Many basic sauces use only a few ingredients but are loaded with exciting flavors.
For the innovative and adventurous chef, pasta dishes allow an endless amount of improvisation. Pasta sauces can be divided into two categories: red base and white base. Red-base pasta sauces are created using tomatoes as a base; while the base of a white pasta sauce usually consists of a cream or oil. Either way, most basic pasta sauces only consist of a few ingredients but are loaded with exciting flavors.
Bolognese Sauce
Originating from Bologna, Italy, Bolognese sauce is a traditional tomato base sauce. Bolognese sauce does not use ground meat. Instead large pieces of meat such as veal, pork or chicken is sliced into fine pieces and combined with vegetables, olive oil, herbs and white wine. It is not uncommon for milk or cream to be added to Bolognese sauce, creating an immense rich flavor to this dish. Bolognese sauce is ideal for cooks who enjoy improvisation. For example, one chef may use link sausage as their meat of choice, while another may prefer pancetta.
Vodka Sauce
Vodka sauce is a popular Italian red base sauce. It is best served with ziti pasta, penne or tortellini. According to Food and Wine, the vodka in this tomato base sauce "adds a spicy flavor" to this popular dish. In a typical vodka sauce, tomatoes and cream are added as well as seasonings. It is also not uncommon for prosciutto and parmesan cheese to be included as well.
Classic Sauce
The classic sauce is one of the more popular pasta sauces. Always traditional and country in taste, classic sauce is a favorite among many. Usually made as a red base sauce, the style and preparation is dictated by the place and chef it is created by. However, tomatoes, vegetables, seasonings and olive oils are usually included. Classic sauce can be served with a variety of pastas as well as a side sauce for fish and chicken dishes.
Alfredo Sauce
Created in Rome in 1914, Alfredo sauce is one of the more well-known white-base pasta sauces. It is usually served with fettuccine pasta and known as fettuccine Alfredo. It consists of half and half or cream, butter, parmesan cheese, pepper, and sometimes nutmeg. In the United States, a popular variation is Alfredo fettuccine with shrimp or chicken added. In some instances, salmon, turkey and lime may also be added.
Tags: base sauce, Bolognese sauce, served with, base white, cream added, exciting flavors