Pasta lovers, rejoice! With these 20 quick and simple pasta sauce recipes, you’ll never have to sacrifice flavor for speed again. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, we’ve got you covered with a variety of sauces that can be whipped up in no time. From classic marinara to creamy Alfredo, spicy arrabbiata to tangy lemon butter, and everything in between, these recipes are perfect for busy cooks who want to serve up a delicious meal without breaking a sweat.
In this article, we’ll take you through the process of making each sauce, highlighting the essential ingredients and simple techniques that make them shine. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish, you’ll find inspiration in these easy-to-make pasta sauces.
Classic Marinara Sauce
A classic Italian sauce made with simplicity and flavor, this marinara sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of crushed San Marzano tomatoes (or other fresh tomatoes)
– 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta Sauce
Elevate your pasta dishes with this simple yet flavorful garlic and olive oil sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a base for more complex sauces.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the minced garlic and olive oil.
2. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes or until the garlic is golden brown and fragrant.
3. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. If using parsley, stir it in just before serving.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: Approximately 1 cup of sauce
Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Elevate your pasta dishes with this rich and creamy Alfredo sauce recipe, perfect for coating fettuccine or linguine.
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Tips:
• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Adjust the amount of garlic to your liking.
• This sauce is perfect for coating pasta, but also great as a dip or for drizzling over vegetables.
Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce
Add a kick to your pasta dishes with this spicy and savory Italian-inspired sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add the red pepper flakes and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pesto Pasta Sauce
Bring out the flavors of Italy with this simple yet delicious pesto pasta sauce recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic. Process until the mixture is well combined and slightly chopped.
2. Add Parmesan cheese and process until smooth.
3. With the processor running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top. Process until the pesto sauce reaches your desired consistency.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Tomato Basil Sauce
This classic Italian sauce is a staple for any pasta dish or as a dip for bread. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and aromatic sauce that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of fresh tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and chopped basil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Lemon Butter Sauce
Brighten up any meal with this tangy and creamy lemon butter sauce! Perfect for pasta, vegetables, or as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the lemon juice and stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese (if using).
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Elevate your pasta dishes, pizza nights, or grilled meats with this flavorful and vibrant roasted red pepper sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 red bell peppers
– 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place the red bell peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Roast the peppers in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until charred and blistered.
4. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly.
5. Peel off the skin, discarding it, and place the roasted peppers into a blender or food processor with the garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
6. Blend the mixture until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (roasting time) + 5-10 minutes (blending time)
Cheesy Cheddar Sauce
Elevate your comfort food game with this rich and creamy cheesy cheddar sauce, perfect for dipping, drizzling, or smothering your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (sharp or extra sharp work best)
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk until smooth, cooking for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Vodka Cream Sauce
Elevate your pasta dishes with this rich and creamy vodka-infused sauce.
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (15ml) vodka (or substitute with white wine)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle flour and paprika; whisk to combine.
4. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
6. Remove from heat; stir in vodka (or white wine).
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
This sun-dried tomato sauce recipe yields a rich and flavorful condiment perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dip. By slowly cooking down fresh tomatoes with garlic and herbs, you’ll create a savory spread that’s both vibrant in color and intense in flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, cored and quartered
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to its lowest temperature setting (usually around 150°F).
2. Place the tomato quarters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each piece.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes, then sprinkle the minced garlic and chopped basil evenly among them.
4. Roast the tomatoes in the oven for 6-8 hours, or until they’re dry and shriveled, but still retain their vibrant color.
5. Remove the sun-dried tomatoes from the oven and let them cool completely.
6. Transfer the cooled tomatoes to a blender or food processor with the dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
7. Blend the mixture into a smooth sauce, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (roasting time) + blending time
Carbonara Sauce
This rich and creamy sauce is a classic Italian recipe that pairs perfectly with pasta, eggs, and bacon. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 4 oz (115g) pancetta or bacon, diced
– 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, cook the pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream.
4. Add butter, salt, and black pepper to the egg mixture; whisk until smooth.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the saucepan with the cooked pancetta or bacon.
6. Whisk constantly over low-medium heat until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 3-5 minutes).
7. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Bolognese Sauce
A staple of Italian cuisine, this rich and flavorful sauce is a must-have for pasta lovers. With its slow-cooked meat and vegetable mixture, it’s perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, finely chopped
– 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
– 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; cook until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef; cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Reduce heat to low; simmer, covered, for 2-3 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Elevate your pasta dishes with this rich and creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese into the saucepan and stir until melted and smooth.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Mushroom Cream Sauce
Elevate your pasta dishes with this rich and creamy mushroom sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes or until thickened slightly.
5. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Avocado Basil Sauce
Elevate your pasta dishes or use as a dip with this creamy and flavorful Avocado Basil Sauce.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine avocados, basil leaves, garlic, and lemon juice.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. With the blender or food processor still running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top.
5. Continue blending until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Tomato Garlic Sauce
A classic Italian-inspired sauce that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dip. This simple recipe combines the richness of tomatoes with the pungency of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or canned crushed tomatoes
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the garlic.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. If using basil, stir it in during the last minute of cooking.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Herbed Butter Sauce
Elevate your dishes with this aromatic and flavorful herbed butter sauce. Perfect for accompanying roasted meats, vegetables, or as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped parsley, chives, and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the herbs are fragrant.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spinach and Ricotta Sauce
Spinach and Ricotta Sauce Recipe: A Creamy and Delicious Addition to Pasta, Lasagna, or Ravioli
Ingredients:
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach (10 oz), thawed and drained
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine spinach, ricotta cheese, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container or ziplock bag for refrigeration or freezer storage.
Cooking Time: None! This sauce is ready when it’s made, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Caramelized Onion Sauce
Elevate your meals with this sweet and savory sauce made by slowly cooking onions to bring out their natural sugars.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and caramelize (about 20-25 minutes).
2. Sprinkle the sugar over the onions and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the onions are dark golden brown and caramelized (about 5-7 minutes more).
3. If using white wine, add it to the saucepan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: About 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your pasta game with these quick and simple sauce recipes! With just a few ingredients, you can create delicious and varied sauces that are perfect for busy cooks. From classic marinara to creamy Alfredo, spicy arrabbiata to tangy lemon butter, there’s something for everyone. Try out our 20 unique pasta sauce recipes, including garlic parmesan, mushroom cream, avocado basil, and more! Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these easy-to-make sauces will become your new go-to’s for quick and delicious meals.
