15 Creative Pasta Sauces Beyond Marinara

Pasta night doesn’t always have to be about marinara sauce. There’s a whole world of creative pasta sauces that are flavorful and easy to make, right in your own kitchen. From creamy to spicy, these sauces will add variety and excitement to your pasta dishes. Whether you’re looking to impress your family or just try something new for yourself, these sauces are sure to elevate your next meal.

Pesto Cream Sauce

Pesto cream sauce is a delicious twist on traditional pesto that combines the freshness of basil with the richness of cream. To make it, blend 2 cups of fresh basil, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/4 cup of pine nuts, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese with olive oil until smooth. In a pan, simmer 1 cup of heavy cream, then stir in your fresh pesto and heat through. Toss your favorite pasta in this creamy, herbaceous sauce, and garnish with extra Parmesan and pine nuts for a crunchy finish. Perfect for any pasta, this sauce brings a bright yet indulgent flavor to the table.

Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

This zesty lemon garlic butter sauce is perfect for a light, refreshing pasta dish. Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a skillet, then sauté 4 minced garlic cloves until fragrant. Add 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Toss the sauce with your cooked pasta, and top with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a simple yet flavorful meal. The bright citrus notes balance the richness of the butter, creating a sauce that’s both light and indulgent.

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

For a smoky and slightly sweet sauce, roasted red pepper is the perfect base. Blend together 2 roasted red bell peppers, 1/4 cup of heavy cream, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese until smooth. Heat the mixture in a saucepan, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the flavors. Toss with your pasta of choice and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. This sauce offers a smoky, creamy alternative to marinara, and pairs well with rigatoni or penne.

Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Sauce

This creamy spinach and artichoke sauce is inspired by the popular dip but tailored for pasta. Sauté 2 cups of fresh spinach and 1 cup of chopped artichoke hearts in olive oil until softened. In a separate pan, mix 1/2 cup of cream cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan, and 1/2 cup of milk, stirring until smooth. Combine the spinach and artichoke mixture with the creamy sauce and toss with your favorite pasta. The result is a rich, tangy sauce that’s packed with veggies, perfect for a hearty meal.

Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo

Sun-dried tomato Alfredo combines the richness of traditional Alfredo sauce with the bold flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. Start by melting 1/4 cup of butter in a saucepan and sautéing 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Stir in 1/3 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a handful of fresh basil for added flavor. Toss with fettuccine or linguine for a creamy, tangy pasta dish that’s sure to impress.

Avocado Basil Sauce

For a light, creamy sauce that’s also vegan, try avocado basil sauce. Blend 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves, 1 clove of garlic, the juice of 1 lemon, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste, and if the sauce is too thick, thin it with a bit of water. Toss with your pasta of choice, and top with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a healthy, vibrant dish. This sauce is creamy without being heavy, making it a perfect option for summer.

Spicy Arrabbiata

Arrabbiata sauce is known for its bold, spicy kick, and it’s incredibly simple to make. Sauté 4 cloves of minced garlic in olive oil, then add 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Toss the spicy sauce with penne or spaghetti and top with freshly chopped parsley. For those who love a bit of heat, this fiery tomato sauce is a must-try.

Garlic and Olive Oil (Aglio e Olio)

Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian sauce that’s perfect for a simple yet flavorful pasta dish. In a large pan, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil and sauté 5 cloves of sliced garlic until golden. Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and toss in your cooked pasta, coating it in the garlicky oil. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a quick, easy, and delicious meal. The simplicity of this sauce allows the garlic’s bold flavor to shine through, making it a crowd favorite.

Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce

For a rich and decadent pasta sauce, creamy Gorgonzola is an excellent choice. Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a saucepan and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Once the cream is warm, add 1/2 cup of crumbled Gorgonzola cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Toss the sauce with your favorite pasta and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and chopped walnuts for added texture. This sauce is perfect for those who love bold, tangy flavors.

Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Pumpkin sage sauce is a comforting, autumn-inspired option that’s both creamy and savory. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of canned pumpkin, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir in 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh sage. Heat the sauce until smooth, then toss with your pasta of choice. Garnish with extra sage and Parmesan for a cozy, fall-worthy meal that’s full of flavor.

Creamy Pesto Rosso

Pesto Rosso, also known as red pesto, adds sun-dried tomatoes to the classic pesto recipe for a bold flavor. Blend 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 cup of pine nuts, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese with olive oil until smooth. Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream to make the sauce creamy, then toss with your favorite pasta. The sun-dried tomatoes give the sauce a tangy depth, perfect for pasta lovers looking for something unique.

Vodka Sauce

Vodka sauce is a creamy, tangy sauce that gets its flavor from a splash of vodka. Sauté 1/2 cup of diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves in olive oil until soft. Add 1 can of crushed tomatoes and 1/4 cup of vodka, simmering until the alcohol evaporates. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Toss with penne for a classic Italian dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Lemon Ricotta Sauce

Lemon ricotta sauce is a light and refreshing option, perfect for spring and summer. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of ricotta cheese, the juice and zest of 1 lemon, and 1/4 cup of olive oil until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, then toss with your pasta. For added flavor, stir in fresh basil or mint, and top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This sauce is creamy yet bright, offering a fresh twist on a traditional cheese sauce.

Mushroom Marsala Sauce

For a hearty, flavorful sauce, mushroom marsala is a delicious choice. Sauté 2 cups of sliced mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of butter until golden. Add 1/2 cup of Marsala wine and 1/2 cup of heavy cream, simmering until the sauce thickens. Toss with your pasta of choice and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley. The earthy mushrooms combined with the rich Marsala sauce create a robust flavor perfect for cooler nights.

Tahini Garlic Sauce

Tahini garlic sauce is a creamy, nutty option that’s perfect for pasta. Blend 1/2 cup of tahini, 3 cloves of garlic, the juice of 1 lemon, and 1/4 cup of water until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste, and toss with your pasta. For extra flavor, top with roasted vegetables or fresh parsley. This sauce is a great alternative for those looking for a dairy-free yet creamy pasta option.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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