A short-cut version of Alfredo sauce that uses sour cream instead of heavy whipping cream.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Pasta Sauces
Without the sauce, it's just a pile of noodles!
There are three main types of pasta sauces: tomato, cream, and oil based. When pairing a sauce with the pasta the general rule of thumb is to use light sauces with more delicate pastas (angel hair with pesto sauce) and heartier sauces with the sturdier pastas (rotini with a chunky tomato sauce). This isn't a firm rule by any means but proper pairings will make eating the pasta easier!
jump to the recipes
tomato-based sauces
The tomato based sauces are most common for spaghetti and lasagna. The encompass a wide range of flavors and ingredients from a simple meatless marinara to a chunky beef tomato sauce loaded with vegetables.
cream sauces
Cream sauces are often made with heavy cream, milk, or cream cheese. The most popular ones are Alfredo sauce or a simple white sauce like bechamel. Poultry, fish, and seafood go well in these pasta dishes.
oil based sauces
Oil based pasta sauces include pesto or a simple butter and oil mixture meant to coat the pasta without weighing it down. The butter and oil are good carriers of flavor so any added garlic or spices are boldly featured.
Quick 'n' Tasty Sour Cream Alfredo Sauce
Copycat TGI Friday's Marinara Sauce
This simple sauce copies what TGIFriday's serves and can be used on pasta or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or fried ravioli!
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
5 Cheese Alfredo Sauce
This rich sauce uses five different types of cheese to make a perfect blend of smoky, salty flavors.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
This version of Alfredo sauce from the popular Italian chain restaurant uses heavy cream, butter, cream cheese, garlic powder, and Parmesan.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Gagliardi's Spaghetti Sauce
A blend of sausage and beef spiced with everything from fennel seeds to basil makes a hearty, heavenly pasta sauce.
Method: stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Get our daily recipe newsletter!
Every day we send out a featured recipe and our editor's favorite picks. Don't miss out!
Copycat Old Spaghetti Factory Original Clam Sauce
The Old Spaghetti Factory is known for its delicious clam sauce. This recipe is a classic example of the restaurant's cuisine. Serve it over your...
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Best Basic Alfredo Sauce
A basic yet classic version of Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Chicken Mushroom Alfredo Sauce
Serve this easy Alfredo sauce made with evaporated milk, garlic, cooked chicken, mushrooms, and parmesan cheese over your favorite pasta.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Alla Checca
Pasta alla checca is an uncooked tomato sauce made with garlic and basil and served over hot cooked pasta. A light and refreshing pasta dish.
Method: stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Cheater's Alfredo Sauce
An easier version of Alfredo sauce using only evaporated milk, Parmesan cheese, and pepper.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Spicy Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce
This spicy marinara sauce packs a punch with just a handful of ingredients. Made easily in a crock pot, this sauce combines tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a kick of...
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Simple Slow Cooker Meatless Spaghetti Sauce
Homemade beats canned any day of the week, and spaghetti sauce is no exception. Slow-cooked tomatoes with red wine and spices make a sauce with deep flavor...
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Kathie Lee Giffords' Spaghetti Sauce
Ground beef, onions, and garlic sauteed in olive oil and mixed into a spiced tomato sauce turn some plain spaghetti into a pleasing pasta dish.
Method: stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs and Italian Sausage
Meatballs and sausage team up in this meat-lover's pasta. Port wine and basil give the sauce an incredibly deep flavor.
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
5 Minute Microwave Alfredo Sauce
This Alfredo sauce is made from a blend of Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheeses which are quickly cooked with milk and butter in the microwave for a practically instant...
Method: microwave
Time: under 30 minutes
Instant Alfredo Sauce Mix
This sauce mix makes a pasta dish loads better than you'd get with heavy jarred alfredo, without the hassle of making the sauce from scratch just for a weeknight dinner.
Time: under 30 minutes
Pressure Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
Get the slow simmered taste of a great spaghetti sauce in only minutes using this pressure cooker method.
Method: pressure cooker
Time: under 30 minutes
Alfredo Sauce With Bacon
A traditional Alfredo sauce with the delicious addition of bacon.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Oprah's Pesto
Oprah's Pesto: Not just for the book club. Fresh basil, garlic, and a zing of lemon that even Dr. Phil couldn't analyze.
Time: under 30 minutes
Fake Alfredo Sauce
Fake it, don't make it! Skip the calorie-heavy cream and butter with this delicious lower-fat Alfredo substitute.
Time: 30-60 minutes
Really Simple Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
With some basic ingredients and your slow cooker you can have a flavorful spaghetti sauce with little effort
Method: stovetop, crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Easy Alfredo Sauce
Love a good Alfredo sauce but don't love all the calories? This recipe offers both regular and lower fat alternatives for a delicious sauce.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Bachelor's Spaghetti Sauce
With a touch of sweetness from honey and a multitude of spices, this simple spaghetti sauce will surprise you by how easy it is to make.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Light Alfredo Sauce
A reduced calorie version of Alfredo sauce that doesn't skimp on taste. Uses evaporated skim milk, flour, chicken stock, and Parmesan cheese.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Slow Cooker Chicken and Sausage Spaghetti Sauce
Made with pasta, spaghetti sauce, mushroom stems and pieces, Italian sausage, boneless chicken breasts, green bell pepper, onion, Italian seasoning
Method: crock pot, stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Delicious recipes for red velvet cakes, cupcakes, and cheesecakes.
Pizza night is always a favorite, especially when you have great tasting pizza from some of the most popular restaurants.
Not to be confused with evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk is very sweet (and very sticky) and used primarily in desserts.