18+ BEST Pasta Sauce Recipes

Whether you’re looking for something creamy like alfredo or hearty like bolognese, these 11+ Pasta Sauce Recipes are the best!

While a lot of times when looking for an easy recipe to make for dinner on busy weeknights, it’s quick to just grab a jar of sauce, boil some pasta, bake some frozen garlic bread and call it a night. But when you have the time, nothing quite beats a homemade sauce.

It can be as simple as a basic marinara with fresh herbs and fresh tomatoes. Or it can be something heartier like a bolognese with ground beef and pork. No matter what you’re in the mood for, with a handful of ingredients and fresh pasta, any of these pasta sauce recipes is sure to satisfy.

Common Homemade Pasta Sauces Ingredients

While everyone has their own version of what a “perfect sauce” would be, here are some of the most common ingredients to have hand.

  • Tomato paste
  • Whole tomatoes
  • Bell peppers
  • Italian seasoning
  • Garlic cloves
  • White wine
  • Diced onions
  • Italian sausage

Some of my favorite pasta toppings include: red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese. Ingredients and toppings vary based off of whether you’re making a creamy sauce or a red sauce. And of course, every pasta dish is a little bit different.

Easy Sauces for Pasta Ideas

wooden spoon in jar of basil pesto sauce

Basil Pesto Sauce Recipe

If you're looking for a versatile sauce to use for pasta, meats, and vegetables this EASY homemade Basil Pesto Sauce is for you!
Check Out This Recipe!
plate of pasta with pink pasta sauce

Pink Sauce for Pasta Recipe

If you're looking for a creamy pasta sauce that also imparts tomato flavor this EASY Pink Sauce for Pasta should be on your menu!
Check Out This Recipe!
wooden spoon with creamy basil pesto sauce

Creamy Basil Pesto Sauce Recipe

If you're looking for a simple sauce with herbs look no further than this creamy basil pesto sauce that will add flavor to pasta and proteins!
Check Out This Recipe!
overhead shot of bowl of lemon caper sauce

Lemon Caper Sauce Recipe

With briny capers, bright lemon, and rich butter, this EASY Lemon Caper Sauce is a winner on seafood, chicken, pasta, and veggies!
Check Out This Recipe!
overhead shot of bowl of meatball sauce

Meatball Sauce

This meatball sauce recipe is a combination of traditional Italian seasonings and olive oil with a simple tomato sauce and aromatics.
Check Out This Recipe!
pasta sauce over plate of pasta

Easy Puttanesca Sauce Recipe

Make this flavorful and easy dish in just 20 minutes! Make-ahead and freezer friendly, it offers layers of sophisticated flavor in a snap.
Check Out This Recipe!
straight on shot of jar of alfredo sauce

Easy Garlic Alfredo Sauce Recipe

With only 7 ingredients and less than 30 minutes you can have a homemade authentic Alfredo Sauce to toss with your favorite pasta!
Check Out This Recipe!
overhead shot of creamy sauce in jar

Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Silky smooth and perfect for noodles, meats, veggies, or even taking breakfast to the next level, you will love this Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce!
Check Out This Recipe!
overhead shot of wooden spoon in pan of vodka cream sauce

Vodka Cream Sauce Recipe

This Vodka Cream Sauce combines the heartiness of a traditional marinara with the silky smooth texture of a creamy Italian-herbed sauce.
Check Out This Recipe!
overhead shot of piccata sauce over chicken and pasta

Piccata Sauce

Whether you're looking to upgrade weeknight dinners or to impress guests, this sauce will deliver on flavor and presentation.
Check Out This Recipe!
plate of pasta with pink pasta sauce

Pink Sauce for Pasta Recipe

If you're looking for a creamy pasta sauce that also imparts tomato flavor this EASY Pink Sauce for Pasta should be on your menu!
Check Out This Recipe!
overhead shot of spaghetti sauce over pasta

Sunday Gravy

This slow-simmered succulent Sunday gravy is so flavorful it will knock your socks off — you'll never go back to standard spaghetti sauce!
Check Out This Recipe!
classic marinara sauce

Hearty Marinara Sauce

Skip the jar of marinara sauce and make your own easy homemade Marinara Sauce recipe in less than an hour. For real! 
Check Out This Recipe!
Pomodoro Sauce

Pomodoro Sauce

A quick and easy tomato sauce made from coarsely chopped tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and fresh basil. Perfect for pasta and dipping!
Check Out This Recipe!

Beurre Blanc Sauce

Beurre Blanc is a classic French sauce translated as "white butter"- which is an emulsified lemon butter sauce!
Check Out This Recipe!
Bolognese sauce

Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese Sauce is a classic Italian sauce. Ground meat and coarsely chopped vegetables give this Bolognese recipe a rich and hearty taste that serves well over pasta and in lasagna!
Check Out This Recipe!
Creamy Vodka Sauce

Creamy Vodka Sauce

Creamy Vodka Sauce is an easy pasta sauce recipe pancetta, tomatoes and cream. Serve over your favorite pasta like Penne alla Vodka!
Check Out This Recipe!
avocado pasta sauce

Creamy Avocado Pasta Sauce

Rich and decadent, Creamy Avocado Pasta Sauce is quite possibly my favorite pasta sauce. The best part? I don’t even have to feel guilty about eating it! It is healthy!
Check Out This Recipe!

Italian Four Cheese Sauce

With only 5 ingredients, this Italian Four Cheese Sauce recipes is quick to whip up and perfect over pasta!
Check Out This Recipe!
pan of spicy marinara with wooden spoon

Spicy Marinara Sauce

This spicy marinara sauce is a heat-infused version of your favorite red sauce. Try this pasta sauce that has a kick to it!
Check Out This Recipe!

More Homemade Sauce Recipes

collage of best pasta sauce recipes
Jessica Formicola of My sauce Recipes
Meet the Author

Jessica Formicola

Jessica is a cookbook author and Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School certified recipe developer. See her work in Parade Magazine, Better Homes & GardensMashed, AllRecipes AllStars and The Daily Meal Food + Travel and more!

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