Delicious Pasta Sauce Recipes to Elevate Every Meal
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or preparing a quick weekday meal, a great pasta sauce can make all the difference. From bold and tangy marinara to rich and creamy Alfredo, these classic sauces are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Here are three irresistible pasta sauce recipes that every home cook should master.
1. Classic Marinara Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onions until soft, then add garlic and cook for one more minute. Stir in the tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes, then mix in the basil. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
2. Simple Pesto Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 teaspoons salt (for pasta water)
- 3/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions: Cook your pasta in salted water, reserving 3/4 cup of the cooking water before draining. Stir the pesto into the hot pasta along with the reserved water to create a silky sauce. Top with Parmesan and serve immediately.
3. Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in the cream, then add seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the texture.
