Pasta Sauce

N/A Sauce

Pasta Sauce Sauce

At a Glance

  • Category Sauce

The Forktionary Angle

"The essential partner to pasta, transforming simple noodles into a gourmet experience with endless flavor possibilities."

Definition

A broad category encompassing various sauces designed to be served with pasta, often tomato-based but can include cream, cheese, or oil bases.

Global Varieties Hundreds (e.g., Pesto, Bolognese, Carbonara)
Most Common Base Tomato
Usage Tip Toss with warm pasta

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Pasta Sauce are:

Varies widely (savory acidic creamy herbaceous spicy)

Chef’s Secret

Elevate jarred pasta sauce by sautéing fresh aromatics (garlic, onion, herbs) first, then adding the sauce and simmering for at least 20 minutes to meld flavors.

Best Substitutes

Crushed Tomatoes + Seasoning

for tomato base
Ratio 1:1

Pesto

for herbaceous
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Read labels for ingredients, sugar content, and sodium. Consider jarred vs. fresh.

Recipes Using Pasta Sauce

Easy Preparation Beef Meat

Beef Ragout On Polenta

Indulge in this hearty and flavorful Beef Ragout, simmered to perfection in a slow cooker and served over a bed of creamy polenta. Inspired by a classic recipe, this comforting dish is perfect for a chilly evening. For a twist, try serving it with split corn muffins or cornbread wedges as a delicious alternative to polenta! (Adapted from a 2003 Pillsbury recipe).

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Time To Make Easy Occasion Eggs Dairy

A Weeknight Macaroni And Cheese Goulash

Craving a comforting, budget-friendly family meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? This Weeknight Macaroni and Cheese Goulash is your answer! A hearty blend of ground beef, pasta, and creamy cheese sauce, this recipe is a guaranteed kid-pleaser perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or when you need a quick alternative to takeout. Inspired by Pillsbury's Come & Eat magazine (Summer 2002), this updated recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Serve with a fresh salad or your favorite vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Vegetables Pasta Rice And Grains Penne North American

Acorn Squash Stuffed With Italian Sausage Penne

Cozy up this fall with this hearty and delicious Acorn Squash Stuffed with Italian Sausage and Penne! This recipe, adapted from Emeril Lagasse's culinary genius, is the perfect comforting meal for chilly evenings. Imagine tender acorn squash brimming with savory Italian sausage, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and melted cheese – pure autumn bliss!

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Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Pasta Shells Main Dish

Broccoli And Cheese Stuffed Shells

A cheesy, comforting classic! This Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Shells recipe is a foolproof way to get even the pickiest eaters to gobble up their greens. Tender pasta shells are brimming with a creamy ricotta and broccoli filling, then smothered in rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. A Taste of Home favorite, made even better!

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3 Steps Or Less Poultry Easy Low Calorie

Baked Chicken With Spaghetti Squash

This recipe combines juicy baked chicken with tender spaghetti squash for a healthy and flavorful one-pan meal! The chicken is perfectly seasoned and the spaghetti squash offers a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Get ready for a taste sensation that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make!

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Ground Beef 30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Occasion

20 Minute Pasta Bake

Ready in under 30 minutes! This incredibly easy one-pan pasta bake is a weeknight lifesaver. Packed with flavor and cheesy goodness, it's the perfect comfort food for busy families. Minimal cleanup too!

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Stove Top 60 Minutes Or Less Course Dietary

Beef Pizza Casserole With Pizza Crust

Kids and adults rave about this cheesy, comforting Beef Pizza Casserole! A hearty ground beef and pizza sauce mixture is topped with a pizza crust and baked to golden perfection. Easy family dinner, perfect for weeknights!

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Occasion Inexpensive Beef Pasta Rice And Grains

Beef And Mushroom Lasagna

Indulge in this hearty and flavorful Beef and Mushroom Lasagna, inspired by a classic Campbell's Soup ad! This comforting recipe features layers of tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and rich cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. A perfect weeknight meal or impressive dish for a dinner party.

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Pasta European 60 Minutes Or Less Taste Mood

Beef And Beans Pasta

Inspired by an Australian 'survival of the fittest' cookbook, this hearty Beef and Beans Pasta is surprisingly quick and easy! Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or make-ahead freezer meals (up to 2 months). This recipe delivers a flavorful, satisfying dish with tender beef, colorful veggies, and perfectly cooked pasta – all ready in under 40 minutes. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day (or two!).

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Course Main Dish Preparation Course

Spaghetti Squares

A craveable twist on classic spaghetti! This comforting casserole features layers of cheesy goodness, seasoned perfectly with a hint of spice. Inspired by a Kraft Canada recipe, but amped up with flavor – it's the perfect family-friendly meal.

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Greens Time To Make Dietary For 1 Or 2

Beef And Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups For Two

Indulge in a delicious and romantic dinner for two with these easy-to-make Beef & Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups! This recipe, adapted from a grocery store cookbook, creates restaurant-quality flavor in just 45 minutes. Perfect for a cozy night in, these savory roll-ups are packed with tender beef, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach, all nestled in a rich tomato sauce and baked to bubbly perfection. Impress your date or simply treat yourself to a gourmet meal without the fuss!

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Time To Make Cuisine Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less

Baked Eggs With Basil Red Kidney Beans Pesto And Chilli

This show-stopping Baked Eggs recipe, inspired by a beloved local cafe, is a breakfast sensation! Creamy red kidney beans simmered in a vibrant pesto sauce, topped with perfectly baked eggs, and a fiery kick of chilli. Serve straight from the oven for a dramatic centerpiece, perfect for brunch or a weekend treat. Enjoy with toasted Turkish bread and a side of sausage or chorizo for extra indulgence! Get ready to wow your family and friends with this flavour explosion!

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Time To Make 3 Steps Or Less Cheese Beginner Cook

10 Minute Calzones

Conquer weeknight dinner in a flash with these 10-Minute Calzones! Inspired by Real Simple's genius 'fake it, don't make it' philosophy, this recipe uses ready-made dough for a super-fast, incredibly delicious meal. Perfect for busy families, these cheesy, flavorful calzones are ready in under 45 minutes – including prep time! Pair with a pre-made salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.

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Low In Something Occasion Preparation Main Dish

Baked Eggplant And Ricotta Rolls

Deliciously decadent Baked Eggplant and Ricotta Rolls! Inspired by a Good Taste magazine cover, this recipe is surprisingly easy and fun to make. Impress your guests with this elegant vegetarian dish featuring tender eggplant rolls filled with creamy ricotta, fragrant basil, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Serve with creamy polenta for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Pasta Lasagna Main Ingredient Main Dish

A Cheese Lasagna To Build On

This recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Catering to even the pickiest eaters, our build-your-own lasagna starts with a delicious base of creamy Monterey Jack and Cottage cheese. Customize it to perfection – add spinach for Dad, broccoli and red onion for yourself, or keep it simple and plain for Mom. Even your onion-averse brother will find something to love! Explore endless variations with our optional ingredient suggestions. Get ready for a lasagna night that satisfies everyone.

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Pasta Cheese Eggs Dairy Main Dish

Baked Ziti With Mini Meatballs

Experience the irresistible comfort of authentic Italian-style baked ziti, elevated with flavorful mini meatballs. This recipe uses high-quality ingredients for a truly memorable dish. We recommend using authentic Italian brands of pasta sauce and crushed tomatoes (28 oz cans – use slightly less). Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this baked ziti is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Get ready for a symphony of cheesy goodness and tender meatballs.

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Course 4 Hours Or Less Pasta Dietary

Artichoke Spinach Lasagna

This vegetarian Artichoke Spinach Lasagna is a cheesy, comforting delight! Layers of tender spinach, artichoke hearts, and rich pasta sauce are nestled between perfectly cooked lasagna noodles and topped with melted mozzarella and feta. A vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Choose your favorite pasta sauce – red or white – for a customized taste experience. (Tip: Red sauce freezes better!)

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Main Ingredient Course Penne Time To Make

Australian Ww Bacon Vegetable Pasta 5 Pts

Whip up this incredibly easy and delicious Australian-inspired pasta dish in just 25 minutes! Crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy parmesan cheese combine for a flavor explosion that's perfect for a weeknight meal. This 5-point recipe is quick, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite.

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