When it comes to pasta, there’s no denying that a rich and creamy sauce can elevate the dish to new heights. Whether you’re a fan of classic comfort foods or looking to try something new and adventurous, these 18 creamy sauce recipes are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
From timeless favorites like Classic Alfredo Sauce with Fettuccine to innovative twists like Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce with Penne, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and tangy or rich and indulgent, our collection of creamy pasta sauces is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
In this article, we’ll be diving into 18 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the versatility of creamy pasta sauces. From familiar flavors like garlic parmesan and carbonara to more exotic combinations like sun-dried tomato and basil, there’s something for everyone in this collection.
Classic Alfredo Sauce with Fettuccine
A rich and creamy sauce made with butter, cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic is the perfect accompaniment to fettuccine pasta. This classic Italian dish is a staple for a reason!
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta
– 6 tablespoons (84g) unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
– 1/2 cup (120g) grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly.
4. Remove sauce from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Add cooked fettuccine to the saucepan, tossing to combine. If necessary, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and flavorful sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup (120g) grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
7. Toss with cooked pasta and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce with Penne
Add a kick to your pasta dinner with this spicy and flavorful Arrabbiata sauce, perfectly paired with penne pasta. This quick and easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly.
5. Combine cooked penne pasta with the Arrabbiata sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rich and Velvety Carbonara Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this decadent sauce that’s surprisingly easy to make. This creamy, rich, and utterly satisfying sauce is the perfect accompaniment to spaghetti, fettuccine, or any other long, flat pasta shape.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the egg yolks and whisk until smooth, cooking for about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
3. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
4. Whisk in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately over cooked pasta, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Homemade Marinara Sauce with Spaghetti
This recipe yields a rich and flavorful marinara sauce that pairs perfectly with cooked spaghetti. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and authentic Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves
– 12 oz spaghetti
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Stir in the chopped basil leaves and serve the marinara sauce over cooked spaghetti.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pesto Cream Sauce with Farfalle
This recipe combines the rich flavors of pesto and cream to create a luxurious sauce to accompany the delicate, bow-tie shaped farfalle pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz farfalle pasta
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, optional (but highly recommended!)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the pesto and stir to combine.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Add the reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked farfalle and pesto cream sauce. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Sauce
This rich and flavorful sauce is perfect for pasta dishes, pizza, or as a dip. With the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the freshness of basil, it’s a taste of Italy in every bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. If using Parmesan cheese, stir it in during the last minute of cooking.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce with Linguine
Brighten up your pasta dish with this zesty lemon butter garlic sauce, perfectly paired with linguine noodles. This quick and flavorful recipe is sure to become a weeknight staple.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz linguine noodles
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook linguine noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Pour in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly.
5. Combine cooked linguine noodles with the lemon butter garlic sauce. Toss to coat.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this creamy and vibrant Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce. This recipe combines the richness of Parmesan cheese with the natural sweetness of roasted red peppers, creating a unique and delicious sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roast the red peppers for 30-40 minutes or until charred and blistered.
3. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool.
4. Peel off the skin, discarding it, and place the roasted peppers in a blender or food processor with the butter, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.
5. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Heat over low heat, whisking constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add the roasted red pepper mixture to the cream sauce and stir to combine.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Mushroom and Thyme Cream Sauce
Elevate your pasta dishes with this rich and savory cream sauce, infused with the earthy flavors of mushrooms and thyme.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Four Cheese Sauce with Rigatoni
This comforting pasta dish combines the creaminess of four cheeses with the satisfying bite of rigatoni, perfect for a cozy night in. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying this delightful meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz rigatoni
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Fontina cheese
– 1 cup whole milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyère, and Fontina cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss cooked rigatoni with the four cheese sauce and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Sauce
A rich and flavorful pasta sauce that combines the earthiness of spinach with the subtle sweetness of artichokes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in chopped artichokes, spinach, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
4. Gradually stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. Bring to a simmer and let cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Serve over cooked pasta of your choice.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Smoky Bacon and Pea Cream Sauce
Elevate your pasta dishes with this rich and savory sauce, featuring the perfect balance of smoky bacon, sweet peas, and creamy goodness.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1 cup of fresh or frozen peas
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add butter and melt. Add peas and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in cooked bacon and chopped parsley (if using). Serve warm over pasta of your choice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tomato Vodka Sauce with Penne
This rich and flavorful pasta dish combines the sweetness of fresh tomatoes with the tanginess of vodka, all wrapped up in a velvety sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz penne pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup vodka-infused tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in vodka-infused tomato sauce and fresh tomatoes (or crushed canned tomatoes). Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Stir in heavy cream to create a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked penne pasta with the Tomato Vodka Sauce. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Brown Butter Sage Sauce with Gnocchi
This rich and flavorful sauce combines the nutty goodness of brown butter with the earthy taste of sage, perfectly complementing soft and pillowy gnocchi.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole milk
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 pound gnocchi
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface. Reserve.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in chopped sage leaves, Parmesan cheese, and flour. Let it sit for 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked gnocchi with brown butter sauce. Toss until well coated.
Cooking Time:
– Gnocchi cooking time: 3-5 minutes
– Sauce preparation: 10-12 minutes (includes waiting for the butter to turn golden)
Enjoy your creamy Brown Butter Sage Sauce with Gnocchi!
Cajun Shrimp and Garlic Cream Sauce
Experience the bold flavors of Louisiana with this spicy shrimp dish, smothered in a rich and creamy garlic sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the Cajun seasoning and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
5. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
6. Reduce heat to medium and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the shrimp over the garlic cream sauce, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Truffle Oil and Mushroom Pasta Sauce
Rich and earthy, this truffle oil and mushroom pasta sauce is a perfect accompaniment to your favorite pasta dishes. Elevate your meal with the deep flavors of truffles and sautéed mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon truffle oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the mushrooms, onion, and garlic; sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Stir in the truffle oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve the sauce over cooked pasta, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Gorgonzola Sauce
This rich and creamy sauce is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a dip for crudités. The sweet caramelized onions pair beautifully with the tangy Gorgonzola cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the onions over medium-low heat in olive oil until caramelized, stirring occasionally (about 20-25 minutes).
2. Add butter, garlic, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until melted.
3. Remove from heat and stir in crumbled Gorgonzola cheese until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the creamiest pasta sauces with our collection of 18 delicious recipes! From classic Alfredo to spicy Arrabbiata, rich Carbonara to sun-dried tomato and basil, we’ve got you covered. Try Pesto Cream with Farfalle, Lemon Butter Garlic with Linguine, or Smoky Bacon and Pea with Fettuccine. For a flavorful twist, opt for Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo, Mushroom and Thyme Cream, or Brown Butter Sage with Gnocchi. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic, spicy, or decadent, we’ve got the perfect creamy pasta sauce recipe to satisfy your cravings!
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