Pasta is a beloved dish worldwide, and one of the reasons for its popularity is its versatility. With just a change in sauce, a simple pasta dish can take on a completely different flavor. In this article, we’ll explore 10 popular types of pasta sauces, how to pair them with different pasta varieties, and what foods and wines go best with each sauce. Let’s dive into these delectable options!

1. Arrabbiata Sauce

Arrabbiata sauce is a spicy tomato-based sauce that uses red chili peppers for heat, making it a bolder option compared to traditional marinara or pomodoro sauces.

Best Pasta for Arrabbiata Sauce: Penne, rigatoni, egg noodles, spaghetti.

What Goes With Arrabbiata Sauce? Mashed potatoes, shrimp, pork, chicken, garlic bread, zucchini.

What Wine Goes With Arrabbiata Sauce? Red wine or rosé.

Recipes to Try: Penne all’arrabbiata, chicken arrabbiata, meatball arrabbiata with spaghetti.

2. Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese is a rich, meat-based sauce made with ground meats such as beef, veal, or pork. Unlike tomato-based sauces, it relies on meat for its deep, savory flavor.

Best Pasta for Bolognese Sauce: Rigatoni, tagliatelle, spaghetti, fettuccine.

What Goes With Bolognese Sauce? Sausages, beef, potatoes, peppers, asparagus, zucchini.

What Wine Goes With Bolognese Sauce? Red wine.

Recipes to Try: Spaghetti bolognese, baked bolognese, lasagna with bolognese sauce.

3. Marinara Sauce

Marinara is a classic tomato-based sauce with simple ingredients, making it a go-to choice for pasta dishes.

Best Pasta for Marinara Sauce: Spaghetti, penne, lasagna, linguine.

What Goes With Marinara Sauce? Beef, sausage, chicken, peppers, onion, broccoli, garlic bread.

What Wine Goes With Marinara Sauce? Medium- to full-bodied red wine.

Recipes to Try: Spaghetti and meatballs, dipping sauces, chicken parmesan, lasagna.

4. Pesto Sauce

Pesto is a fresh, green sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. It’s a flavorful and aromatic option for a variety of dishes.

Best Pasta for Pesto Sauce: Spaghetti, bow tie, farfalle, rotini, fusilli.

What Goes With Pesto Sauce? Chicken, salmon, green beans, red peppers, broccoli, carrots, mozzarella.

What Wine Goes With Pesto Sauce? Dry white wine.

Recipes to Try: Pesto pasta with chicken or shrimp, canapés, garlic bread, salad dressings.

5. Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo is a rich and creamy white sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for indulgent pasta dishes.

Best Pasta for Alfredo Sauce: Fettuccine, linguine, pappardelle.

What Goes With Alfredo Sauce? Chicken, shrimp, bacon, peas, broccoli, Caesar side salad, garlic bread.

What Wine Goes With Alfredo Sauce? Dry white wine.

Recipes to Try: Fettuccine alfredo, alfredo canapés, baked pasta.

6. Vodka Sauce

Vodka sauce is creamy and tangy, with a unique reddish color thanks to a splash of vodka that caramelizes the tomatoes.

Best Pasta for Vodka Sauce: Penne, bow tie, rigatoni, orecchiette, rotini.

What Goes With Vodka Sauce? Shrimp, chicken, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, garlic bread.

What Wine Goes With Vodka Sauce? Light red or dry white wine.

Recipes to Try: Penne alla vodka, spaghetti with vodka sauce and Italian sausages, pizzas with vodka sauce.

7. Carbonara Sauce

Carbonara is a rich, creamy sauce made from eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper. It’s a classic Italian dish with a decadent twist.

Best Pasta for Carbonara Sauce: Spaghetti, angel hair, rigatoni, linguine.

What Goes With Carbonara Sauce? Bacon, scallops, peas, zucchini, spinach, Caesar side salad, bruschetta.

What Wine Goes With Carbonara Sauce? Light-bodied red wine.

Recipes to Try: Spaghetti carbonara, meatballs with carbonara pasta, casseroles.

8. Cacio e Pepe Sauce

Cacio e pepe is a simple, buttery pasta sauce made with cheese and black pepper. Its simplicity makes it a favorite for those who prefer a less complicated but flavorful dish.

Best Pasta for Cacio e Pepe Sauce: Spaghetti, gnocchi, tortellini.

What Goes With Cacio e Pepe Sauce? Corn, peas, chicken, salmon, mushrooms, asparagus, arugula side salad.

What Wine Goes With Cacio e Pepe Sauce? Dry white wine.

Recipes to Try: Cacio e pepe pasta, risotto.

9. Bechamel Sauce

Bechamel is one of the five mother sauces and is made from milk and roux, resulting in a creamy, velvety texture. It’s often used as a base for other sauces.

Best Pasta for Bechamel Sauce: Macaroni, penne, spaghetti, cavatappi.

What Goes With Bechamel Sauce? Shrimp, scallops, bacon, ground beef, carrots, peppers, broccoli.

What Wine Goes With Bechamel Sauce? Dry white wine.

Recipes to Try: Mac and cheese, lasagna with bechamel, creamy casseroles.

10. Pomodoro Sauce

Pomodoro is a light, fresh tomato sauce that is slightly smoother and thicker than marinara, making it perfect for a simple pasta dish.

Best Pasta for Pomodoro Sauce: Spaghetti, rigatoni, angel hair, penne, gnocchi.

What Goes With Pomodoro Sauce? Chicken, shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, pepper, zucchini, squash.

What Wine Goes With Pomodoro Sauce? Dry white wine.

Recipes to Try: Pomodoro pasta, simple spaghetti dishes, vegetable-based pasta.

Conclusion

Pasta is a versatile dish, and the right sauce can transform it into a comforting meal or an exciting gourmet experience. From rich, creamy sauces like Alfredo and Carbonara to lighter, fresher options like Pomodoro and Pesto, there’s a pasta sauce for every preference. Pairing the right wine, ingredients, and pasta shape with each sauce can elevate your dining experience even further. Enjoy experimenting with these sauces and find your favorites!