17 Easy Sauces
A collection of simple, flavorful sauces that transform your meals, including tomato sauce, creamy Alfredo, and zesty chimichurri.
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients for Sauces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Can substitute with avocado oil or grapeseed oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Can substitute with garlic powder or shallots
- 1 can crushed tomatoes Use fresh or paste if preferred
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with almond milk or coconut cream
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil (for chimichurri)
Instructions
Basic Tomato Sauce
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in 1 can of crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer.
- Let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add fresh basil before serving.
- Tip: This sauce is a great base for pizza, pasta, or even as a dip!
Creamy Alfredo Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over low heat.
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and whisk until blended.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups of grated Parmesan and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Tip: For added flavor, throw in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach!
Chimichurri Sauce
- In a food processor, blend 1 cup of fresh parsley, 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, 3 cloves of garlic, 1/3 cup of red wine vinegar, and 1/2 cup of olive oil.
- Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Tip: Perfect for grilled meats, this sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge.
Notes
Taste and adjust flavors as needed. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.