10 Popular Types of Pasta Sauces
Pasta is a universally loved dish, and one of its biggest appeals is its versatility. By simply switching the sauce, you can create an entirely new meal. Here are ten of the most popular pasta sauces, along with the best pasta pairings, complementary foods, and wine recommendations.
1. Arrabbiata Sauce
A spicy tomato-based sauce made with garlic, tomatoes, and red chili flakes.
• Best Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, egg noodles, spaghetti
• Best Pairings: Mashed potatoes, shrimp, pork, chicken, garlic bread, zucchini
• Wine Pairing: Red wine or rosé wine
• Popular Recipes: Penne all’arrabbiata, chicken arrabbiata, meatball arrabbiata with spaghetti
2. Bolognese Sauce
A rich, meat-based sauce originating from Italy, traditionally made with ground meats like beef, veal, or even horsemeat.
• Best Pasta: Rigatoni, tagliatelle, spaghetti, fettuccine
• Best Pairings: Sausages, beef, potatoes, peppers, asparagus, zucchini
• Wine Pairing: Red wine
• Popular Recipes: Spaghetti bolognese, baked bolognese, lasagna with bolognese
3. Marinara Sauce
A classic tomato-based sauce with a simple yet flavorful combination of garlic, onions, and herbs.
• Best Pasta: Spaghetti, penne, lasagna, linguine
• Best Pairings: Beef, sausage, chicken, peppers, onion, broccoli, garlic bread
• Wine Pairing: Medium- to full-bodied red wine
• Popular Recipes: Spaghetti and meatballs, dipping sauces, chicken parmesan, lasagna
4. Pesto Sauce
A fresh and aromatic green sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
• Best Pasta: Spaghetti, bow tie (farfalle), rotini, fusilli
• Best Pairings: Chicken, salmon, green beans, red peppers, broccoli, carrots, beans, mozzarella
• Wine Pairing: Dry white wine
• Popular Recipes: Pesto pasta with chicken or shrimp, pesto canapés, garlic bread, salad dressings
5. Alfredo Sauce
A creamy white sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
• Best Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, pappardelle
• Best Pairings: Chicken, shrimp, bacon, peas, broccoli, Caesar salad, garlic bread
• Wine Pairing: Fruity dry white wine
• Popular Recipes: Fettuccine Alfredo, Alfredo canapés, baked pasta dishes
6. Vodka Sauce
A creamy, slightly tangy sauce made with tomatoes, cream, and a splash of vodka to enhance flavors.
• Best Pasta: Penne, bow tie, rigatoni, orecchiette, rotini
• Best Pairings: Shrimp, chicken, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, garlic bread
• Popular Recipes: Penne alla vodka, spaghetti with vodka sauce and Italian sausages, pizza with vodka sauce
7. Carbonara Sauce
A rich and creamy white sauce made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper.
• Best Pasta: Spaghetti, angel hair, rigatoni, linguine
• Best Pairings: Bacon, scallops, peas, zucchini, spinach, Caesar salad, bruschetta
• Wine Pairing: Light-bodied red wine
• Popular Recipes: Spaghetti carbonara, meatballs with carbonara, carbonara pizza, casseroles
8. Cacio e Pepe Sauce
A simple yet flavorful sauce made with butter, black pepper, and Pecorino Romano cheese.
• Best Pasta: Spaghetti, gnocchi, tortellini
• Best Pairings: Corn, peas, chicken, salmon, mushrooms, asparagus, arugula salad
• Popular Recipes: Cacio e pepe risotto, classic cacio e pepe pasta
9. Béchamel Sauce
One of the five “mother sauces” in French cuisine, made with milk and a roux (butter and flour).
• Best Pasta: Macaroni, penne, spaghetti, cavatappi
• Best Pairings: Shrimp, scallops, bacon, ground beef, carrots, peppers, broccoli
• Wine Pairing: Dry white wine
• Popular Recipes: Baked macaroni and cheese, creamy pasta bakes, lasagna
10. Pomodoro Sauce
A smooth and thick tomato-based sauce, similar to marinara but with a richer texture.
• Best Pasta: Spaghetti, rigatoni, angel hair, penne, gnocchi
• Best Pairings: Chicken, shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, squash
• Wine Pairing: Fruity dry white wine
• Popular Recipes: Classic spaghetti pomodoro, pomodoro pizza, tomato-based pasta bakes
Final Thoughts
Each of these pasta sauces brings its own unique flavors and characteristics, making pasta an incredibly versatile dish. Whether you prefer a creamy, tomato-based, or herbaceous sauce, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Try pairing them with different types of pasta and side dishes to create delicious, restaurant-quality meals at home!