In the realm of culinary pleasures, creamy pasta sauce stands as a beacon of richness, versatility, and sheer deliciousness. It is an enchanting symphony of flavors that can elevate any pasta dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you prefer the classic Alfredo sauce, the bold and zesty arrabbiata, or the creamy delight of carbonara, there is a creamy pasta sauce out there to tantalize your taste buds and transport your senses to a culinary paradise. This article will guide you through the essential steps of creating the perfect creamy pasta sauce, ensuring that your next pasta dish is a masterpiece of culinary art.
Here are our top 20 tried and tested recipes!
PHENOMENAL CHICKEN AND PASTA IN CREAMY PESTO SAUCE
An extremely delicious meal: the crunch of pine nuts and the tang of sun-dried tomatoes combine with chicken and pasta in a heavenly pesto cream sauce. Be sure to taste and salt before serving, because depending on what kind of chicken broth you use, the dish may require no salt at all or may be extremely under-salted.
Provided by GILL846
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Chicken
Time 55m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Place basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and tomato in a food processor. Gradually add olive oil, while pulsing, until mixture is smooth and creamy.
- In a bowl, stir together chicken broth, 1 cup white wine, dried basil, oregano, and minced garlic. Stir in chicken pieces.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain, and rinse under cold water. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Set aside.
- Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onions, and sprinkle with sugar. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts, and cook about 3 minutes. Stir in chicken and marinade. Stir in 1/2 cup white wine. Simmer chicken pieces, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.
- Add pasta and pesto to the skillet. Stir in cream, and cook until the sauce is thickened. Adjust salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, and serve with freshly grated Parmesan.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 943 calories, Carbohydrate 71.1 g, Cholesterol 126.7 mg, Fat 49.9 g, Fiber 5.7 g, Protein 45.7 g, SaturatedFat 15 g, Sodium 220.6 mg, Sugar 7.5 g
CREAMY RICOTTA PASTA SAUCE
A simple marriage of ricotta cheese, egg, and a secret ingredient make for a sauce that's even creamier than those that use heavy cream, which can be a bit too rich and filling. I mean, come on, I'm trying to save room for the tiramisu. Ricotta gives this sauce a cheesy tanginess that we don't get with heavy cream. I love to top this pasta with lots of ricotta salata, a great summer cheese.
Provided by Chef John
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook orecchiette according to package directions, reducing time by 1 minute, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Mix until a paste forms. Add 1/3 cup hot pasta water and whisk well. Repeat with another 1/3 cup pasta water.
- Transfer pasta to a saucepan using a strainer, letting most, but not all, the water drain off. Reserve cooking water. Add the sauce mixture and turn heat to medium. Cook and stir until sauce thickens enough to coat the pasta evenly, about 2 minutes. Add more pasta water if sauce gets too thick. Stir in pesto. Taste and season as desired. Transfer pasta to a warm bowl.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 296.6 calories, Carbohydrate 42.4 g, Cholesterol 51.5 mg, Fat 9.4 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 11.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 616.7 mg, Sugar 1.1 g
ONE PAN PASTA WITH CREAMY SHRIMP AND PESTO SAUCE
This recipe from Sunset uses only one pan. Yup, a single pan! The secret is to use frozen cooked shrimp and prepared pesto. When I make it, I thaw the shrimp by putting them in the same colander I am going to use for the pasta. Then I pour the pasta and its boiling water over the shrimp, and--voila--thawed shrimp! The recipe is very pesto-y, so, if you like, feel free to cut down on the pesto and use more sun-dried tomatoes. Also, use whatever pasta shape you like (we prefer long noodles, for instance).
Provided by CorriePDX
Categories Penne
Time 25m
Yield 3 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a 4- to 6-quart pan over high heat, bring about 3 quarts water to a boil. Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender to bite, 7 to 12 minutes. Drain and return to pan.
- Add shrimp, pesto, cream, broth, and dried tomatoes to pasta; stir over medium heat until hot and evenly incorporated, 2 to 3 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
SPICY, CREAMY, TOMATO ,BACON PASTA SAUCE
I made this last night from things in the pantry and fridge. I guess it's based loosely on Alamatriciana, though that has crisp bacon and no cream or herbs!
Provided by JustJanS
Categories Pork
Time 35m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a heavy based fry pan over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes, add the bacon and garlic, and cook for a further 5 minutes or until the bacon is cooked to your liking.
- Pour in the wine, and allow to cook and reduce for a couple of minutes, then add the chilli flakes, tomato sauce, water and stock powder.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Add the cream and fresh chopped herbs and freshly ground black pepper, reheat and serve immediately over the pasta of your choice.
- We ate this last night over spinach and cheese tortellini.
PASTA WITH CREAMY SWEET POTATO SAUCE
This creamy pasta dish is the result of combining two different recipes. I often turn it into a main dish by serving a green salad on the side.-Suzanne Appleyard, Queensbury, New York
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 30m
Yield 5 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Scrub and pierce sweet potato; place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 10-12 minutes or until tender, turning once. When cool enough to handle, remove and discard skin. Place potato in a large bowl and mash with milk., Cook pasta according to package directions. In a large skillet, saute pine nuts and sage in butter until pine nuts are toasted. Remove from pan and set aside., In the same skillet, saute garlic in oil for 1 minute. Stir in the sweet potato mixture, salt and pepper. Drain pasta, reserving 3/4 cup cooking water; add to sweet potato mixture. Stir in the cheese, pine nut mixture and reserved cooking water. Sprinkle with additional cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 294 calories, Fat 8g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 14mg cholesterol, Sodium 529mg sodium, Carbohydrate 46g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 11g protein.
PASTA WITH SHRIMP AND CREAMY CHIPOTLE SAUCE
Plump shrimp are cooked with aromatic fennel, sweet fresh corn, smoky chipotles in adobo, and a splash of cream for good measure in this flavor-packed pasta dinner.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Seafood Recipes Shrimp Recipes
Time 30m
Yield Serves 4 to 6
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until slightly less than al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large straight-sided skillet over medium-high. Add fennel, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Add corn and chipotles with sauce and cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Add shrimp; cook until just beginning to curl but not completely cooked, about 1 1/2 minutes.
- Add pasta, reserved pasta water, and cream. Cook, stirring and shaking pan until pasta and shrimp are cooked through and a creamy sauce forms, 1 to 2 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper and serve, garnished with fennel fronds.
QUICK, EASY, CREAMY, TOMATO PASTA SAUCE
A delicious and simple tomato pasta sauce which I've been using for years and is the first one I taught my kids how to make. The fresh garlic at the end, uncooked, is what makes it really tasty. I hesitate to post it because the cream will curdle if the heat is too high. It sometimes takes a couple of times before you get the feel of how much heat it will take. It will still taste ok, but won't look really yummy. Do remember to dilute the paste with water first. Very important. All quantities are flexible. Substituting with milk or garlic powder will absolutely not work.
Provided by Jangomango
Categories Sauces
Time 10m
Yield 3 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat a saute pan on medium heat.
- Pour in the olive oil.
- Stir the tomato paste gently into the oil.
- It may not completely mix just yet.
- (Don't get the heat too high).
- Add the cream and stir into the tomato mixture.
- Heat it gently so that it almost starts to simmer.
- At this point it is done.
- Add the crushed garlic and fresh ground pepper.
- Serve immediately over or in your pasta, and garnish with lots of fresh chopped basil.
ANGEL HAIR PASTA WITH CREAMY MUSHROOM SAUCE
Make and share this Angel Hair Pasta With Creamy Mushroom Sauce recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Barb G.
Categories Cheese
Time 35m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
- Meanwhile, for sauce, in a medium saucepan cook the Mushrooms and onion in the butter until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in cream cheese, salt and pepper.
- Cook and stir over low heat until cheese is melted.
- Gradually stir in milk and chives; heat through.
- Pour sauce over pasta.
- Toss to coat.
- Serve immediately.
- Makes 4 side servings.
CREAMY VEGETARIAN PASTA SAUCE
This is a great pasta sauce with tons of vegetables and sour cream. You can serve it with any type of pasta you like.
Provided by Anonymous
Categories Fruits and Vegetables Vegetables Squash
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini, bell pepper, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes. Cook and stir until vegetables have softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add broth, sour cream, and tomato paste and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Drain penne and mix into the sauce. Stir in parsley and basil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 542.9 calories, Carbohydrate 77.1 g, Cholesterol 21.9 mg, Fat 20.2 g, Fiber 7.2 g, Protein 17.5 g, SaturatedFat 7.9 g, Sodium 487.9 mg, Sugar 10 g
PASTA WITH CREAMY WILD MUSHROOM SAUCE
Categories Mushroom Pasta Low Sodium Winter Bon Appétit
Yield 2 servings; Can be doubled
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place mushrooms in small bowl. Pour boiling water over. Cover and let stand until mushrooms soften, about 15 minutes. Remove mushrooms from liquid; reserve soaking liquid. Coarsely chop mushrooms; discard any tough stems.
- Combine wine and mushrooms in heavy large skillet. Boil until wine is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add cream and tarragon. Slowly pour in mushroom soaking liquid, leaving sediment at bottom of bowl. Boil until sauce is thick enough to coat spoon, about 5 minutes. Mix in green onions and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite. Drain pasta.
- Add pasta to sauce; toss gently to coat and serve.
MOSTACCIOLI (BAKED PASTA WITH CREAMY SAUCE & ITALIAN SAUSAG
Yummy pasta -- It makes a lot (2 9x13 pans) but could be easily halved. Everyone in my office is RAVING about this this week, and it's great b/c it can be adjusted to your own liking.
Provided by newspapergal
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h5m
Yield 2 9x13 pans
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook both boxes of noodles until they are semi done.
- Drain and set aside, but do not rinse.
- Melt 1 Tbsp butter in a saucepot.
- Add minced garlic (more or less if desired).
- Slowly add heavy whipping cream to melted butter and garlic mixture.
- Bring sauce to a slow simmer, then add 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until melted.
- Let sauce simmer on low.
- Break into pieces and brown Italian sausage.
- Add 2 thinly sliced peppers to meat mixture.
- When both are fully cooked, dump them into the sauce.
- Saute sliced mushrooms in 1 Tbsp butter seasoned with salt and pepper.
- When cooked, add to sauce.
- Place tomatoes in a food processor and process until blended with chunks.
- Add fresh basil to taste (don't be stingy - a lot is better).
- Add diced garlic to taste.
- Add olive oil.
- Don't be afraid to start small and add more basil, garlic and oil as you go.
- This tomato mixture can be made a day early; let set in refrigerator overnight.
- Add this dish to the sauce.
- Bring the huge pot to a boil, let it simmer just a minute or two.
- Take the penne noodles and divide them into the two 9x13-inch pans, spreading them out evenly.
- Divide sauce into each pan filled with the noodles and mix it with the noodles.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top of both pans.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.
PASTA WITH CREAMY VODKA-AND-HERB SAUCE
Provided by Christina Dong
Categories Milk/Cream Herb Pasta Side Sauté Vegetarian Quick & Easy Bon Appétit Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield 4 First-Course or side-dish servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion and sauté until very tender and beginning to color, about 10 minutes. Add herbs and sauté 1 minute. Add whipping cream and vodka and simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 8 minutes. Add pasta and cheese and toss until sauce coats pasta. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.
TOFU ' CREAMY' PASTA SAUCE
This works well as a creamy sauce for pasta. Especially useful for those unable to have dairy or tomato sauces. This is a beginning point, and maybe quite useful for Elimination Diets. For those with less restrictions, I'd suggest adding herbs and onions to taste. (I plan on developing such a recipe once I'm allowed onions again.) I've been eating this with rice & millet pasta twists.
Provided by Houmous Monster
Categories Sauces
Time 15m
Yield 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Blend the tofu, garlic, parsley, herbs, paprika, and salt. (Add any herbs you want).
- Then thin with soy milk to achieve consistency. I like mine rather thick so it coats the pasta.
- When mixed, heat thoroughly in a pan before putting on pasta. (It tends too cool too quick if just poured over pasta and quickly heated.) DON'T LET IT BOIL THOUGH! It will separate and turn pasty if you do, which just isn't pleasant.
ANGEL HAIR PASTA WITH CREAMY ASPARAGUS SAUCE
A very decadent creamy Italian pasta dish. You could substitute spagetti if you can't find angel hair pasta.
Provided by dale7793
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 40m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a pan and add the garlic and shallots.
- Cook until tender.
- Add vermouth and herbs.
- Simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes until the liquid is almost all evaporated.
- Add cream and peppers and simmer about 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in parmesan.
- Steam the asparagus until just tender and add to the sauce.
- Cook the angel hair pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the asparagus sauce.
- Toss it through gently until well combined.
- Place in a large serving dish to serve or on individual plates.
PASTA WITH CREAMY GARLIC AND WALNUT SAUCE
Make and share this Pasta With Creamy Garlic and Walnut Sauce recipe from Food.com.
Provided by LMillerRN
Categories < 30 Mins
Time 25m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Place cream, walnuts, cheese, garlic, salt and pepper in food processor and pulse until smooth.
- Cook pasta according to package directions, drain.
- Toss with sauce.
- Garnish with additional walnuts and seasoning if desired.
- Serve immediately with additional cheese.
CREAMY CLAM PASTA SAUCE
Make and share this Creamy Clam Pasta Sauce recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Linda in Nevada
Categories Sauces
Time 45m
Yield 3-4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Saute onions and garlic in olive oil over low heat.
- Add butter, stir until incorporated.
- Stir in milk, clam juice, and seasonings, cook over med.
- heat utill thickened.
- Add clams, and simmer until Pasta is cooked.
- Prepare your favorite Pasta, drain, and top with a generous portion of sauce.
- Top with grated Parmesan.
SALMON, ASPARAGUS AND PASTA IN A CREAMY DILL SAUCE
Flaky salmon, fresh green asparagus and al dente pasta is at its best when topped with a delicious and light dill sauce. What makes it even better is that it can be on your plate in 20 minutes or less!
Provided by SuperSpike
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 20m
Yield 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Turn on your broiler and set your upper rack to the middle position. Let it preheat 5 minutes.
- Set 1 qt of water to boil in a medium pot.
- Take a 12" wide section of heavy duty foil and fold into thirds and then fold over the edges by 1/4"- this is what you will bake the salmon on (who doesn't like easy cleanup?). Spray the foil with a spritz of cooking spray, and season the salmon on both sides. Place on the foil and give the top of the salmon a spritz of cooking spray.
- Bake under the broiler- this should take about 6-8 minutes. When its done, remove from the oven and set it aside to rest.
- When your water comes to a boil, salt it and add the pasta. You will add in the asparagus during the last minute of cooking.
- To make the sauce, whisk together the first 9 ingredients of the sauce in a small saucepan and set over medium heat. Stir occasionally. When it has thickened and no longer has a starchy flavor, take off the heat.
- When the pasta and asparagus is done cooking, drain and return to the pan you cooked it inches Dice the salmon into bite sized pieces and add to the pasta.
- Just before adding the sauce to the pasta, stir in the lemon juice and light butter. Dump this into the pan with the pasta, asparagus and salmon, toss gently until the pasta is completely coated with sauce.
- Serve!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 471.1, Fat 6.6, SaturatedFat 1.8, Cholesterol 64.9, Sodium 1560.1, Carbohydrate 62.3, Fiber 4.4, Sugar 13.1, Protein 40.1
CREAMY MUSHROOM, ONION & GARLIC PASTA SAUCE RECIPE - (4.3/5)
Provided by XrayKim
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Slice mushrooms, and finely chop onion and garlic cloves. Saute mushrooms, onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons olive oil until the mushroom starts to brown and the onion is soft. Add 1/2 cup chicken stock, 1 1/2 cup cream and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill. Let it simmer for 5 minutes and season with salt and pepper. Serve with your favorite pasta.
PASTA IN A CREAMY GORGONZOLA SAUCE
A creamy, cheesy sauce with pasta, Good and easy week day dinner. The recipe comes from Fox Brook winery, Good served with Merlot.
Provided by Barb G.
Categories Cheese
Time 40m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Heat wine to boiling, cook until reduced by half; Whisk in cream cheese until smooth, heat to boiling.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 15 minutes; Stir in seasonings.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according package directions.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and HALF of Gorgonzola into cream sauce, pour over pasta: Sprinkle with remaining Gorgonzola cheese and parsley, serve.
PASTA WITH CREAMY BACON AND PEA SAUCE
Make and share this Pasta With Creamy Bacon and Pea Sauce recipe from Food.com.
Provided by annh53182
Categories < 15 Mins
Time 15m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- This is another recipe with a really simple sauce, so before you start any really cooking you want to bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and drop your pasta. Make sure to reserve a cup or so of the cooking water. We started cooking the sauce as the water began to boil and the timing seemed to work out perfectly.
- In a large, high-sided pan, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat. Toss the bacon into the pan with some pepper and cook until crispy and golden brown, about five minutes. Add the peas to the pan, stirring to combine. Give the peas a minute or two to defrost, then add the creme friache and mint. Stir until the creme friache has melted and coated everything nicely. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain the pasta and add it directly to the sauce pan. Pour the lemon juice over the pasta and stir everything to combine well, making sure the sauce coats each piece of pasta nicely. Finally, mix in the Parmesan cheese. Add some of the cooking liquid to thin out the sauce if desired (this is based totally on personal preference...we didn't add any water).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1005.3, Fat 48.7, SaturatedFat 20.2, Cholesterol 93.9, Sodium 1232.1, Carbohydrate 98.3, Fiber 6.7, Sugar 6.6, Protein 41.8
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make your pasta sauce taste its best.
- Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to make a creamy pasta sauce, so feel free to adjust the ingredients and flavors to your liking.
- Cook the sauce slowly over low heat. This will help the flavors to develop and deepen.
- Add the cream at the end of cooking. This will prevent it from curdling.
- Serve the sauce immediately. Creamy pasta sauce is best enjoyed fresh.
Conclusion:
With so many delicious creamy pasta sauce recipes to choose from, you're sure to find one that you'll love. Whether you prefer a simple sauce or a more complex one, there's a recipe out there for you. So get cooking and enjoy a delicious bowl of pasta tonight!
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