Popular Italian Tomato, Pesto, and Cream-Based Sauces

Popular Italian Sauces

Italian cuisine is renowned all over the world for its incredible flavors and recipes. At the heart of many iconic Italian dishes is the sauce - or salsa as the Italians call it. Italian sauces come in endless varieties and can transform simple ingredients into complex and mouthwatering meals.

Tomato-Based Italian Sauces

Some of the most popular Italian sauces are tomato-based. The rich, bright flavor of fresh tomatoes shines through in these vivid red sauces. Tomatoes grow abundantly in Italy and are used in countless dishes across the country's diverse regional cuisines.

Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce originates from Naples and the surrounding Campania region. It features tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. Marinara is lighter and brighter than other Italian tomato sauces. It goes perfectly with pasta or can be used as a base for seafood.

Arrabbiata Sauce

Arrabbiata sauce has a spicy kick of red pepper flakes. Along with the tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, the heat makes this sauce a favorite for those who like some spice. It's delicious with thick spaghetti or rigatoni pasta.

Pestos

Herb-based pesto sauces also have their origins in Italian cuisine. They contain basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan or Pecorino cheese. The herbs and nuts give pestos their vibrant green color and flavor.

Genovese Pesto

Hailing from Genoa, this pesto is bright with basil and has a creamy consistency from the Parmesan and olive oil. It's the most common pesto and is wonderful simply tossed with pasta or as a sandwich spread.

Pistou

Pistou comes from southern France but features many Italian influences. It uses less cheese than Genovese pesto for a lighter sauce packed with basil and garlic flavors.

Cream-Based Sauces

The dairy farms of northern Italy produce rich milk and cream for luscious sauce ingredients. These cream-based sauces take pasta, seafood, and veal dishes to new levels of decadence.

Alfredo

Perhaps the most famous Italian cream sauce, Alfredo contains butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Originating in Rome, it has a smooth, exceptionally rich consistency. Fettuccine pasta is the perfect partner to soak up the velvety Alfredo sauce.

Carbonara

Carbonara features eggs, Pecorino cheese, guanciale or pancetta, and black pepper. The eggs lend a silky texture while the cured pork adds a salty, meaty bite. When tossed with hot pasta the heat cooks the raw eggs into an indulgent sauce.

Ingredients Across All Italian Sauces

Though Italian sauces range vastly in ingredients and flavors, a few key components connect them. High quality, fresh ingredients like tomatoes, herbs, garlic, and olive oil build intense and balanced flavors. Cheese like Parmesan and Pecorino add salty, savory notes. Pancetta or prosciutto lend meatiness. Combining just a few of these thoughtfully selected ingredients can produce countless vivid and appetizing Italian sauces.

Tips for Making Italian Sauces

Making your own genuine Italian sauces may seem intimidating but just follow these tips for success:

• Always use fresh, ripe tomatoes when possible - canned tomatoes work too
• Let sauces simmer for a while to develop flavors
• Stir sauces frequently to prevent sticking and burning
• Season with salt, pepper, herbs or spices to taste
• Drizzle with quality extra virgin olive at the end for brightness

Serving Suggestions

Italian sauces pair impeccably with all kinds of pasta. Meatballs, sausages, chicken, and seafood also make tasty additions. Grated or shaved Parmesan, Pecorino, or ricotta salata finish a sauce-topped dish with salty complexity. Garlic bread, mixed greens, or roasted vegetables complete a delicious Italian-inspired meal.

With so many Italian sauces to explore, it may be difficult to choose just one! The array of tomato, pesto, cream, and other specialty sauces offer endless inspiration. Use authentic recipes or get creative with ingredients to invent your own Italian-style sauce masterpieces.

FAQs

What's the difference between marinara sauce and arrabbiata sauce?

Marinara sauce contains tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. Arrabbiata sauce also has tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, but gets a spicy kick from red pepper flakes.

Can I make pesto without cheese?

Yes, you can omit the Parmesan or Pecorino cheese from pesto recipes. The sauce will still have lots of flavor from the basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. The texture will simply be less creamy without the cheese.

Do I need heavy cream for an Alfredo sauce?

Heavy cream is traditionally used to make Alfredo sauce. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even milk combined with a roux to thicken it up.

What pasta shapes work best with Italian sauces?

Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, linguine, and spaghetti are all excellent pastas for pairing with Italian sauces. The sauce clings nicely to the shapes. Small tubes or flat ribbons allow you to really soak up the sauce in each bite.