Recipes That Are Delicious for Home Cookouts

Nothing elevates a pasta dish quite like a homemade sauce. While store-bought sauces are convenient, making pasta sauce from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, customize flavors, and create a fresher, more authentic dish. Whether you prefer a classic tomato sauce, a creamy Alfredo, or a bold pesto, homemade sauces are surprisingly simple and rewarding to prepare. Here’s how to create a few delicious pasta sauces from scratch.

1. Classic Marinara Sauce

A rich, tomato-based sauce with fresh herbs and garlic, marinara is a staple for pasta, pizza, and more.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Let the sauce cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add fresh basil in the last few minutes for extra flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

This sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti, penne, or ravioli and can be stored in the fridge for up to five days.

2. Creamy Alfredo Sauce

This indulgent, buttery sauce is perfect for fettuccine or any pasta that holds creamy textures well.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute.
2. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted.
4. If desired, add nutmeg for extra depth of flavor.
5. Let the sauce thicken for a few minutes, then toss it with freshly cooked pasta.

Alfredo sauce is best served immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

3. Classic Pesto Sauce

This no-cook sauce is fresh, nutty, and packed with basil flavor—perfect for warm pasta, sandwiches, or dipping.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup olive oil
• ⅓ cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, blend basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic until finely chopped.
2. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while processing until the mixture is smooth.
3. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Pulse to combine.
4. Toss with cooked pasta or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.