10 Fancy Pasta Sauces Ready in 30 Minutes or Less

By Vicky McDonald
February 02, 2021
Credit: Buckwheat Queen

Many fancy feeling pasta sauces are actually very quick to make, and are ideal for busy weeknight dinners. Most are made with pantry staples, plus a generous helping of cheese, so you'll be ready to make them at a moment's notice. Here are 10 quick sauce ideas to dress up your weeknight pasta dinner. 

Start Slideshow

1 of 10

Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta

Credit: chibi chef
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This creamy sauce is almost like a carbonara, but with smoked salmon instead of bacon. Der Juana says, "I added a little white wine and a few teaspoons of lemon juice. I could not stop telling all my friends how delicious it was. Definitely a keeper."

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 10

Pantry Puttanesca

Credit: Allrecipes Magazine
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This recipes comes together so quickly, and we're guessing you might have a lot of the ingredients in your pantry. According to Rose, "All the flavors play beautifully together...a glass of white wine adds the final touch. Will definitely make again and again and again."

3 of 10

Light Lemon Pesto Pasta

Credit: Baking Nana
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A splash of lemon adds a touch of acidity and brightness to a simple pesto pasta dish. This recipe also has baby spinach and walnuts which give it a more complex flavor. This is a great recipe to make in the summer months when you have a bounty of basil on your hands.

Advertisement

4 of 10

Penne and Vodka Sauce

Credit: Isabel Ramos
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This five-ingredient pasta sauce is divine. It tastes like you've put so much work into it, but can be whipped up in mere minutes. If you like it a little spicy, recipe creator Rick Naylor suggests adding a dash of red pepper flakes.

5 of 10

Sugo Rosso (Red Sauce)

Credit: Buckwheat Queen
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sometimes the easiest recipes are the best. According to J Clark, "Excellent. Surprisingly complex for such a simple recipe. I can't wait to try it with fresh heirloom tomatoes next time!"

6 of 10

Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

Credit: Buckwheat Queen
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you find yourself with some leftover pumpkin purée in the pantry, this creamy pasta sauce is definitely one to try. "Amazing sauce! Crowd favorite! Not too pumpkin-y, but has a definite fall feel to it, which is very much welcome during the fall and winter seasons," says Pamona2006.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 10

Not Red Spaghetti Sauce

Credit: Dianne
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you are looking for a quick, meaty pasta sauce, then look no further. Italian sausage and sherry make this one quick and delicious recipe you'll be making again and again. Reviewer AINAELGA says, "Totally different and totally fantastic. Needs to be rated even higher than 5-stars."

8 of 10

Alfredo Sauce

Credit: Dianne
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You are just five ingredients away from this heavenly, cream sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, you'll have it all on the dinner in under half an hour.

9 of 10

Pasta with Gorgonzola Sauce and Radicchio

Credit: Buckwheat Queen
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you like your cream sauce with a little more depth of flavor, this Gorgonzola sauce is another great one to try. Tangy gorgonzola is balanced out with the spicy bite of radicchio. 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 10

Salsa di Noci

Credit: Baking Nana
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This authentic Italian sauce is full of herbs, cream, and walnuts and will make you feel like you're on vacation from the first bite. Reviewer merlion raves, "So creamy and flavorful!"

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Vicky McDonald