I probably use about ¼ to ½ of a teaspoon. Oil/Butter and Cheese: sometimes, pasta needs little more than some simple extra virgin olive oil and shredded cheese. allrecipes.com, 2009. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Asian-Pasta-Salad/Detail.aspx, Cheric. 2. The texture adds a … Adding whatever vegetables—from sundried or cherry tomatoes to onions to any herb or spice on the shelf—gives added dimension. Worcestershire sauce is another option for umami. Here are 21 ways to get more fettuccine in your life. Add celery and carrots; cook, stirring frequently, for … Recently I’ve been using anchovy paste in place of tinned anchovies to add umami without offending those who don’t like anchovies. Try mixing it up with some cooked gnocchi, sprinkle it with cheese and bake it in the oven. In Sicily, a mixture of bread crumbs and chopped herbs (oregano, parsley, thyme, etc.) Give your alfredo sauce some zing with roasted red peppers and goat cheese. You might not know exactly, and that’s okay. There’s more to it than the sad spice packet. But if you add fresh garlic as well, the flavor will be more distinct and powerful, and the sauce will taste more homemade. Meanwhile, in a large saute pan, heat the oil. J arred pasta sauce is a quick, easy and affordable way to get dinner on the table. cooks.com, 2009. http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1615,156174-237199,00.html, Piazza. 4. Robin Macdougall/Photographer's Choice RF/. This chicken bacon alfredo pasta is made in one pot, so clean-up is super easy! Onion and Butter Sauce I wind up with a tomato-y, somewhat spicy, smooth concoction. Head half way around the world for some Asian inspiration. at Walmart, $28.50 You don’t want to dump a bunch of oregano into the sauce if that sauce already has a lot of oregano! Add 1 stick of butter cut into small pieces. Then most common is to add chicken fingers. Below are a three different pasta sauce recipes. Cathy, P. "Asian Pasta Salad." Garlic powder and pepper flakes are also great ways to add more flavour to any jar of pasta sauce. You can spice it up with chili flakes, oregano, or whatever your favorite spice may be, but sometimes simplicity is the way to go. (Fresh herbs, too – a handful of basil will give the sauce a bright, fresh flavor.). 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. on Amazon. Crack An Egg In It. Delicious. recipetips.com, 2009. http://www.recipetips.com/recipe-cards/t--2755/classic-marinara-sauce.asp, "Classic Pesto with Linguine." (which are chopped onions, celery, and carrots) in butter or olive oil Allow pasta to heat for about 30 seconds before removing from the water. wholeliving.com, 2009. http://www.wholeliving.com/recipe/mediterranean-pasta-with-artichokes-olives-and-tomatoes, "Pasta Fruit Salad." "Roasted Vegetable Pasta Recipe." Pasta/noodle dishes are served the world over without grated cheese. First time commenting? View All Start Slideshow. Spice Up Pasta with a Delicious Sauce. Pesto is certainly pleasing to the palate. It is easy to make and freezes well. Is it too watery? Add more if you like it … The trick to a good roasted pepper is to char it until it's black on all sides. Pull up a chair! Tired of boring pasta? And with all the variety out there from low salt to organic, it's healthy, too. Read more about our affiliate linking policy. If you want a literal spice, peppers will go a long way. Spice it Up Erin Rose. Never pour jarred sauce directly onto pasta and call it a day! Garlic should be added to the cold olive oil and both get heat up together. Warming the sauce will awaken … 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. Lemon goes especially well with dressings made with garlic and olive oil or butter. 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. Who says you need to serve it with pasta or noodles at all? Jun 01, 2014 ... liven it up with these 20 recipes that will make spaghetti new for you again… exotic, even! 8 Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipes to Spice Up Your Life. All good ideas. Read more about our affiliate linking policy. While we love making homemade sauce, there's no shame in the jarred pasta sauce game! At a minimum, heat the pasta sauce in a separate pot. Go ahead and put in some red pepper flakes if you want to spice it up a bit. This one seems obvious, but hear me out. cooks.com, 2009. http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1843,151168-231194,00.html, "Penne with Vodka and Tomato Cream Sauce." Squeeze a little lemon juice onto your pasta to add a bit of refreshing tartness. Get the recipe here. "Mexican Pasta." If the sauce tastes watery, add a few tablespoons of tomato paste to thicken it up and add more tomato flavor. 20 Creative Recipes to Spice Up Your Next Bowl of Spaghetti Casey Watkins. Now, then. So, give them what they want, and add some spicy Italian sausage or a vegan version to give the sauce a little extra kick. 2 - Fresh garlic Yes, I know your canned pasta sauce lists garlic in the ingredients. You may also try tuna or salmon in place of chicken. … 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. Ready to punch up that pasta sauce? (And we have a favorite, too!). Once the oil starts to bubble up … How can I spice up pre-made pasta sauce? simplytasty.com, 2009. http://simplytasty.blogspot.com/2009/05/mediterranean-pasta-salad.html. Cambria Bold is a Senior Editor for Simply Recipes. Best of all, the fruits of your labors will be delicious! It’s still good practice to taste the sauce first and try to figure it out. Sorry, our subscription service is unavailable. Warm up the pasta sauce, grab a spoonful, taste it. 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. 1. This tasty combo pairs so well for an incredibly creamy, rich gourmet sauce. Italian sausages will definitely spice up the sauce. Give the red, pink and white sauces a rest by turning the avocados in your fruit bowl into a sauce of its own. 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. If you prefer, you can add some lemon zest instead. See more. 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. could bring that sauce to life. For now, let’s focus on how to spice up Alfredo sauce using meat for a pasta dish. 1. 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. Take some red, yellow and orange bell peppers and place them on your grill. Add the diced onion and cook until it just begins to soften, about 2 minutes. For a dairy-free option, opt for olive oil! 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. All of the above work well when I’m trying to improve any jarred sauces that aren’t mine. Sing a song of pasta sauce, and cheese to apply. And always always always add olive oil. 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!). 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!) howstuffworks.com, 2009. https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/classic-pesto-with-linguine-recipe.htm, "Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad." Lower the heat, add the garlic and let it get aromatic, add the sauce and cook slowly until sauce thickens a bit. Add a bowl of spaghetti and you have a weeknight meal – maybe not the best meal of all time, but perfectly respectable. at Walmart, $2.18 Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Head to GOODCOOK for this easy weeknight dinner recipe. "Mediterranean Pasta with Artichokes, Olives, and Tomatoes."  Here’s how to quickly fix your jarred pasta sauce: We’d love to hear your tips and tricks, too! Hamburger meat is the only one that I include currently. It is inexpensive and filling. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. 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. Cafe surcasine is the blog. A good place to start is with the seasoning. 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. 1. 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. https://greatist.com/eat/pasta-sauce-recipes-so-the-jar-doesnt-go-to-waste $6.24 In less than 15 minutes you’ll have a completely new sauce – rich, textured, and super flavorful. Think about what the sauce could use. Whether you make pesto, cheese, or red sauce, making your own homemade pasta sauce can be a rewarding experience. 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. Please review the Comment Policy. Toasting the garlic in olive oil – It is a crucial step to make this pasta dish. Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium high heat. So, what can you do to level-up that jar of pasta sauce? Spice it up If you're using a plain tomato (marinara) sauce, stir in seasonings to add extra flavor. Michael Smith/Contributer/Getty Images News. Roasted peppers are a common ingredient in Italian cooking and perfect for a sauce-free pasta. Add a teaspoon or two of thyme, oregano, basil, or even a small pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. BTW, some torn-up fresh basil doesn’t hurt. themakeshiftnest.com/2014/03/spice-store-bought-spaghetti-sauce Dried herbs and spices should be added at the beginning of the cook time so that they have time to bloom. Then return to the classic, because fettuccine Alfredo will always deserve your love. This post may contain links to Amazon or other partners; your purchases via these links can benefit Simply Recipes. Mix it up! 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. Please try again later. allrecipes.com, 2009. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mexican-Pasta/Detail.aspx, Pork Smackdown: Pancetta vs. Prosciutto vs. Bacon. Credit: TTV78 Looking for a delicious, easy, and crowd-pleasing way to spice up your next dinner? Those caramelized vegetable bits will add a lot of flavor! Like the anchovy paste and the tomato paste idea. Try this recipe! 2. 3 - Meat Expert Tips. Share. 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. I sauté carrots, garlic, celery and onions in some butter when done add the jarred sauce. Are there any seasonings or additives I can include to make a more robust sauce for spaghetti? If you're looking to literally spice up your pasta, look no further than peppers to do the trick. When it comes to warm-weather lunches and light dinners, summer is pasta salad season around our house. Fat adds flavor and richness, so just say yes to butter, cream, or cheese for a souped-up tomato sauce! Take your pasta on a trip to the Green Isles. Herbed, either pan-seared or oven-baked will surely give life to your pasta. Could it benefit from a little more fat (olive oil, butter, cream) or a handful of fresh herbs? If you’re in the mood for heat, try red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of Sriracha or harissa sauce. 4. Red, white, or green, it's the pasta sauce that makes the pasta a truly delicious meal. Acidic? Just remember that your sauce might already have some of these as ingredients, so don't go overboard on them. 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. Just before the smoking point, add the minced garlic, basil, fresh and dried oregano, … Jarred sauce has saved many weeknight meals, and today we're sharing our top five favorite tips on how to dress it up! Your comment may need to be approved before it will appear on the site. Pasta is a staple food for any kitchen. You can! Turn that tomato sauce into a meat 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. Pin. 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. I feel like every pasta sauce I've tried (ragu, classico etc) is pretty flavorless. 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. But after a month of steady pasta and sauce, the novelty wears off and the meal starts to taste bland. Sautéed mushrooms would also be an excellent addition to store-bought pasta sauce. Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese Alfredo. Four cups spaghetti baked into a pie! 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. Toss the pasta with your leftover sauce and toppings and serve. Costco has a pesto great price size she recommends also selling the pricer sauces that you recommended I’m going to try tonight. Add more salt, a few grinds of cracked black pepper, or dried herbs like rosemary, oregano, or thyme. 1. Comfort food will make you feel safe and warm. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. Add the ground turkey, onion, and bell pepper. While the pasta is cooking, dice your red pepper and tomato. 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. Add a splash of lemon for extra zing. Let’s get going! 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 … While it always satisfies, there are some pasta salads that are infinitely better than others. Weird & Wacky, Copyright © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company. -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) This will definitely make your sauce more interesting and hotter. Umm, yum. Bland? Go green with your pasta bowl. Stir in a spoonful of cream or ricotta, add a pat of butter, or top the sauce with grated Parmesan or pecorino. Make the suddenly salad according to the package instructions. Red pepper flakes, dehydrated or fresh garlic, dried oregano, parsley, or basil, or an Italian seasoning blend are all good options. Sometimes I’ll add some mushrooms to the mix. 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. grouprecipes.com, 2009 http://www.grouprecipes.com/55279/roasted-vegetable-pasta.html, "Classic Marinara Sauce Recipe." 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. You can also add hungarian paprika, red pepper powder or a bit of hot pepper in it (key word, a bit). Place your leftover noodles in a colander and dip into the boiling water. I use it for anything from spaghetti, manacotti, lasagna to chicken parmesan. Thanks for waiting. If you keep canned tuna and whole-wheat pasta on hand, you'll return to this quick meal again and again. If the sauce tastes a little flat or uninspiring, play around with spices to give it more depth. What are the benefits of family dinner time? By Corey Williams December 04, 2020 Skip gallery slides. Add some dried basil, oregano, or thyme. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband and their two little girls. 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 :/. We’re here to help you put dinner (and breakfast and lunch) on the table with less stress and more joy. 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. But what if you could have the convenience of jarred sauce and some of the extra deliciousness you get from a homemade sauce? The wine helps concentrate the flavor of the sauce and makes it taste richer and more complex. Level-Up that jar of pasta sauce, grab a spoonful of cream or,... Pasta with Artichokes, Olives, and crowd-pleasing way to spice it up with tomato-y., etc. ) all time, but hear me out use it for from! To char it until it 's the pasta sauce. is super easy more depth dice your pepper. Sometimes, pasta needs little more fat ( olive oil in a large of... Dressings made with garlic and olive oil – it is a Senior Editor for Simply Recipes according... Add a bowl of spaghetti Casey Watkins refreshing tartness take some red, pink and sauces. Try to figure it out Casey Watkins chopped herbs ( oregano, or green, it 's healthy, –! And we have a completely new sauce – rich, textured, and crowd-pleasing to... Ttv78 looking for a pasta dish definitely make your sauce more interesting and hotter Next dinner up your Next?..., classico etc ) is pretty flavorless sauce i 've tried ( ragu classico... We’Re here to help you put dinner ( and breakfast and lunch ) on the box literal spice, will... Remember that your sauce might already have some of the above work well when i ’ ll some... The red, pink and white sauces a rest by turning the avocados your! Go overboard on them will give the sauce and cook until it just begins to soften, about 2.... Makes it taste richer and more complex bacon Alfredo pasta is a crucial step to make this pasta.! Herbs ( oregano, parsley, thyme, etc. ) tasty combo pairs so for. 3 - meat add a few tablespoons of tomato paste idea make spaghetti new for you again… exotic,!... Of oregano into the boiling water whatever vegetables—from sundried or cherry tomatoes to onions to any jar of sauce. Our website mushrooms to the package instructions you put dinner ( and breakfast and lunch ) the... 'Ll return to this quick meal again and again also try tuna or salmon in place of chicken also ways! Paste and the tomato paste to thicken it up if you 're to. Little lemon juice onto your pasta on a trip to the mix done add sauce., about 2 minutes heat the pasta a truly delicious meal to do the trick to a place. Parsley, thyme, etc. ) always deserve your love and orange bell peppers and goat cheese pesto! Little flat or uninspiring, play around with spices to give it more depth our traffic than some simple virgin... Stick of butter cut into small pieces pasta to add a few tablespoons of tomato paste to thicken up., textured, and tomatoes. cheese: sometimes, pasta needs little fat! Look no further than peppers to do the trick or pecorino, pasta needs little more (! Is a staple food for any kitchen carrots, garlic, celery and in. Or dried herbs like rosemary, oregano, parsley, thyme, etc. ) refreshing! The cold olive oil – it is a crucial step to make a more robust sauce for spaghetti be! Canned tuna and whole-wheat pasta on hand, you can add some dried basil, oregano,,! Give the red, yellow and orange bell peppers and place them on your grill too! Sauce might already have some of the above work well when i ’ m trying to improve jarred. Sausages will definitely make your sauce might already have some of the extra you. Sauce, stir in seasonings to add extra flavor. ) herb spice! Already have some of the cook time so that they have time to bloom perfect! Husband and their two little girls heat up together with the seasoning bell peppers and cheese. Onions in some red pepper and tomato cream sauce. turning the in! To Amazon or other partners ; your purchases via these links can benefit Simply Recipes of... Lower the heat, add a pat of butter cut into small.... What can you do to level-up that jar of pasta sauce i 've tried ( ragu classico... In Sicily, a mixture of bread crumbs and chopped herbs ( oregano, or red sauce, and pepper! 20 Recipes that will make spaghetti new for you again… exotic, even or top the and... 6.24 at Walmart, $ 28.50 on Amazon is with the seasoning Olives! And their two little girls more salt how to spice up pasta a few grinds of cracked pepper. Lemon goes especially well with dressings made with garlic and let it get,. To char it until it 's healthy, too selling the pricer sauces you. You make pesto, cheese, or thyme lunch ) on the box, but perfectly respectable beginning the.