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Pizza is a classic Italian dish and a favorite comfort food around the world. At its core, pizza is composed of bread (the base), tomato sauce (the topping) and then cheese, vegetables, and other toppings of your choice.
When it comes to creating the perfect pizza, one key component that’s often overlooked is the pizza sauce. There are many different types of pizza sauces on the market which can lend a unique flavor and texture to your pizza.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular types of pizza sauce, and why they’re worth trying out for yourself.
History of Pizza Sauce
The origin of pizza sauce dates back to the 18th century, when Italian immigrants began arriving in New York City. Though there’s debate over who invented it, most historians agree that the first version of modern pizza was created by a man named Gennaro Lombardi in 1905. He used a simple tomato sauce as his topping, which quickly became popular with locals.
Since then, pizza sauce has evolved to include a variety of flavors and ingredients, from classic tomato sauce to unique blends featuring herbs, spices and even garlic. Today, there are dozens of different types of pizza sauces available in stores or that can be made at home.
Importance of Pizza Sauce in creating a Flavorful Pizza
Pizza sauce is an essential component of a flavorful pizza. It can make or break your pie, and the right balance of sweetness, acidity, and umami can bring together all of the flavors of a delicious pizza. The sauce is a crucial part of any good pizza and it should be chosen with care.
When selecting a pizza sauce for your pizza, the most important element to consider is the flavor. Pizza sauce should be robust and flavorful enough to stand up to all of the other ingredients on your pie, such as cheese, meats, vegetables, and herbs. You want a sauce that won’t get lost in the shuffle.
The texture of your pizza sauce is also an important factor. A good pizza sauce should have a nice, thick consistency with some body. It should coat the back of a spoon and not be too watery or runny. Too much liquid can make your pizza soggy, so you want to ensure that your sauce isn’t overly thin.
Different Types of Pizza Sauces
Traditional Tomato-Based Sauce
Classic marinara sauce
Marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato-based sauce that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is typically made with tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and parsley. This basic recipe can be varied to suit individual tastes or used as the base for more complex sauces.
1. Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2. Directions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes and season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the parsley and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve over your favorite pasta or use as a base to make more complex sauces.
Neapolitan sauce
Neapolitan sauce is a classic Italian tomato-based sauce that originates from the southern part of Italy. It is typically made with tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, and basil. This simple recipe can be used as the base for more complex sauces or enjoyed as it is.
1. Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
2. Directions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes and season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Serve over your favorite pasta or use as a base to make more complex sauces.
White Sauce Pasta
White sauce pasta is one of the most popular Italian dishes around. This delicious dish combines creamy white sauce with cooked pasta, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Alfredo sauce variation
For an even creamier version, you can modify the white sauce to make Alfredo sauce. To do this, add cooked garlic to the butter and flour roux and stir in Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. Then proceed with adding milk or cream as usual. The Parmesan cheese will thicken the sauce further and give it a more intense flavor.
1. Ingredients
To make white sauce pasta, you’ll need:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk or cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces cooked pasta of your choice
For Alfredo sauce variation, you’ll also need:
– 2 cloves garlic, cooked
– ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2. Directions
1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add all-purpose flour and whisk together to form a roux.
2. Gradually add milk or cream and stir continuously until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. For the Alfredo sauce variation, add cooked garlic and Parmesan cheese to the roux before adding milk or cream. Stir until combined.
5. Add cooked pasta to the white sauce and stir until evenly coated throughout.
Garlic cream sauce
For another variation of white sauce pasta, you can make a garlic cream sauce. This method is similar to the Alfredo sauce but uses heavy cream instead of milk for a richer flavor.
1. Ingredients
To make garlic cream sauce pasta, you’ll need:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, cooked
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces cooked pasta of your choice
2. Directions
1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add all-purpose flour and whisk together to form a roux.
2. Add cooked garlic and stirring until combined.
3. Gradually add heavy cream and stir continuously until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add cooked pasta to the garlic cream sauce and stir until evenly coated throughout.
Barbecue Sauce Pasta
Barbecue sauce pasta is a great way to add an extra layer of flavor to your favorite pasta dish. This unique variation uses barbecue sauce instead of traditional white sauce, making it perfect for those looking for something out of the ordinary.
Classic barbecue sauce
Classic barbecue sauce is a tomato-based sauce that is typically used in grilling and roasting. It’s made with a combination of ingredients such as tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, celery seed and other spices. The result is a robust flavor that pairs perfectly with cooked pasta.
1. Ingredients
For classic barbecue sauce pasta, you’ll need:
– 8 ounces cooked pasta of your choice
– 1 cup classic barbecue sauce
2. Directions
1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
2. Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Add barbecue sauce and stir until evenly coated throughout.
Spicy barbecue sauce
For those looking for an extra kick, spicy barbecue sauce is a great option. This variation uses the same ingredients as classic barbecue sauce but adds heat by adding chili powder, cayenne pepper or other hot spices. The result is a zesty flavor that will take your pasta dish to the next level.
1. Ingredients
To make spicy barbecue sauce pasta, you’ll need:
– 8 ounces cooked pasta of your choice
– 1 cup spicy barbecue sauce
2. Directions
1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
2. Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Add spicy barbecue sauce and stir until evenly coated throughout.
By experimenting with different sauces, you can create a variety of delicious pasta dishes that will please everyone at the table. Whether you prefer classic white sauce, Alfredo sauce, garlic cream sauce or one of the barbecue sauce variations, the possibilities are endless. Start experimenting today and find the perfect combination of flavors for your family!
Pesto Sauce Pasta
Pesto sauce pasta is a delicious Italian dish that combines the bright, nutty flavors of pesto with cooked pasta. Pesto sauce is made from a blend of fresh herbs like basil, garlic, pine nuts or walnuts and Parmesan cheese. This combination creates a flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite cooked pasta.
Traditional basil pesto
Traditional basil pesto is a classic Italian sauce that has been enjoyed since the 16th century. It’s made by blending fresh basil leaves with garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese and pine nuts or walnuts. The result is a bright and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with cooked pasta of your choice.
1. Ingredients
To make traditional basil pesto pasta, you’ll need:
– 8 ounces cooked pasta of your choice
– 2 cups fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
– ½ cup olive oil
– ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts, toasted
2. Directions
1. In a food processor or blender, combine basil leaves, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts or walnuts. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
3. Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Add pesto sauce and stir until evenly coated throughout. Enjoy!
Sun-dried tomato pesto
Sun-dried tomato pesto is a delicious variation that adds an extra layer of flavor to your favorite pasta dish. This sauce combines the classic ingredients of basil pesto with sun-dried tomatoes for a unique and flavorful twist.
1. Ingredients
To make sun-dried tomato pesto pasta, you’ll need:
– 8 ounces cooked pasta of your choice
– 2 cups fresh basil leaves, chopped
– ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
– ½ cup olive oil
– ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts, toasted
2. Directions
1. In a food processor or blender, combine basil leaves, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts or walnuts. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
3. Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Add sun-dried tomato pesto sauce and stir until evenly coated throughout. Enjoy!
Unique and Unconventional Sauces
Buffalo Sauce
Buffalo sauce is a unique and unconventional sauce that adds an extra layer of flavor to your favorite pasta dish. The traditional buffalo sauce is made with butter, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce and other spices. It’s perfect for those who like a bit of heat in their dishes!
1. Ingredients
For buffalo sauce pasta, you’ll need:
– 8 ounces cooked pasta of your choice
– ½ cup butter
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2. Directions
1. In a medium pot, melt the butter over low heat and add Worcestershire sauce and hot pepper sauce. Stir until combined, then remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
3. Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Pour in buffalo sauce and stir until evenly coated throughout.
Curry sauce
Curry sauce is a unique and flavorful option for pasta dishes. It’s made from a blend of aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander and ginger, which create a robust flavor that pairs perfectly with cooked pasta. For those who enjoy an exotic twist on their favorite dishes, this sauce is the perfect choice!
1. Ingredients
To make curry sauce pasta, you’ll need:
– 8 ounces cooked pasta of your choice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
2. Directions
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the spices and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
3. Drain the cooked pasta and pour into the skillet with curry sauce. Stir until evenly coated throughout. Enjoy!
Other creative sauce ideas
If you’re looking for other creative sauce ideas, there are plenty of options to choose from. Try creamy alfredo sauce, garlic cream sauce, dairy-free cashew cream sauce or even an Indian-inspired coconut curry sauce. No matter your preference, there’s sure to be a sauce that will make your pasta dish stand out!
Conclusion
Pizza sauce can be the key to unlocking a variety of delicious pasta dishes. From classic white sauce to sun-dried tomato pesto, there are countless ways to make your favorite pasta dish extraordinary.
Get creative and try experimenting with unique flavors like buffalo sauce or curry sauce for an unforgettable dining experience!
Regardless of the situation what different types of pizza sauce you choose, it’s sure to take your pasta dish to the next level.
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