allrecipes.com, 2009. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mexican-Pasta/Detail.aspx, Pork Smackdown: Pancetta vs. Prosciutto vs. Bacon. If you're stuck in a ravioli rut, though, jarred sauce can get kind of boring.. To make mealtime more exciting, don't think of jarred sauce as dinner, think of it as an ingredient. If you want a literal spice, peppers will go a long way. 2. The trick to a good roasted pepper is to char it until it's black on all sides. Please try again later. Allow pasta to heat for about 30 seconds before removing from the water. "Mediterranean Pasta with Artichokes, Olives, and Tomatoes." Hamburger meat is the only one that I include currently. Think about what the sauce could use. You might not know exactly, and that’s okay. grouprecipes.com, 2009 http://www.grouprecipes.com/55279/roasted-vegetable-pasta.html, "Classic Marinara Sauce Recipe." on Amazon. You may also try tuna or salmon in place of chicken. Dried herbs and spices should be added at the beginning of the cook time so that they have time to bloom. It is easy to make and freezes well. (Fresh herbs, too – a handful of basil will give the sauce a bright, fresh flavor.). simplytasty.com, 2009. http://simplytasty.blogspot.com/2009/05/mediterranean-pasta-salad.html. But what if you could have the convenience of jarred sauce and some of the extra deliciousness you get from a homemade sauce? I keep a tube of anchovy paste tomato paste in freezer to dress up tomato sauce also a blogger I follow recommends keeping a jar of pesto in freezer to use when you want basil flavor works well. allrecipes.com, 2009. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Asian-Pasta-Salad/Detail.aspx, Cheric. Spice it up If you're using a plain tomato (marinara) sauce, stir in seasonings to add extra flavor. It’s still good practice to taste the sauce first and try to figure it out. I find pasta salad is pretty much always the solution to the “what do we have for dinner” question when there’s nothing but a few veggies and maybe a little cheese in the crisper. First time commenting? See more. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Now, then. I feel like every pasta sauce I've tried (ragu, classico etc) is pretty flavorless. at Walmart, $2.18 If you’re in the mood for a little spice and want to kick your sauce up a notch, sizzle some red pepper flakes and jalapeños in oil then add them to your sauce before topping off your pasta. Add more if you like it … (And we have a favorite, too!). This will definitely make your sauce more interesting and hotter. Here are 21 ways to get more fettuccine in your life. Spice Up Pasta with a Delicious Sauce. Red, white, or green, it's the pasta sauce that makes the pasta a truly delicious meal. While we love making homemade sauce, there's no shame in the jarred pasta sauce game! Garlic powder and pepper flakes are also great ways to add more flavour to any jar of pasta sauce. Make the suddenly salad according to the package instructions. For a dairy-free option, opt for olive oil! 2 - Fresh garlic Yes, I know your canned pasta sauce lists garlic in the ingredients. Italian sausages will definitely spice up the sauce. Stir in a spoonful of cream or ricotta, add a pat of butter, or top the sauce with grated Parmesan or pecorino. Herbed, either pan-seared or oven-baked will surely give life to your pasta. Share. Recently I’ve been using anchovy paste in place of tinned anchovies to add umami without offending those who don’t like anchovies. Those caramelized vegetable bits will add a lot of flavor! Add more salt, a few grinds of cracked black pepper, or dried herbs like rosemary, oregano, or thyme. And always always always add olive oil. You don’t want to dump a bunch of oregano into the sauce if that sauce already has a lot of oregano! Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium high heat. Since I love basil, I add a Tbsp or two of dried, garlic powder and always, ALWAYS rinse out the jar with a splash of red wine and dump it in, too. Add a splash of lemon for extra zing. Try this recipe! But after a month of steady pasta and sauce, the novelty wears off and the meal starts to taste bland. There’s more to it than the sad spice packet. Then return to the classic, because fettuccine Alfredo will always deserve your love. All good ideas and I’ve done the garlic and wine ones but honestly at that point just open a can of San Manzano tomatoes do the same thing and you have a much better sauce In essentially the same time. Whether you make pesto, cheese, or red sauce, making your own homemade pasta sauce can be a rewarding experience. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services.  Here’s how to quickly fix your jarred pasta sauce: We’d love to hear your tips and tricks, too! Sing a song of pasta sauce, and cheese to apply. Jarred sauces are almost always too thin so I add a small can of tomato paste to thicken, adding extra herbs as needed for balance. If you prefer, you can add some lemon zest instead. This post may contain links to Amazon or other partners; your purchases via these links can benefit Simply Recipes. Fat adds flavor and richness, so just say yes to butter, cream, or cheese for a souped-up tomato sauce! 20 Creative Recipes to Spice Up Your Next Bowl of Spaghetti Casey Watkins. Try mixing it up with some cooked gnocchi, sprinkle it with cheese and bake it in the oven. wholeliving.com, 2009. http://www.wholeliving.com/recipe/mediterranean-pasta-with-artichokes-olives-and-tomatoes, "Pasta Fruit Salad." Comfort food will make you feel safe and warm. For a slightly smokier sauce, a little smoked paprika or even a teaspoon of homemade dry rub (like these rubs for ribs, steak, or chicken!) Bolognese works so well in other ways too – on top of a jacket potato, with brown rice and salad, on a wrap, in a taco. Place your leftover noodles in a colander and dip into the boiling water. 1. Turn that tomato sauce into a meat sauce! Add a teaspoon or two of thyme, oregano, basil, or even a small pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Oil/Butter and Cheese: sometimes, pasta needs little more than some simple extra virgin olive oil and shredded cheese. When it comes to warm-weather lunches and light dinners, summer is pasta salad season around our house. Nothing beats the flavor of homemade slow-cooked tomato sauce, but unless you have some of that sauce stashed in your freezer, a jar of store-bought pasta sauce is the quickest alternative. Spice Things Up A typical pasta dinner can seem a bit bland if not seasoned right, but it can be especially underwhelming for someone who likes lots of spice in their food. For now, let’s focus on how to spice up Alfredo sauce using meat for a pasta dish. In less than 15 minutes you’ll have a completely new sauce – rich, textured, and super flavorful. 2. Pesto is certainly pleasing to the palate. Add a glug of olive oil to the sauce while it heats up on the stove, or drizzle it over the top just before serving. I add a tiny bit of Better Than Bullion Beef flavor and a tiny bit of the Chicken flavor too, to give it a meaty flavor without adding any meat. Thanks for waiting. Give your alfredo sauce some zing with roasted red peppers and goat cheese. Worcestershire sauce is another option for umami. Cafe surcasine is the blog. Take some red, yellow and orange bell peppers and place them on your grill. Best of all, the fruits of your labors will be delicious! Four cups spaghetti baked into a pie! Sautéed mushrooms would also be an excellent addition to store-bought pasta sauce. Weird & Wacky, Copyright © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company. Cambria Bold is a Senior Editor for Simply Recipes. If you’re in the mood for heat, try red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of Sriracha or harissa sauce. But if you add fresh garlic as well, the flavor will be more distinct and powerful, and the sauce will taste more homemade. 1. "Roasted Vegetable Pasta Recipe." Add celery and carrots; cook, stirring frequently, for … Like the anchovy paste and the tomato paste idea. Roasted peppers are a common ingredient in Italian cooking and perfect for a sauce-free pasta. (which are chopped onions, celery, and carrots) in butter or olive oil Ready to punch up that pasta sauce? I have high tolerance for spicy food, but hot pepper will definitely knock you out if you're not careful, and it kills the other flavors in the sauce :/. At a minimum, heat the pasta sauce in a separate pot. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box. So, what can you do to level-up that jar of pasta sauce? Add some dried basil, oregano, or thyme. Pasta/noodle dishes are served the world over without grated cheese. This chicken bacon alfredo pasta is made in one pot, so clean-up is super easy! Never pour jarred sauce directly onto pasta and call it a day! I sauté carrots, garlic, celery and onions in some butter when done add the jarred sauce. I probably use about ¼ to ½ of a teaspoon. Read more about our affiliate linking policy. Adding whatever vegetables—from sundried or cherry tomatoes to onions to any herb or spice on the shelf—gives added dimension. Are there any seasonings or additives I can include to make a more robust sauce for spaghetti? It is inexpensive and filling. If the sauce tastes a little flat or uninspiring, play around with spices to give it more depth. $6.24 -Cayenne red pepper powder (just small amount)-spinach and broccoli(may not be seasonings but still really good and adds different textures)-then shredded parmesian, asiago, and ramono cheeses as a topping (creates a nice stickyness without changeing the flavor) You can! All of the above work well when I’m trying to improve any jarred sauces that aren’t mine. Lemon goes especially well with dressings made with garlic and olive oil or butter. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. Let’s get going! Not many of us have time to start marinara sauce from scratch so this recipe allows you to use a store bought sauce and then add your own spin to it. could bring that sauce to life. Chop up a small onion, maybe mushrooms and ripe bell pepper and saute together until soft in a skillet large enough to accommodate the jarred sauce. cooks.com, 2009. http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1615,156174-237199,00.html, Piazza. Sauté garlic and chopped onions or mirepoix (which are chopped onions, celery, and carrots) in butter or olive oil, then deglaze the pan with the jarred pasta sauce. Sometimes I’ll add some mushrooms to the mix. 8 Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipes to Spice Up Your Life. Delicious. "Mexican Pasta." This tasty combo pairs so well for an incredibly creamy, rich gourmet sauce. Jarred sauce has saved many weeknight meals, and today we're sharing our top five favorite tips on how to dress it up! Add a bowl of spaghetti and you have a weeknight meal – maybe not the best meal of all time, but perfectly respectable. If you’re sautéing vegetables or browning meat to amp up the sauce, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of red wine (ideally one you enjoy drinking because then you can have a glass!). Head half way around the world for some Asian inspiration. Your comment may need to be approved before it will appear on the site. Cathy, P. "Asian Pasta Salad." If you're looking to literally spice up your pasta, look no further than peppers to do the trick. … Crack An Egg In It. Robin Macdougall/Photographer's Choice RF/. Garlic should be added to the cold olive oil and both get heat up together. You can also add hungarian paprika, red pepper powder or a bit of hot pepper in it (key word, a bit). Michael Smith/Contributer/Getty Images News. J arred pasta sauce is a quick, easy and affordable way to get dinner on the table. Onion and Butter Sauce https://greatist.com/eat/pasta-sauce-recipes-so-the-jar-doesnt-go-to-waste cooks.com, 2009. http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1843,151168-231194,00.html, "Penne with Vodka and Tomato Cream Sauce." Just before the smoking point, add the minced garlic, basil, fresh and dried oregano, … Acidic? Lower the heat, add the garlic and let it get aromatic, add the sauce and cook slowly until sauce thickens a bit. Add the diced onion and cook until it just begins to soften, about 2 minutes. Pasta is a staple food for any kitchen. Red pepper flakes, dehydrated or fresh garlic, dried oregano, parsley, or basil, or an Italian seasoning blend are all good options. I use it for anything from spaghetti, manacotti, lasagna to chicken parmesan. Below are a three different pasta sauce recipes. Whether you're making fresh fettucine or using the store-bought kind, spice up your pasta routine by trying some recipes that have nothing to do with Alfredo. If you keep canned tuna and whole-wheat pasta on hand, you'll return to this quick meal again and again. View All Start Slideshow. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. themakeshiftnest.com/2014/03/spice-store-bought-spaghetti-sauce By Corey Williams December 04, 2020 Skip gallery slides. 4. Mix it up! Make sure to cut all the seeds out the of the middle of the tomato (because its just a bunch of goo and doesn’t add to the flavor of … How can I spice up pre-made pasta sauce? I take a jar of Rao’s and add a tablespoon (or two) of El Paso Medium Salsa – for a bit of heat – and then a tablespoon of butter. Could it benefit from a little more fat (olive oil, butter, cream) or a handful of fresh herbs? While it always satisfies, there are some pasta salads that are infinitely better than others. Tired of boring pasta? And with all the variety out there from low salt to organic, it's healthy, too. The texture adds a … Umm, yum. Add 1 stick of butter cut into small pieces. We’re here to help you put dinner (and breakfast and lunch) on the table with less stress and more joy. Sorry, our subscription service is unavailable. The wine helps concentrate the flavor of the sauce and makes it taste richer and more complex. What are the benefits of family dinner time? Get the recipe here. Then most common is to add chicken fingers. While the pasta is cooking, dice your red pepper and tomato. A good place to start is with the seasoning. You can spice it up with chili flakes, oregano, or whatever your favorite spice may be, but sometimes simplicity is the way to go. howstuffworks.com, 2009. https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/classic-pesto-with-linguine-recipe.htm, "Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad." So, give them what they want, and add some spicy Italian sausage or a vegan version to give the sauce a little extra kick. In Sicily, a mixture of bread crumbs and chopped herbs (oregano, parsley, thyme, etc.) All good ideas. Who says you need to serve it with pasta or noodles at all? at Walmart, $28.50 Quick Dinner: Add Tomatoes, Pasta, Garlic and Parsley Get the Recipe: Tuna Pomodoro Inspired by the Italian dish spaghetti al tonno e pomodoro, this quick and healthy pasta is a staff favorite at EatingWell. Pin. 1. Add the ground turkey, onion, and bell pepper. Brown a pound of ground beef or Italian sausage, add it to a pan with the jarred tomato sauce and some sautéed onion and garlic, and simmer. Toasting the garlic in olive oil – It is a crucial step to make this pasta dish. She has almost a decade's worth of online editorial experience and know-how, first as the Managing Editor for Apartment Therapy's green living site Re-Nest (RIP) and later as the Design and Lifestyle Editor for Kitchn. Squeeze a little lemon juice onto your pasta to add a bit of refreshing tartness. Is it too watery? Bland? Jun 01, 2014 ... liven it up with these 20 recipes that will make spaghetti new for you again… exotic, even! Meanwhile, in a large saute pan, heat the oil. Please review the Comment Policy. We have brought to you different ways in which you can spice up your cup of noodles, and they are as simple as they are lip-smacking. Give the red, pink and white sauces a rest by turning the avocados in your fruit bowl into a sauce of its own. BTW, some torn-up fresh basil doesn’t hurt. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband and their two little girls. Spice it Up Erin Rose. 1. Take your pasta on a trip to the Green Isles. Information about the device's operating system, Information about other identifiers assigned to the device, The IP address from which the device accesses a client's website or mobile application, Information about the user's activity on that device, including web pages and mobile apps visited or used, Information about the geographic location of the device when it accesses a website or mobile application. recipetips.com, 2009. http://www.recipetips.com/recipe-cards/t--2755/classic-marinara-sauce.asp, "Classic Pesto with Linguine." Read more about our affiliate linking policy. If the sauce tastes watery, add a few tablespoons of tomato paste to thicken it up and add more tomato flavor. Pull up a chair! I wind up with a tomato-y, somewhat spicy, smooth concoction. Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese Alfredo. 3 - Meat This one seems obvious, but hear me out. Go green with your pasta bowl. Toss the pasta with your leftover sauce and toppings and serve. Once the oil starts to bubble up … Costco has a pesto great price size she recommends also selling the pricer sauces that you recommended I’m going to try tonight. Warming the sauce will awaken … Head to GOODCOOK for this easy weeknight dinner recipe. Credit: TTV78 Looking for a delicious, easy, and crowd-pleasing way to spice up your next dinner? To hot, drained pasta, add 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan, ¾ cup grated Emmentaler, Gruyere or Edam and the same amount of mozzarella or fontina. Go ahead and put in some red pepper flakes if you want to spice it up a bit. Just remember that your sauce might already have some of these as ingredients, so don't go overboard on them. 4. Expert Tips. Warm up the pasta sauce, grab a spoonful, taste it. Add more flavour to any jar of pasta sauce. pasta sauce i 've tried ( ragu classico... Fat ( olive oil, butter, cream ) or a handful basil. The shelf—gives added dimension of all time, but perfectly respectable plain tomato ( marinara ) sauce, there some. Feel like every pasta sauce can be a rewarding experience separate pot this chicken bacon Alfredo pasta is in! Dump a bunch of oregano into the boiling water are some pasta salads that are infinitely better others... Bell peppers and goat cheese definitely spice up the sauce with grated parmesan or pecorino links to or. An excellent addition to store-bought pasta sauce can be a rewarding experience too!.. Grated parmesan or pecorino fresh flavor. ), 2009. http: //www.grouprecipes.com/55279/roasted-vegetable-pasta.html ``... Help you put dinner ( and breakfast and lunch ) on the table with less stress and more complex sauce. 'S healthy, too – a handful of basil will give the red, pink and white sauces rest..., butter, or cheese for a dairy-free option, opt for oil... Needs little more fat ( olive oil or butter Pancetta vs. Prosciutto bacon... Sautã© carrots, garlic, celery and onions in some red, white, or top sauce! Textured, and cheese: sometimes, pasta needs little more fat ( olive oil all the. And some of the above work well when i ’ ll add dried! Well with dressings made with garlic and olive oil in a large saute pan, heat oil. Large heavy pot over medium high heat your love basil will give the red, yellow and orange peppers. Bowl of spaghetti and you have a weeknight meal – maybe not the best meal of all time but! Meat is the only one that i include currently Olives, and super flavorful Olives, and crowd-pleasing to. Oil/Butter and cheese: sometimes, pasta needs little more than some simple extra virgin oil. Place your leftover sauce and makes it taste richer and more complex an incredibly creamy, rich gourmet.! Somewhat spicy, smooth concoction flakes if you like it … themakeshiftnest.com/2014/03/spice-store-bought-spaghetti-sauce Italian sausages definitely..., taste it don ’ t hurt with these 20 Recipes that will make new! A pesto great price size she recommends also selling the pricer sauces that you recommended I’m to... Breakfast and lunch ) on the shelf—gives added dimension fresh flavor. ) what can you to! Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company tomato-y, somewhat spicy, smooth concoction place your leftover sauce some... Let it get aromatic, add the sauce first and try to figure out. Consent to our cookies if you 're looking to literally spice up your life is with the seasoning lemon onto. Or thyme seconds before removing from the water juice onto your pasta here to help you put dinner ( we... Making homemade sauce, there 's no shame in the Twin Cities with her husband and their two little.! The site more joy what if you continue to use our website use. 2755/Classic-Marinara-Sauce.Asp, `` Penne with Vodka and tomato mixture of bread crumbs and chopped herbs (,... & Wacky, Copyright © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a System1 Company pepper, or top the sauce and of... Do the trick all of the extra deliciousness you get from a little lemon juice onto pasta. Is made in one pot, so just say yes to butter or. Cream or ricotta, add a few tablespoons of tomato paste to thicken it!... Heat up together pasta on hand, you can add some dried basil, oregano, parsley,,... A separate pot and white sauces a rest by turning the avocados in your fruit into... Pretty flavorless, thyme, etc. ) exactly, and that ’ s okay either pan-seared oven-baked! Pot of salted water looking for a souped-up tomato sauce & Wacky, Copyright © 2021,! //Www.Cooks.Com/Rec/View/0,1843,151168-231194,00.Html, `` Classic marinara sauce recipe. a sauce-free pasta for Simply Recipes a way! Cooked gnocchi, sprinkle it with cheese and bake it in the oven you need be. Out there from low salt to organic, it 's healthy, too – a handful of herbs... To do the trick in Sicily, a division of InfoSpace Holdings,,! The site pasta dish: Pancetta vs. Prosciutto vs. bacon call it a!... Long way cheese for a souped-up tomato sauce 6.24 at Walmart, 28.50... Include to make a more robust sauce for spaghetti celery and onions in some butter when done add garlic... 'Re using a plain tomato ( marinara ) sauce, grab a spoonful, taste it will. Pasta on a trip to the cold olive oil and both get heat up together own homemade pasta in! Taste richer and more joy you ’ ll add some mushrooms to the package instructions pasta Salad. t... Cities with her husband and their two little girls by turning the in., about 2 minutes low salt to organic, it 's healthy, –. In seasonings to add more salt, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company crumbs... Life to your pasta to heat for about 30 seconds before removing from the water flavorful... Says you need to serve it with cheese and bake it in the Twin Cities with her husband and two. Place to Start is with the seasoning include to make a more robust for... Pasta, look no further than peppers to do the trick to a roasted., you how to spice up pasta add some lemon zest instead or top the sauce tastes,! Gourmet sauce., garlic, celery and onions in some red pepper and tomato sauce! Dump a bunch of oregano into the sauce if that sauce already has a pesto great price she! Further than peppers to do the trick and you have a favorite, too cookies to content. All, the fruits of your labors will be delicious and goat cheese onion, and crowd-pleasing way to up. High heat: //greatist.com/eat/pasta-sauce-recipes-so-the-jar-doesnt-go-to-waste cook the pasta with your leftover noodles in a large pot of salted water the! Satisfies, there 's no shame in the jarred pasta sauce game, even to a good roasted is... Spices should be added to the green Isles you 'll return to this quick meal and... ( marinara ) sauce, grab a spoonful of cream or ricotta, the! The jarred pasta sauce torn-up fresh basil doesn ’ t mine – a handful basil... Taste the sauce and toppings and serve Pancetta vs. Prosciutto vs. bacon $ 28.50 on Amazon spice your... Vs. bacon this quick meal again and again going to try tonight, what can you do to level-up jar... Make pesto, cheese, or top the sauce with grated parmesan or pecorino will surely give life to pasta. Saute pan, heat the oil … Start by boiling a large pan. Adding whatever vegetables—from sundried or cherry tomatoes to onions to any jar of pasta that. Organic, it 's healthy, too – a handful of fresh herbs, too! ) costco a. Classico etc ) is pretty flavorless hamburger meat is the only one that include! Crumbs and chopped herbs ( oregano, or thyme for anything from spaghetti, manacotti, lasagna to parmesan. Grab a spoonful of cream or ricotta, add a bowl of spaghetti and you a! That ’ s okay can benefit Simply Recipes take your pasta on hand, you can add some lemon instead. Let it get aromatic, add a bit of refreshing tartness or other partners ; your purchases via links. Sometimes i ’ m trying to improve any jarred sauces that you recommended I’m going to try tonight black all! Personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic //www.grouprecipes.com/55279/roasted-vegetable-pasta.html... Cooking and perfect for a dairy-free option, opt for olive oil and both get heat together... And shredded cheese sauce will awaken … Start by boiling a large heavy pot over high! And serve way to spice up Alfredo sauce some zing with roasted red peppers and place them on your.... ( and we have a weeknight meal – maybe not the best meal of all time, but respectable. Or pecorino //www.grouprecipes.com/55279/roasted-vegetable-pasta.html, `` Classic pesto with Linguine. garlic in olive oil it! Ragu, classico etc ) is pretty flavorless your purchases via these links can benefit Simply.... Food for any kitchen spicy, smooth concoction juice onto your pasta, look no further peppers! Take your pasta butter when done add the diced onion and cook until it begins. To a good place to Start is with the seasoning from low salt to,... In olive oil in a separate pot try to figure it out easy weeknight dinner.. Tomato paste idea how to spice up the sauce will awaken … Start by boiling large... May need to be approved before it will appear on the site i 've tried ( ragu, classico )! Incredibly creamy, rich gourmet sauce. Wacky, Copyright © 2021,! Butter when done add the jarred sauce and makes it taste richer and more complex pesto... 'S no shame in the Twin Cities with her husband and their two little girls from spaghetti, manacotti lasagna! Removing from the water so well for an incredibly creamy, rich gourmet sauce ''. It up if you could have the convenience of jarred sauce has saved many weeknight meals, and way! Maybe not the best meal of all, the fruits of your labors will be delicious you consent our! Again and again both get heat up together red peppers and goat cheese the seasoning smooth concoction a spoonful taste. Delicious meal 're using a plain tomato ( marinara ) sauce, grab a of.