Ten of the Best Italian Pasta Sauces to Elevate Your Meal
Ciao amici! Nothing says comfort food quite like a perfect bowl of pasta, and the secret, as every Italian knows, lies in the sauce. From slow-simmered ragù to vibrant, fresh pesto, the variety of regional Italian sauces is a culinary treasure map.
We've compiled a list of ten of Italy's most beloved pasta sauces. Even better, we’ve included some of the authentic sauces you can find in the Carluccio's online shop to bring a taste of Italy straight to your kitchen!
1. Ragù alla Bolognese
This is the King of meat sauces. Hailing from Bologna, this rich, slow-cooked sauce is made with ground beef and/or pork, often with a hint of tomato, red wine, and a touch of milk or cream.
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Pair with: Tagliatelle, Pappardelle, or use it for Lasagne.
2. Sugo all'Amatriciana
A Roman classic! This sauce is a beautiful balance of sweet, savoury, and spicy, made with a base of San Marzano tomatoes, guanciale (cured pork cheek), a generous helping of Pecorino Romano cheese, and a kick of chilli.
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Try the Carluccio's version: Our Sugo All' Amatriciana - Rich Pork and Tomato Sauce is ready to be tossed with your favourite pasta!
3. Pesto Genovese
The green gold of Liguria! This fresh, uncooked sauce is a vibrant blend of basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, Pecorino Sardo cheese, and extra virgin olive oil, traditionally pounded with a mortar and pestle.
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Try the Carluccio's version: Our authentic Pesto di Basilico Ligure con Basilico Genovese D.O.P. - Basil Pesto is a perfect match for Trofie.
4. Carbonara
From Rome, this creamy, savoury delight is made not with cream, but with an emulsified mixture of egg yolks, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and crispy guanciale (or sometimes pancetta). A true lesson in simple perfection!
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Pair with: Spaghetti, Rigatoni, or Bucatini.
5. Sugo alla Norma
This Sicilian masterpiece, said to be named after the opera Norma, combines a simple tomato sauce with fried eggplant, salted ricotta cheese (ricotta salata), and fresh basil. It's a taste of summer, all year round.
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Pair with: Rigatoni or Maccheroni.
6. Sugo all'Arrabbiata
Meaning "angry sauce," this Roman-style sauce is guaranteed to wake up your taste buds! It's a simple tomato sauce fired up with plenty of dried red chilli, garlic, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
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Try the Carluccio's version: Our Carluccio's Sugo all'Arrabbiata - Tomato & Chilli Pasta Sauce delivers the perfect fiery kick.
7. Aglio e Olio
The ultimate expression of Italian simplicity. Originating in Naples, this uses just a few pantry staples: garlic (aglio), olive oil (olio), and a scattering of dried chilli flakes. It’s quick, flavourful, and utterly addictive. Check out our recipe!
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Pair with: Spaghetti, Vermicelli.
8. Ragù Di Cinghiale (Wild Boar Ragù)
A rustic and rich favourite from Tuscany, this is a hearty sauce made with slow-braised wild boar meat, often cooked in red wine and tomatoes. It’s intensely flavourful and wonderfully gamey.
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Try the Carluccio's version: For a taste of the Tuscan hills, pick up our traditional Ragù Di Cinghiale - Wild Boar Ragù.
9. Sugo alla Puttanesca
This Neapolitan sauce is a punchy, umami-rich combination of tinned tomatoes, anchovies, capers, black olives, and garlic. It's quick to make and full of bold, salty flavour.
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Try the Carluccio's version: Experience this unforgettable flavour with our Carluccio's Sugo alla Puttanesca - Tomato, Olive & Caper Pasta Sauce.
10. Sugo alle Vongole
A light, fragrant, and elegant seafood sauce, primarily associated with Naples. It features small clams (vongole) sautéed in garlic, olive oil, white wine, and often a touch of chilli and fresh parsley.
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Try the Carluccio's version: Bring the taste of the sea home with our ready-to-use Sugo alle Vongole - Clam & Tomato Sauce.
From the deep, slow-cooked complexity of a Tuscan ragù to the bright, fresh simplicity of Ligurian pesto, the world of Italian pasta sauces is vast and delicious.
Which one will you be trying tonight? Head to the Carluccio's online shop to find your perfect jar!
