The most important part of your pasta dinner isn't the pasta or the meatballs or even the table setting; it's the sauce. The sauce makes the meal, and there are so many choices! Do you want red or white? Meaty, vegetarian, or even vegan? Chunky or smooth? Creamy or spicy? There are a few types of pasta sauce that you need to have on hand every time you have a pasta night (otherwise, what's the point?).
What is Pasta?
The definition of pasta is... well... you guessed it, Italian noodles! Pasta is traditionally made from wheat flour, water, and eggs. Italians have a few hundred types of pasta that vary by width, shape and texture. Still, essentially, all pasta will fall into one of three categories: short cut (like spaghettini), long cut (like fettuccine), and filled (like ravioli). We suggest trying different shapes when you cook your next batch.
Types of Pasta
Pasta is available in two primary forms; dry pasta and fresh pasta. Dry pasta is made from durum wheat flour, salt, and water. Fresh pasta is made from eggs, flour, salt, olive oil, and water. The difference between them is that dry pasta can be stored for a long time without refrigeration. In contrast, fresh pasta must be used within a few hours after preparation because they spoil quickly due to a lack of preservatives in them.
Dry pasta is further divided into two categories: soft and hard. Soft pastas include macaroni, ziti, penne, rigatoni and spaghetti. They can be used with various types of sauces as well as in soups, stews, and casseroles. Hard pasta includes fusilli, rotini, radiatore, and farfalle, which are slightly firm to bite. They hold their shape after cooking and therefore can be used for cold pasta salads.
There are as many ways to cook pasta as there are pasta varieties. In fact, there is a famous saying that "there is a sauce for every pasta and a pasta for every sauce." The most common types of sauces include Alfredo, Bolognese, Carbonara, Marinara, and Pesto. At the same time, there are literally hundreds of different kinds of pasta sauces available in grocery stores today.
Most Popular Types of Pasta Sauce
Pasta recipes are one of the most recurring dishes in our homes when we have little time to cook. The speed at which this food is cooked helps us prepare a "complete" dish in just a few minutes. We are not going to deny that the flavor of the pasta alone leaves a little to be desired, and we always try to cook it with a sauce that gives it a more delicious touch.
There are many perfect sauces to accompany pasta dishes. While alfredo sauce and marinara sauce are still popular, many other types of pasta sauces are finding their way onto dinner plates across the world.
In this article, you'll find a list of recipes for pasta sauces in alphabetical order that are very easy to prepare and take very little time. These sauces will add the finishing touch of authentic Italian flavor to your favorite pasta dishes.
Alfredo Pasta Sauce
Alfredo sauce is a classic in kitchens in many parts of the world. It has its origins in Italy, in 1914. Its creator was the chef Alfredo Di Lelio.
Apart from being a classic, this sauce allows us to create, imagine, and combine flavors, thanks to the versatility of its ingredients.
Originally made with Parmesan cheese and butter, it has evolved by incorporating new ingredients such as parsley, garlic, eggs, vegetables, or even seafood or chicken.
Recipe for Alfredo Sauce
The ingredients you will need to make Alfredo sauce are:
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Garlic (minced and powdered)
- Heavy whipping cream
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Combine the heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Stir the sauce until it is smooth and all of the ingredients are well combined.
- Continue stirring until the Parmesan cheese is completely melted.
- Serve with your favorite pasta.
Amatriciana Pasta Sauce
This thick, rich sauce is a quick and delicious way to dress up pasta night. It is one of my top picks for the best-tasting pasta sauces. What makes Amatriciana pasta sauce so unique? It's prepared with guanciale—a piece of unsmoked Italian bacon made from pork jowls or cheeks—boiled in water until tender and then sliced into thin strips.
Amatriciana sauce is one of the most classic dishes in Italian cuisine. It owes its name to the city of Amatrice in the Lazio region. It has a rapid preparation that can be done practically in the time it takes to prepare the pasta.
The traditional pasta shapes that go with it are bucatini or rigatoni, but some simple spaghetti will also be great.
Amatriciana Sauce Recipe
In order to prepare Amatriciana pasta sauce, all you need to do is follow a few basic steps. These are the ingredients you'll need:
- Basil leaves
- Garlic
- Guanciale
- Kosher salt
- Olive oil
- Pepper
- Tomatoes
Directions
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the garlic and guanciale and cook until the guanciale is crisp, about 8 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes and their juices and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the basil leaves and remove them from the heat.
- Serve over cooked pasta.
Bolognese Beans
A tomato-based pasta sauce originating from Bologna, Italy, Bolognese is a thick, hearty sauce loaded with beans, tomatoes, and white wine. Because of its thickness and depth of flavor, this type of pasta sauce is best reserved for more hearty pasta like penne and rigatoni—perfect for when you're craving something witty. Beans are typically not used in pasta sauces because they can make sauces taste bitter, but Bolognese can stand up well to beans.
One distinct quality that sets bean Bolognese apart from other tomato-based pasta sauces is its slightly nutty flavor. This comes from béchamel sauce, which is made with a base of milk and flour. One thing to note about using beans in pasta sauce: if you're using canned beans, rinse them thoroughly before adding them to your pasta—otherwise, they can add an unpleasant flavor to your dish.
Bean Bolognese Sauce Recipe
In order to make bean Bolognese, the ingredients you'll need are:
- Bay leaf
- Beans
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Onions
- Rosemary
- Tomatoes
- Vegetable stock
- White Wine
Directions
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add onions, garlic, carrots, celery and rosemary. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, white wine and vegetable stock. Bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add the beans and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Take out the bay leaf.
- Purée the sauce in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Reheat the sauce over low heat.
- Serve it with your favorite pasta.
Béchamel Pasta Sauce
Béchamel is great for cream-based pasta sauces, including Alfredo and carbonara. The thickness of this sauce really holds up to pasta, making it ideal for heartier pasta like rigatoni. While making your own sauce from scratch might seem daunting, this recipe is so simple that you won't believe how easy it is to make.
Béchamel sauces are popular in French and Italian cooking, but they aren't exclusive to these cuisines. Béchamel is also a key ingredient in Italian staples like manicotti and lasagna and French favorites like macaroni au gratin. Since it already contains cheese, béchamel pasta sauce makes an excellent choice for vegetarian recipes too.
Recipe of Béchamel Pasta Sauce
Béchamel sauce is an incredibly versatile sauce, with a smooth consistency that’s perfect for pasta. Try it in place of marinara sauce in your next Italian pasta recipe. The ingredients you'll need to make this delicious sauce are:
- Broccoli
- Butter
- Chicken
- Garlic
- Milk
- Mushroom
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Pepper
- Salt
- White wine
Directions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Cook until the garlic and onion are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the broccoli and mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken and cook for 5 minutes, or until heated through.
- Cook for 2 minutes after adding the white wine.
- Serve over cooked pasta.
Bolognese Pasta Sauce
Bolognese is most famous for being an Italian classic, but its trademark consistency makes it great for pasta recipes. Authentic Bolognese is a meat-based sauce that uses tomatoes to add tanginess and sweetness. This unique recipe includes ground beef, pork, and bacon with wine, carrots, and mushrooms to create layers of flavor that won't water down your favorite pasta dish. Top with grated Parmesan for authentic flavor; this sauce is excellent over egg noodles!
Bolognese pasta sauce uses many different ingredients and can vary greatly depending on its country of origin. Typically, authentic Bolognese is a meat-based sauce made with onions, celery, carrots, and beef. Although Italy is famous for its Bolognese recipe, other countries add their twists to this dish; for example, in Argentina, chorizo sausage is added to give it a spicy kick.
Bolognese Sauce Recipe
While Bolognese sauce is most famous for being used on pasta, it can also be used to top pizzas or add flavor to your favorite meatball recipe.
This classic pasta sauce is a family favorite because it provides such a unique flavor profile. Its sweet and tangy taste adds a richness that makes any type of pasta delicious. Add sliced vegetables like mushrooms and carrots to make it healthier!
The ingredients you'll need to make this yummy sauce are:
- Butter
- Carrots
- Celery
- Ground beef
- Ground nutmeg
- Milk
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Pepper
- Salt
- Tomatoes
- White wine
Directions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery, and onion and cook until softened, about 10 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and pork and cook until browned.
- Drain the fat and add the tomatoes, white wine, milk, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 1 hour.
- Serve it over cooked pasta and enjoy!
Frutti di mare Pasta Sauce
Frutti di mare translates to "fruit of the sea"—which sums up this pasta sauce. The unique blend of shellfish, fish, and seafood makes this Italian tomato-based sauce unique among others. It's no wonder why it's an all-time favorite in Italy. As with most other pasta sauces, frutti di mare pasta sauce can be used on various types of pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, and fettuccine. If you want to keep things light and healthy while still giving your taste buds a good time, go for thin spaghetti noodles with frutti di mare pasta sauce.
Frutti di Mare Sauce Recipe
Frutti di mare pasta sauce is unique among others in that it uses shellfish, fish, and seafood to flavor the tomato-based sauce. If you want to cook a pasta sauce that tastes great but won't take too much time to prepare, then frutti di mare pasta sauce is for you. Most frutti di mare pasta sauces are made with shrimp and squid ink.
To prepare a delicious Frutti di Mare pasta sauce, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Anchovy fillets
- Basil
- Clam juice
- Flakes of red pepper
- Garlic
- Mussels
- Olive oil
- Onions
- Pepper
- Scallops
- Shrimps
- Tomatoes
- Tomato juice
- Tomato paste
- White wine
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 3 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
- Combine anchovy fillets, mussels, scallops, shrimp, and clams in a mixing bowl. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the seafood is cooked through.
- Stir in the tomatoes, tomato juice, tomato paste, white wine, and clam juice to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for about 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over cooked pasta.
Funghi E Piselli Pasta Sauce
This is a perfect combination for your next pasta night! It is full of vegetables and very rich in nutrients. If you're going to cook something delicious with many vegetables, this recipe is perfect for you. You will appreciate how flavorful it tastes, how easy it can be prepared, and what great feelings you get from eating all those healthy veggies.
Funghi e Piselli Sauce Recipe
Funghi e Piselli sauce is made by using all fresh ingredients - not canned. If you compare it with other dried pasta sauces, you will see that there is a difference in taste. You'll need the following ingredients to create this best vegan pasta:
- Chives
- Chopped garlic
- Cremini mushrooms
- Grape seed oil
- Heavy cream
- Juice and zest of a lemon
- Parmesan cheese
- Pearl onions
- Snap peas
- Vegetable stock
- White wine
Directions
- Start by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, chives, and onion. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes, or until they begin to release their juices.
- Add the snap peas and cook for 3 minutes more.
- Simmer for a minute after adding the white wine and lemon juice.
- Add the vegetable stock and heavy cream and continue to cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for another minute.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Marinara Pasta Sauce
Marinara sauce is red and has a smooth texture. Its thick, rich consistency makes it popular for dipping as well as a pasta sauce. It originated in Naples, Italy. The word marinara comes from the mariner style because sailors would make a tomato-based sauce to preserve their meat while at sea. This type of pasta sauce can be served with any pasta, but traditionally it is served with spaghetti.
Recipe for Marinara Sauce
Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top to add extra flavor and protein. If you are having a pasta night with children, they will love getting involved with making their own sauce. They can break up ground beef into pieces, add some oil and sauté until brown. Add garlic, diced onion, and tomatoes, then simmer for 30 minutes until it has thickened. You may also want to add sugar because pasta sauce often tastes a little acidic without it.
The finest marinara sauce you've ever had is made with a few simple ingredients:
- Dried oregano
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Onions
- Red chili flakes
- Salt
- Tomatoes
Directions:
- In a saucepan, combine the garlic, onion, and olive oil. Heat to medium and cook until the onions are translucent.
- Combine the chili flakes, oregano, and salt in a mixing bowl then stir.
- Add the tomatoes and stir.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for 30 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve with your favorite pasta.
Pesto Pasta Sauce
This sauce is often green and comes from basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil. Pesto sauce is usually used on pasta, but it can also be enjoyed as a dip for veggies. Use it with penne or farfalle pasta to enjoy its full flavor. Try adding meats such as chicken or ground beef for a filling meal.
Pesto Sauce Recipe
Pesto sauce is made using the following basic ingredients:
- Basil
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Pine nuts
Directions:
- You may use a mortar and pestle or even a food processor to make pesto sauce for your dish. However, mortar and pestle-made sauces taste superior.
- To make pesto sauce, combine the basil, garlic, olive oil, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts in a food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
- You can add additional ingredients to the sauce, such as salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
- Your pesto sauce is now ready.
- Pesto sauce can be used on a variety of dishes such as pasta, chicken, or vegetables.
Pomodoro Pasta Sauce
Pomodoro pasta sauce, made with fresh tomatoes and spices such as basil and oregano, is one of my favorites. It's also easier to make than you might think. Made by simmering whole peeled tomatoes in olive oil for about 10 minutes, pomodoro sauce is a classic Italian sauce that pairs well with any type of pasta.
Pomodoro sauce recipe
You'll need the following ingredients to make Pomodoro pasta sauce:
- Basil
- Garlic
- Kosher salt
- Olive oil
- Onions
- Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
- Tomatoes (pureed)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Cook for 5 minutes more after adding the basil, salt, and pepper flakes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and serve over your preferred pasta.
Roasted Tomato Pasta Sauce
When looking for a quick, easy pasta sauce that brings out all of your favorite flavors, you'll want to look no further than Roasted Tomato Pasta Sauce. This recipe combines tomatoes and garlic with herbs and a touch of red pepper. It comes together in just over 30 minutes and tastes delicious on any kind of pasta. The longer it simmers, though, the tastier it gets—so feel free to make it in advance!
Recipe for Roasted Tomato Sauce
The easiest pasta sauce recipe is roasted tomato pasta sauce. To get started, gather the following basic ingredients:
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Pepper
- Salt
- Tomatoes
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Halve the garlic cloves and drizzle with olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Halve the tomatoes and combine them with the garlic. To coat, blend everything together.
- Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After the tomatoes have been roasted, allow them to cool slightly before transferring them to a blender or food processor to puree. until smooth.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.over your favorite pasta.
Salsa di Noci Pasta Sauce
Salsa di Noci (Ligurian Walnut Sauce) is a popular pasta sauce in Emilia-Romagna. It has a vibrant, creamy texture and a unique flavor. The consistency should be pretty thin and watery, with many herbs thrown in. As you can imagine, it goes perfectly with simple egg fettuccine. Just make sure to add some grated parmesan to complete your dish!
Salsa di Noci Sauce Recipe
Make the walnut sauce by combining these ingredients:
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Milk
- Oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Parsley
- Pepper
- Salt
- Walnuts
- White bread with crusts removed
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a pan. When the oil is hot add the garlic and saute for 2 minutes. Add the lemon juice and the milk. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
- While the sauce is simmering, add the walnuts to a blender and blend until they are of a very fine texture.
- Once the sauce is ready, add the walnut paste to it.
- Stir the sauce and serve immediately.
Truffle Cream Pasta Sauce (Tartufata Pasta Sauce)
One type I make often myself is truffle cream pasta sauce. It’s so easy and quick to make and it tastes divine! The whole family loves it, including my two young boys who usually don’t care for anything that doesn’t come out of a box.
Truffle Cream Sauce Recipe
The following components are required for this sauce:
- Butter
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Pasta water (from cooking pasta)
- Ready-made black truffle meal
Directions:
- Put all the ingredients in a saucepan, put it over medium heat and stir constantly.
- Keep stirring and cooking for about ten minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
- When ready, place it in a serving bowl and garnish with black truffle meal if desired.
Umbrian Ragu Pasta Sauce
This rustic red sauce is cooked slowly to bring out a deep flavor. It’s perfect for your favorite fettuccine dish. The aroma from roasting vegetables, meat and herbs gives it an incredible richness that will be sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Recipe for Umbrian Ragu Sauce
Ingredients that you'll need:
- Basil
- Carrots
- Celery
- Chopped prosciutto
- Dry red wine
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Onions
- Parsley
- Pepper
- Pork
- Salt
- Tomatoes
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, carrots, celery and prosciutto. To coat with oil, stir everything together. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Bring the tomatoes and pepper to a boil, then reduce the heat.heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
- Stir in pork and add basil. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Vegan Tomato Pasta Sauce
This sauce is an excellent substitute for any red tomato-based sauce, and it will allow you to get your sauce fix without all that added meat. Bring your vegan friends over a plate with some of your homemade vegan tomato pasta if you want to give them something they'll enjoy!
Recipe for Vegan Tomato Sauce
The ingredients you'll need to make a vegan tomato pasta sauce are:
- Basil
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Pepper
- Red chili flakes
- Salt
- Sugar
- Tomatoes (tinned or squashed)
- Water
Directions:
- Take a large saucepan and pour in enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Heat the olive oil on medium high.
- Add the garlic and cook for about a minute.
- Add in the red chili flakes and cook for another minute or two.
- Add in the tomatoes and basil and stir.
- Add in the salt, sugar and pepper.
- Add the water and cook on medium low for about 20 minutes.
You can always strain your sauce to make it smoother, but this recipe makes enough sauce for several servings.
Ending Notes
All pasta sauces are delicious, but there are different types depending on your mood. Here are some variations: Spicy, Extra Spicy, Zesty, Herby, Creamy, Alfredo, etc. When you're not in a rush or just feel like trying something new, experiment with a sauce that matches your taste.
