Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for convenience when it comes to making pasta sauces? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 effortless and deliciously quick pasta sauce recipes that will elevate your pasta game without breaking a sweat. From classic tomato sauces to creamy avocado and herby pesto, our collection has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a weeknight dinner solution or a home cook seeking inspiration for a special occasion, these simple yet flavorful sauces are sure to please. And the best part? They’re all incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and prep time. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and indulge in a world of pasta perfection!
Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta Sauce
A rich and flavorful pasta sauce that combines the savory goodness of garlic, butter, and fresh tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their juices and start to soften.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy Avocado Pasta Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this creamy and healthy avocado sauce! This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Peel and pit the avocados, then place them in a blender or food processor.
2. Add the butter, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Stir in chopped parsley.
5. Serve immediately over cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Easy Basil Pesto Pasta Sauce
A classic Italian-inspired sauce that combines the bright flavors of fresh basil with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/2 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Process until the mixture is well combined and slightly chunky.
2. With the processor running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top. Process until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Add garlic and lemon juice; process until well combined.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Toss cooked pasta with basil pesto sauce.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Quick Marinara Pasta Sauce
Get ready to savor the taste of Italy with this simple and flavorful marinara pasta sauce recipe! In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a delicious sauce to pair with your favorite pasta dishes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of crushed San Marzano tomatoes
– 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
White Wine Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Elevate your pasta dishes or use as a dip with this rich and flavorful white wine garlic parmesan sauce. With just a few ingredients, you can create a sophisticated and savory condiment that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup white wine (dry)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer. Cook until reduced by half, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add the heavy cream or half-and-half and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes from start to finish.
One-Pot Tomato Garlic Sauce
In just a few minutes, you can create a rich and flavorful tomato sauce to elevate your pasta dishes or use as a dipping sauce. This one-pot wonder combines the natural sweetness of tomatoes with the pungency of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4-6 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving or storing.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Herb Olive Oil Pasta Sauce
A bright and citrusy twist on traditional pasta sauce, this Lemon Herb Olive Oil Pasta Sauce is perfect for springtime cooking.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, and basil.
4. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Toss cooked pasta with the sauce and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Elevate your pasta dishes with this rich and flavorful sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Made with just a few ingredients, this sauce is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a special occasion dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Serve: Toss with cooked pasta, such as fettuccine or spaghetti, and enjoy!
Speedy Mushroom Alfredo Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this creamy, mushroom-infused sauce that’s ready in under 15 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fettuccine or other pasta of your choice
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start browning (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Toss cooked pasta with the sauce and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Sauce
This creamy pasta sauce combines the richness of artichokes with the nutritional power of spinach, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine artichoke hearts, spinach leaves, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss cooked pasta with the sauce until well coated.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Simple Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
This sweet and smoky sauce is perfect for topping grilled meats, vegetables, or as a dip for crudités.
Ingredients:
– 2 red bell peppers, seeded and sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place the pepper slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic.
4. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until peppers are tender and slightly caramelized.
5. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
6. Peel the skin off the peppers and blend with remaining ingredients until smooth.
7. Season to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Yield: About 1 cup of sauce
Cajun Cream Pasta Sauce
This spicy and creamy pasta sauce combines the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with the richness of heavy cream, perfect for coating your favorite pasta dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
5-Minute Garlic Olive Oil Sauce
Elevate your pasta dishes or roasted vegetables with this flavorful and easy-to-make garlic olive oil sauce.
Ingredients:
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and slightly golden.
3. Remove from heat and season with salt to taste.
4. Stir in chopped parsley, if using.
5. Use immediately or let cool and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Vegan Cashew Alfredo Sauce
A creamy and rich sauce that’s perfect for pasta, veggies, or as a dip. This vegan version replaces traditional heavy cream with cashews and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cashews
– 2 cloves garlic, peeled
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
Instructions:
1. Soak cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse cashews, then add to a blender with garlic, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. Add nutritional yeast and blend until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and whisk constantly over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Tomato Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce
This creamy pasta sauce combines the flavors of ripe tomatoes, rich coconut milk, and savory garlic, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their juices and start to break down.
4. Stir in the unsweetened coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy Caramelized Onion Sauce
Elevate your dishes with this sweet and savory caramelized onion sauce. Perfect as a topping or mixed into recipes, it’s a game-changer for any meal.
Ingredients:
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re dark golden brown and caramelized.
3. Add the butter, chicken broth, and white wine (if using). Stir to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stir in chopped thyme leaves, if desired.
6. Use immediately or let cool and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Lazy Carbonara-Inspired Sauce
A creamy, comforting condiment that requires minimal effort but maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard.
2. Whisk until smooth and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. Stir in chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Yield: About 1 cup of sauce
Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
Transform your pasta dishes with this vibrant and flavorful sauce made with fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a base for more complex sauces.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they burst and release their juices.
4. Stir in the basil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve the sauce over cooked pasta, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of flavor with these effortless and simple pasta sauce recipes! From classic tomato sauces to creamy avocado and pesto options, we’ve got you covered. Try our Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta Sauce for a rich and comforting meal, or go green with our Creamy Avocado Pasta Sauce. With only 18 minutes of prep time required, these quick and delicious sauces will become your new go-to’s. Discover the perfect sauce to elevate your pasta game – all recipes are included in this article!