Sauce Tips

Discover the Perfect Sauce

Once you have the perfect pasta, pair it with the perfect sauce! Learn how to make pasta sauce with these tips and tricks.

Get Fresh!

Keep fresh herbs on hand as a quick and easy way to add a burst of flavor.

Basil has a fresh, delicate flavor. It is best added to sauces at the last minute to maximize its effect.

Thyme has a subtle earthy flavor that pairs well with Fall vegetables like squash, potatoes, and carrots.

Rosemary is woodsy, so it’s especially suited to cream sauces and earthy ingredients, like mushrooms.

Sage is pungent, which means it stands up well in heartier pasta dishes with veal and pork.

Keep it Light.

Simple hacks can cut calories and fat. Instead of creating sauce from cream and butter, start with a base of broth, vegetables, or vegetable purees. Then add fresh herbs for flavor. Experiment with ingredients that simulate the texture of fat but aren’t fatty. For example, slim down your favorite lasagna recipe by cutting the quantity of ricotta cheese in half and pureeing it with two large eggplants that have been roasted and peeled.

Be Creative.

Toss pasta with a little olive oil, tomato, or broth for a simple sauce. Prepare a quick, healthy meal in no time by marinating tomatoes, chopped, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves in a little oil. The possibilities are endless!

Juice it Up.

Use a blender or a juicer to create your own combinations of vegetable purees. Then just bring to a simmer with your favorite herbs and spices and toss with pasta.

Mix and Match.

Don’t be afraid to substitute ingredients. If you plan to use zucchini in a pasta sauce, but the eggplant looks particularly good, switch it out for the eggplant – or just use both!

Keep it Simple.

When creating an impromptu pasta dish, remember less is more. Limit the number of ingredients that you use. Oil, garlic, crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and hot pepper flakes are one delicious combination that only uses 5 simple ingredients.

Veg Out!

For a nutrient-packed meal, toss veggies into pasta dishes or add them to a favorite jarred sauce.

Pay Attention to Texture.

Think texture as well as flavor. Toss in toasted pine nuts or toasted, chopped walnuts to a creamy pasta sauce for added interest.

More Pasta Sauce Tips

Pasta Shapes Dictionary

Not sure which pasta will go best with your dish? Look it up in our Pasta Shapes Dictionary for pairings and recipes.

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