18 Homemade Pasta Sauces That’ll Have You Skipping the Jar

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Pasta night just got a major upgrade! With these 18 mouthwatering sauce recipes, you’ll never look at store-bought jars the same way again. From classics like marinara and Alfredo to bold choices like saffron cream and red clam sauce, this collection has something for every pasta lover. Whether you’re in the mood for a creamy delight or a tomato-based favorite, these sauces are easy to make and packed with flavor. Say hello to your new favorite way to top your pasta.

Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce

A close up image of a fork twirling spaghetti with Cherry Tomato Sauce. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

In just half an hour, you can whip up this easy and delectable Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce. It’s the perfect way to savor the ripe, flavorful tomatoes from your garden.

Get The Recipe: Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce

White Clam Sauce

Flavorful clams and robust pasta unite in a delightful white wine sauce, enhanced by zesty lemon and a dash of parsley. This dish adds a celebratory flair to any meal.

Get The Recipe: Clam Sauce

Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce

a close up image of a spoon scooping up a serving of tomato sauce from a pan. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe for Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce makes it super simple to whip up delicious spaghetti sauce from scratch right in your own kitchen!

Get The Recipe: Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce

Red Pesto Sauce

A close up photo of a plate of angel hair pasta with pesto sauce sprinkled with grated cheese and chopped parsley — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Skip the store-bought stuff! This Red Pesto sauce comes together in minutes, exploding with flavor and ready to elevate any dish.

Get The Recipe: Red Pesto Sauce

Greek Style Meat Sauce

This is a simple, classic Greek-style meat sauce made with tomatoes, perfect for tossing with pasta on those busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal.

Get The Recipe: Greek Style Meat Sauce

Amatriciana Pasta Sauce

A heaping bowl of pasta with Amatriciana Sauce topped with grated cheese. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Staying authentic to its origins, it showcases a zesty tomato sauce infused with the rich flavors of pancetta, onions, and white wine. Simply toss it with your preferred pasta for a swift and delectable weeknight dinner.

Get The Recipe: Amatriciana Sauce

Alfredo Sauce

A close up image of pair of cooking tongs serving a portion of Fettuccine Alfredo into a bowl. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Forget everything else – this Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is pure indulgence! A luxurious cream sauce coats perfectly cooked fettuccine, creating a symphony of creamy richness that’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s the ultimate comfort food fix!

Get The Recipe: Alfredo Sauce

Bolognese Sauce

A fork twirls a serving of spaghetti with a rich meat sauce, featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs. The dish is garnished with melted cheese, creating a comforting and savory meal. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This quick and easy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe creates a delicious meat sauce that’s bursting with Italian flavor! Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy night!

Get The Recipe: Bolognese

Red Clam Sauce

Transport yourself to the Italian coast with this flavorful seafood pasta dish. Simple to prepare yet bursting with rich, bold flavors, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a taste of authentic Italian cuisine in a relaxed setting.

Get The Recipe: Red Clam Sauce

Saffron Cream Sauce

A close up image of fettuccine pasta in a vibrant yellow cream sauce. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Dinner in a flash, fancy on a plate! This Tagliarini with Saffron Cream Sauce is a luxurious twist on classic pasta dishes, ready in a mere 15 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight indulgence that proves quick and easy can still be incredibly flavorful and impressive.

Get The Recipe: Saffron Cream Sauce

Fresh Tomato Sauce

A mouthwatering tomato sauce bursting with flavor, made by roasting fresh, juicy tomatoes, caramelized onions, and fragrant garlic to perfection. Blended until silky smooth with a medley of herbs and seasonings, it’s a sauce that elevates any dish!

Get The Recipe: Fresh Tomato Sauce

Creamy Mushroom Sauce

a close up image of a plate of Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti topped with mushrooms and parsley

This super easy and tasty Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti recipe features sautéed mushrooms and pasta in a garlic cream sauce—perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Get The Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Tomato Cream Sauce

A close-up of a plate of creamy penne pasta mixed with chunks of crispy bacon, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. The rich, orange-colored sauce coats the pasta and bacon evenly, creating a delicious-looking dish that's perfect for easy dinner recipes. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

A rich, velvety tomato sauce infused with the smoky goodness of pancetta, aromatic garlic, and sweet onions. Every bite is pure bliss!

Get The Recipe: Tomato Cream Sauce

Italian Sausage Sunday Sauce

Spaghetti and Italian Sausage with a block of cheese and grater in the background. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is your gateway to Italian comfort food bliss. Packed with flavor and made with love, it proves that the best things are truly homemade.

Get The Recipe: Italian Sausage Sunday Sauce

Homemade Marinara Sauce

A plate of pasta with marinara sauce with a fork next to it and fresh basil near the dish — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is a game-changer! With just three simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and versatile Homemade Marinara Sauce. It’s perfect for pasta dishes, pizzas, or as a dipping sauce.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Marinara Sauce

Skinny Tomato Cream Sauce

Spaghetti in a tomato cream sauce on a plate with a fork. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Craving creamy tomato sauce without the guilt? This Spaghetti with Skinny Tomato Cream Sauce is your answer! It’s a lighter take on a classic, proving low-fat doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor – perfect for a delicious and satisfying weeknight meal.

Get The Recipe: Skinny Tomato Cream Sauce

Spinach Sauce

Craving a healthy and tasty pasta dish but short on time? You’re in luck! This vibrant spinach sauce comes together in a snap and is loaded with nutrients. A sprinkle of grated cheese adds a creamy touch, making this a satisfying and guilt-free vegetarian meal you’ll love!

Get The Recipe: Spinach Sauce

Quick & Easy Batch Pesto

A top view reveals a glass jar brimming with vibrant green pesto, featuring a silver spoon dipped in. This chunky and fresh pasta sauce showcases visible herbs and oil, creating an appetizing look perfect for any dish.

Packed with vibrant, fresh basil flavor, this quick and easy Basil Pesto Recipe is a game-changer! Ready in minutes with minimal prep, it’s the perfect way to take any dish to the next level.

Get The Recipe: Quick & Easy Batch Pesto