauce that is typically made from butter, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. This is often served with fettuccine pasta and many recipes use it as a topping for chicken or other dishes. This is oneof the staple sauces in my kitchen, it is easy to prepare and comes together in just a few minutes on the stovetop. The butter and cream are combined and simmered until thick and creamy, and then the parmesan cheese is whisked in until melted and smooth. It’s also quite easy to make it vegan. The resulting sauce is rich and indulgent, with a tangy and salty flavor from the parmesan cheese, ideal for any pasta-lover.
Here are three pasta recipes with Alfredo sauce you should try:
Pesto Sauce
Pesto is a green sauce made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. I usually “cheat” and make it in the food processor, put traditionally a mortar and pestle is used. Simply stir it into pasta to create a delicious and flavorful dish. Pesto originated in the Liguria region of Italy and is traditionally served with trofie or trenette pasta. The sauce has a fresh and vibrant flavor, making it a popular choice for pasta dishes. It is also a staple in the Italian cuisine.
Here are two pasta recipes with pesto sauce you should try:
Carbonara Sauce
Carbonara is an Italian sauce that’s traditionally made with eggs, cheese, pancetta or bacon, and black pepper. It’s said to have originated in the Lazio region of Italy in the mid-20th century and quickly became a staple in Roman cuisine. There’s no cream in Carbonara, so don’t cheat on this one and try the original recipe, made with eggs. It will turn smooth and have the ideal amount of creaminess. The sauce is rich, velvety and the pancetta or bacon add a salty, smoky flavor. It’s usually paired with spaghetti or other long pasta shapes.
Here are three pasta recipes with Carbonara sauce you should try:
Bolognese Sauce
Bolognese sauce, also known as ragù alla bolognese, is an Italian meat-based sauce that’s typically made with ground beef, onions, celery, carrots, tomatoes, red wine, and milk. This sauce may take a while to make, as it is slow-simmered, but it’s rich and hearty flavor is worth the effort. The combo of meat and vegetables creates a deep, complex flavor. Bolognese sauce is an old recipe, which is thought to have originated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Pair it with tagliatelle or other wide pasta shapes, as well as with lasagna.
Here are three pasta recipes with Bolognese sauce you should try:
Arrabiata Sauce
Arrabiata is a spicy sauce made with garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, and dried chili flakes. Simmered for a short time, it is really flavorful and quite spicy. This sauce originated in Italy and the name “Arrabiata” literally means “angry” in Italian, due to its spicy kick. Serve it with penne.
Here are three pasta recipes with Arrabiata sauce you should try:
- Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce
- Authentic Italian Penne all’Arrabbiata Recipe
- How to Make Spaghetti Arrabbiata
Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce that is made with crushed or pureed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a blend of herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme. This sauce is simmered for a longer period of time than arrabiata to bring out the flavors and is often used as a base sauce for other pasta dishes. Marinara sauce has a rich and slightly sweet flavor, making it a versatile sauce that can be used with a variety of pastas.
Here are two pasta recipes with Marinara sauce you should try:
Vodka Sauce
Vodka sauce is a creamy tomato sauce that originated in Italy and is named after the vodka that is used as an ingredient in the sauce. To make the sauce, crushed tomatoes are simmered with heavy cream, onions, garlic, and vodka until thick and creamy. The sauce is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Here are two pasta recipes with Vodka sauce you should try:
Puttanesca Sauce
Puttanesca sauce is a flavorful and pungent tomato sauce that is flavored with ingredients such as garlic, anchovies, capers, olives, and red pepper flakes. The sauce is simmered until thick and is traditionally served with spaghetti. Anchovies really add to the aroma of this sauce. I also tried this in a vegan version, give it a try!
Here are two pasta recipes with Puttanesca sauce you should try:
Amatriciana Sauce
Amatriciana sauce is a tomato-based sauce that is made with ingredients such as onions, pancetta or bacon, red pepper flakes, and grated Pecorino cheese. The sauce is typically simmered until it is thick and flavorful and is traditionally served with spaghetti or other long pasta shapes. This sauce is said to have originated in the town of Amatrice, located in the central region of Italy, which is why it is known as Amatriciana sauce.
Here are three pasta recipes with Amatriciana sauce you should try:
I hope this easy guide will help you explore the delicious world of different types of pasta sauce and find the perfect one for your next dish.
