Pasta is a staple food in many households worldwide, and for a good reason. It’s versatile, satisfying, and most importantly, affordable. However, to take your pasta dishes to a new level, you’ll need some delicious sauce. Here, we present 5 cheap and easy homemade pasta sauce recipes to get you started.
1. Classic Tomato Sauce
Our first stop on this pasta journey is the timeless classic – a simple, but flavorful tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A bunch of fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Preparation: Heat the oil in a saucepan, add onions and garlic, and sauté until golden. Add the tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Add fresh basil before serving.
2. Creamy Alfredo Sauce
This creamy Alfredo sauce is an indulgent treat that won’t break the bank.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation: In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until golden. Add the cream, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Hearty Bolognese Sauce
The Bolognese sauce combines meat and tomatoes for a hearty and satisfying pasta meal.
Ingredients:
- 500g ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Preparation: In a large pan, heat the oil and sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Pour in the wine and let it evaporate. Add the tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for about an hour.
4. Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce
For those who love a bit of heat in their food, the Arrabbiata sauce is a perfect choice.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Preparation: Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic until golden. Add the red pepper flakes and tomatoes. Season with salt and simmer for about 20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Fresh Pesto Sauce
Lastly, for a different take on pasta sauce, try this fresh and zesty pesto recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 3 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation: In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, and pine nuts and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add in the Parmesan. While the processor is running, gradually pour in the olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
These budget-friendly pasta sauces are not only inexpensive but are also packed with flavor. Mix and match with your favorite pasta types and enjoy a satisfying meal without hurting your wallet. Happy cooking!
