Make-and-Freeze Pasta Sauces for Quick Dinners

Tomato Sauces

When we think of pasta sauce, we often think of tomato-based sauces. And for good reason: Bright tomatoes and aromatic herbs pair perfectly with starchy noodles and savory, grated cheese. Tomato sauce can be made with fresh tomatoes when your garden is overflowing, or canned tomatoes when you're short on time and ingredients.

Best Marinara Sauce Yet

Just like the name implies, we think this is the best! This sauce is super-easy to make, with common ingredients found in your cupboard and fridge. Mix it up by adding fresh herbs (like basil, oregano, or marjoram), cooked ground beef or turkey, or use it on your favorite pizza crust instead of pasta.

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Meat Sauces

Whether you prefer your meat ground or formed into a ball, slowly simmering beef, pork, or turkey in tomato sauce is a classic favorite the world over.

Meat-Lover's Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

Made with ground beef, Italian sausage, and a ton of herbs, this hearty sauce simmers to perfection in your slow cooker without heating up the house. Plus, the longer it cooks, the better it tastes. If it's not sweet enough, feel free to add a pinch or two more sugar.

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Pesto Sauces

Best served at room temperature, traditional Italian pesto is an aromatic blend of basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. But pesto can be made from a huge range of herbs, nuts, cheeses, and other ingredients: Let your garden and pantry be your guide.

Pesto

This traditional recipe combines all of the standard stars, plus fresh parsley. Toasting the pine nuts (and letting them cool) before blending is key, as it brings out their natural oils, which means more flavor in your sauce. In addition to pasta, use this pesto on top of grilled fish or chicken, or spread it on a grilled cheese sandwich.

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Cream Sauces

Cheese, cream, and butter combine into a bite of heaven. Whether you keep it simple, like Alfredo sauce, or mix in tomatoes, mushrooms, or squash, you'll find these recipes deserve a spot on the table, and even the kids will sing your praises.

Quick and Easy Alfredo Sauce

Cream cheese makes this rich white sauce extra smooth. Make sure to use low heat and be patient when stirring in the milk, so nothing burns or curdles. You can also use this sauce to top broccoli, cauliflower, or any of your favorite vegetables, for a creamy, cheesy, and elegant side dish.

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Vegetarian Sauces

Sometimes we're in the mood for something a little lighter, or have a bunch of veggies in the fridge that need to be used. In either case, vegetarian pasta sauce is the answer.

Arrabbiata Sauce

If you like things a little spicy, then this is the sauce for you. Onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes are cooked in olive oil and tomatoes, for a light and refreshing pasta topper. Want to add additional color and flavor? Toss in a handful of pitted Kalamata olives or fresh spinach.

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