Beyond Tomato Sauce: Alternative Pizza and Pasta Sauces to Try
In the world of pizza and pasta, there’s always room for a saucy twist. While the classic tomato-based sauce is a go-to, it’s not the sole contender. Tomatoes, with their diverse varieties and flavor profiles, play a leading role, but the culinary stage welcomes a variety of alternatives for these beloved Italian dishes. So, if you are looking to expand your palette and sauce knowledge, let’s dive into the alternative sauces to try.
Alternatives to Tomato Sauce
Whether you want to add variety to your meals or accommodate dietary restrictions, exploring different sauces can bring new life into your favorite Italian-inspired dishes.
1. Pesto Sauce
- Ingredients: Fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
- Why it’s great: Pesto adds a burst of freshness with the aromatic basil, richness from the nuts and cheese, and a smooth texture from the olive oil.
- Ideal dishes: Perfect for pasta, especially with grilled chicken or shrimp. Also, a fantastic pizza sauce with tomatoes and mozzarella.
2. Alfredo Sauce
- Ingredients: Butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
- Why it’s great: Alfredo sauce brings a creamy and indulgent flavor, creating a luscious coating for pasta and a luxurious base for pizza.
- Ideal dishes: Classic pairing with fettuccine pasta and a decadent alternative pizza sauce with spinach and artichokes.
3. Garlic Olive Oil Sauce
- Ingredients: Olive oil, minced garlic, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Why it’s great: Light and aromatic, garlic-infused olive oil provides a subtle yet flavorful alternative, letting other ingredients shine.
- Ideal dishes: Perfect for aglio e olio pasta, showcasing simplicity. Also, a great drizzle for veggie-loaded pizzas.
4. Béchamel Sauce
- Ingredients: Butter, flour, milk, and nutmeg.
- Why it’s great: Béchamel, or white sauce, brings a velvety texture and mild flavor, making it a versatile companion for various toppings.
- Ideal dishes: Classic with lasagna, creating layers of creamy richness. As a pizza sauce, it pairs well with ham and mushrooms.
5. Mushroom Cream Sauce
- Ingredients: Mushrooms, cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
- Why it’s great: A mushroom-infused cream sauce adds earthiness and depth, creating a rich and savory profile.
- Ideal dishes: Perfect with fettuccine or pappardelle pasta and as a pizza sauce, it complements chicken and caramelized onions.
6. Balsamic Glaze
- Ingredients: Balsamic vinegar and a touch of honey.
- Why it’s great: Drizzling balsamic glaze provides a sweet and tangy contrast, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your pizza or pasta.
- Ideal dishes: Works wonders with caprese pasta and as a finishing touch on a prosciutto and arugula pizza.
Explore these alternatives to tomato sauce, and let your taste buds embark on a flavorful journey beyond the ordinary.
Try New Sauces At Spizzico Italian Kitchen
There you have it, friends – a whirlwind tour of alternative pizza and pasta sauces that’ll make your taste buds tango with delight. Tomato sauce is excellent, but don’t let it hog the spotlight. We don’t! Spizzico has a variety of white pizza options and our classic favorite, Alfredo sauce, that tops our handmade noodles. It’s a dish you don’t want to miss. You can order online, dine-in, or call for pick-up today!