15 Best Italian Sauces Recipe Prepare To Be Amazed!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
In addition to the classic and well-known Italian sauces such as marinara, alfredo, and pesto, there are a plethora of other mouth-watering options to elevate your pasta or pizza dishes to the next level. These sauces not only add depth of flavor but also showcase the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Italy. Let's dive into some of the best Italian sauces recipes that are sure to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests.
Main Ingredients: Ripe Tomatoes, Red Onion, Carrots, Celery Stalks
If you're looking for a classic Italian tomato sauce, look no further than Pomarola. This simple yet flavorful sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine and is the perfect base for many dishes. Made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil, this sauce is easy to make and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Bolognese sauce is a hearty and flavorful sauce that is perfect for pasta dishes. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, this sauce is rich and delicious. It's also packed with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, making it a nutritious option for any meal.
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Italian Béchamel Sauce (White Sauce)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Butter, Milk, Ground Nutmeg, White Pepper
Béchamel sauce, also known as white sauce, is a creamy and versatile sauce that is used in many Italian dishes. Made with butter, flour, milk, and a pinch of nutmeg, this sauce is the perfect addition to pasta, lasagna, and other dishes. It's easy to make and adds a delicious richness to any meal.
Arrabbiata sauce is a spicy tomato-based sauce that is commonly used in pasta dishes. Made with tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes, this sauce is not for the faint of heart. It adds a bold and fiery flavor to any dish and is perfect for those who like a little heat in their food.
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Alfredo Sauce
Main Ingredients: Heavy Cream, Unsalted Butter, Grated Parmesan Cheese
Alfredo sauce is a rich and creamy sauce that is commonly used in Italian-American dishes. Made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, this sauce is indulgent and delicious. It's perfect for pasta dishes and can also be used as a dipping sauce for bread or vegetables.
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Homemade Marinara Sauce
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Basil Leaves, Crushed
If you prefer a more homemade approach to your marinara sauce, this recipe is for you. Made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this sauce is bursting with flavor and is a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. It's also easy to customize to your own taste by adding your favorite herbs and spices.
Meatballs and sauce go hand in hand, and this Italian meatball sauce recipe is one you'll want to keep on hand. Made with ground beef, onions, garlic, and herbs, this sauce is full of robust flavors that pair perfectly with juicy meatballs. Serve it over pasta or use it as a dipping sauce for meatballs.
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Quick and Easy Italian Sauce
Main Ingredients: Sweet Italian Sausage, Pork Chops, Olive Oil, Garlic
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious Italian sauce, this recipe is for you. Made with canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this sauce comes together in minutes and tastes like it's been simmering for hours. It's the perfect option for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without all the fuss.
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Authentic (Quick) Italian Tomato Sauce for Pasta
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Italian Parsley
This recipe is for all the purists out there who want a truly authentic Italian tomato sauce. Made with canned San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs, this sauce is simple yet flavorful. It's perfect for pasta dishes and can also be used as a base for other Italian sauces.
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Easy Basil Pesto Sauce
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil Leaves, Garlic Cloves, Grated Parmesan
Pesto sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine and is loved for its vibrant color and fresh flavor. This easy basil pesto sauce recipe is made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. It's perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a spread for bread.
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Easy Marinara Sauce
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Carrot, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Basil
This marinara sauce recipe is another quick and easy option for those busy days. Made with canned tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs, this sauce is flavorful and versatile. It's perfect for pasta dishes, pizzas, and even as a dipping sauce for bread or vegetables.
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The Perfect Homemade Pizza Sauce
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Unsalted Butter, Onions, Garlic Cloves
No pizza is complete without a delicious sauce, and this homemade pizza sauce recipe is sure to become your new favorite. Made with canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this sauce is full of flavor and is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It's also great for dipping breadsticks or using as a base for other Italian sauces.
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Classic Bolognese Sauce
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pancetta
This classic Bolognese sauce recipe is a must-try for any Italian food lover. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, this sauce is rich and meaty. It's also packed with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, making it a nutritious option for any meal.
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Homemade Pizza Sauce
Main Ingredients: Plum Tomatoes, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic, Tomato Paste
If you're a pizza lover, you'll want to have this homemade pizza sauce recipe in your back pocket. Made with canned San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this sauce is full of flavor and tastes just like the sauce you'd find in a pizzeria. It's perfect for making your own pizzas at home.
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Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Main Ingredients: Garlic Cloves, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Crushed
Spaghetti and meat sauce is a classic Italian dish, and this easy homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is sure to please. Made with ground beef, onions, garlic, and herbs, this sauce is hearty and flavorful. It's great for those busy weeknights when you want a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Marinara Sauce
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Crushed Tomatoes, Crushed Red
If you're a fan of marinara sauce, this recipe is a must-try. Made with canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this sauce is full of flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes. It's perfect for pasta, pizzas, and even as a dipping sauce for bread or vegetables.
This authentic Italian marinara sauce recipe is as simple as it gets, but the flavors are anything but basic. Made with canned San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this sauce is packed with flavor and has a slightly sweet and tangy taste. It's perfect for pasta dishes and can also be used as a base for other Italian sauces.
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Fresh Tomato Marinara Sauce
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Red Wine
If you have an abundance of fresh tomatoes, this fresh tomato marinara sauce recipe is the perfect way to use them up. Made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this sauce is bursting with flavor and tastes like summer in a bowl. It's great for pasta dishes and can also be used as a dipping sauce for bread or vegetables.
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Classic Italian Basil Pesto Sauce
Main Ingredients: Basil Leaves, Virgin Olive Oil, Pine Nuts, Grated
This classic Italian basil pesto sauce is a must-have in any Italian kitchen. Made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, this sauce is full of flavor and is perfect for adding to pasta dishes, sandwiches, or as a dip for bread.
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White Wine Cream Sauce for Ravioli
Main Ingredients: Cheese Ravioli, Butter, Flour, Garlic, Dry White Wine
If you want a rich and indulgent sauce for your ravioli, this white wine cream sauce is the perfect option. Made with white wine, cream, and Parmesan cheese, this sauce is creamy and flavorful. It's great for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something delicious.
Arrabbiata Sauce: Spicy and Bold
Another popular Italian sauce, arrabbiata translates to "angry" in English, and it certainly packs a fiery punch. Made with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, chili flakes, and olive oil, this sauce is perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals. The key to a good arrabbiata sauce is to balance the spiciness with a touch of sweetness from the tomatoes and a hint of acidity from red wine vinegar. Serve it over penne or rigatoni for a classic combination that will leave your taste buds satisfied and wanting more.
San Marzano Tomatoes: The Secret to a Perfect Sauce
San Marzano tomatoes are considered the holy grail of tomatoes for Italian sauces. These plum tomatoes are grown in the rich volcanic soil of the Campania region in Italy and have a distinct sweet and tangy flavor. They are less acidic than other varieties and have fewer seeds, making them ideal for sauces. Look for them in canned form at your local grocery store for an authentic and delicious addition to your arrabbiata sauce.
Chianti: The Perfect Pairing
When it comes to Italian cuisine, wine is a must. For the arrabbiata sauce, a bottle of Chianti is the perfect pairing. This red wine from Tuscany has a balanced acidity and tannins that complement the spiciness of the sauce. Plus, using a splash of Chianti in your sauce adds depth and richness to the overall flavor. Don't forget to pour yourself a glass to enjoy with your meal.
Amatriciana Sauce: Simple yet Flavorful
Originating from the small town of Amatrice in central Italy, Amatriciana sauce is a simple and rustic sauce that celebrates the flavors of the countryside. Made with guanciale (cured pork cheek), tomatoes, pecorino cheese, and black pepper, this sauce is a staple in traditional Roman cuisine. The guanciale adds a savory and rich flavor to the sauce, while the pecorino cheese adds a salty kick. Serve it over spaghetti for a classic and satisfying meal.
Guanciale: The Star Ingredient
While pancetta or bacon can be used as a substitute, guanciale is the traditional and preferred choice for Amatriciana sauce. This cured pork cheek has a distinct flavor and texture that adds depth to the sauce. If you can't find guanciale at your local grocery store, ask your butcher to cut some for you.
Pecorino Cheese: A Must-Have for Authenticity
Pecorino cheese is a staple in Italian cuisine and is made from sheep's milk. It has a sharper and saltier flavor compared to parmesan cheese, making it the perfect addition to Amatriciana sauce. Be sure to grate the cheese fresh over your pasta for the best flavor.
Puttanesca Sauce: Bold and Briny
If you're a fan of olives and capers, then puttanesca sauce is the perfect choice for you. This sauce originated in Naples and is made with tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies, and garlic. The combination of these bold flavors creates a robust and tangy sauce that is perfect for seafood or chicken dishes. Try it over linguine for a delicious and flavorful meal.
Anchovies: The Key to Umami Flavor
While some may shy away from anchovies, they are an essential ingredient in puttanesca sauce. These small, salty fish add a depth of flavor and umami to the sauce. If you're not a fan, you can use anchovy paste for a milder taste.
Kalamata Olives: A Flavorful Addition
Kalamata olives are a variety of black olives from Greece and have a rich and briny flavor. They add a tangy and slightly sweet taste to the puttanesca sauce, balancing out the saltiness of the anchovies. Be sure to pit the olives before adding them to the sauce.
Now that you have some new additions to your Italian sauce repertoire, it's time to get cooking! These sauces are sure to impress your dinner guests and bring a taste of Italy to your table. Buon appetito!
