Ah, Italy! The land of rolling vineyards, ancient culture, and of course, exquisite food. Italy is known for its laidback lifestyle that celebrates, and even encourages, indulgence in the sweet & pleasurable things life has to offer. The full-bodied flavours of Italian cuisine are just another expression of this culture. But what’s the secret to elevating a simple plate of pasta to a culinary masterpiece?
Well, here’s the secret:
A luscious, flavorful sauce that brings everything together!
Food Delite invites you on a delightful journey to explore the diverse and delectable world of Italian sauces. From the rustic simplicity of a marinara to the rich complexity of a bolognese, Italian sauces create the most comforting yet delicate recipes. Italian food is truly a remedy for the soul, so join us on our odyssey through the lip-smacking world of Italian sauces!
At Food Delite, we proudly maintain the highest standards for flavour and freshness. That’s why each of our packaged delicacies are formulated with carefully sourced ingredients, following recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
In this blog, we list our top 5 readymade pasta sauces beyond the classic Marinara pasta sauce, and give you a breakdown of the cultural history of the sauce, and the best type of pasta to pair it with!
Arrabiata Italian Pasta Sauce
Year of Origin: 20th Century
Place of Origin: Rome, Central Italy
Best Pasta Pairing: Rigatoni, Penne Lisce, Penne Rigate
Arrabbiata (which translates to ‘angry’ in Italian) is a fiery tomato sauce that packs a punch. Its origins remain under debate, but some believe street vendors created it for a quick and spicy meal for hurried Romans.
The magic of Arrabbiata lies in its simplicity. Fresh tomatoes are simmered with garlic and olive oil, then ignited with the heat of crushed red pepper flakes. A touch of salt and herbs round out the flavors.
This feisty sauce pairs perfectly with bold pasta shapes like penne or bucatini, their ridges catching every drop of the fiery sauce. For those who love cheese, sprinkle some grated pecorino romano cheese on top for an extra kick and a touch of creaminess.
This rustic and hearty sauce is a classic crowd-pleaser and can be used easily for everyday dinners.
Shop our Italian Arrabiata Pasta Sauce by Ursini
La Gricia Italian Pasta Sauce
Year of Origin: 400 CE
Place of Origin: Rome, Central Italy
Best Pasta Pairing: Mezze Maniche, Rigatoni
Known as the Mother of Roman pasta, La Gricia is a shining example of ‘less is more’. This deceptively simple sauce lets the quality of its ingredients take center stage.
Unlike its more flamboyant cousins, amatriciana and carbonara, La Gricia relies on just a handful of key players. Creamy pecorino romano cheese, the salty magic of guanciale (cured pork cheek), onion, extra virgin olive oil, white wine, garlic and freshly ground black pepper dance together in a symphony of rich and savory flavors. The star of the show is undoubtedly guanciale – its intense taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture elevate this dish to new heights.
Shop our Italian La Gricia Pasta Sauce by Ursini
Basil Pesto Italian Pasta Sauce
Year of Origin: 16th Century
Place of Origin: Genoa, Italy
Best Pasta Pairing: Trofie, Linguine, Fusilli
From the sun-drenched hills of Liguria, Italy, comes pesto – a freshly crushed green sauce that bursts with the freshness of Italian basil. Its origins are believed to trace back to ancient mortars where farmers pounded garlic, herbs, and olive oil into a rustic condiment.
Pesto’s flavour-packed spirit lies in the fragrant basil. Freshly picked leaves are combined with pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano , and a generous drizzle of olive oil. A quick pulse in a mortar or food processor transforms these simple ingredients into a vibrant sauce with a complex interplay of flavors – nutty richness from the pine nuts, sharp bite from the garlic, and a salty depth from the cheese, all harmonized by the gentle sweetness of the basil.
Shop our Italian Basil Pesto Pasta Sauce by Ursini
Sundried Tomato Pesto Italian Pasta Sauce
Year of Origin: 16th Century
Place of Origin: Abruzzo, Italy
Best Pasta Pairing: Linguine, Fusilli, Spaghetti
Here’s some good news – Pesto can be made in more ways than one! This pesto is made from sun-dried tomatoes that add tangy & sweet notes to an otherwise herbaceous flavour. This unique pesto, a true symbol of Italian culinary creativity.
This pesto celebrates sun-dried tomatoes sourced directly from Italy. These little flavor bombs, bathed in sunshine, add a concentrated sweetness and umami richness to the mix. Leccino black olives lend a touch of briny sophistication, while anchovies dissolve into the sauce, adding a subtle depth of umami.
This sauce clings beautifully to short, textured shapes like penne or fusilli, while longer strands like spaghetti offer a delightful contrast. Each bite is a journey through the sun-drenched Italian countryside, a celebration of tradition and bold flavors.
Shop our Italian Forte Pesto Pasta Sauce by Ursini
Puttanesca Italian Pasta Sauce
Year of Origin: 20th Century
Place of Origin: Naples, Italy
Best Pasta Pairing: Mezze Maniche, Penne, Spaghetti
The magic of puttanesca lies in its simplicity. Fresh tomatoes simmer with garlic and olive oil, forming the base for a symphony of salty notes. Capers lend a piquant tang, while briny Leccino olives add depth and complexity. The anchovies, an Italian specialty, dissolves into the sauce, adding a subtle umami richness.
Originated in Napoli, this recipe evokes the colorful southern Italy. Perfect for exalting a plain pasta dish.
Shop our Italian Puttanesca Pasta Sauce by Ursini
Food Delite offers a range of delicious Italian pasta sauces, the perfect Italian pasta to pair it with and many more exciting ingredients for you to whip up delectable, authentic Italian meals every night with ease! We also offer gluten free Italian pasta sauces & pasta for those who prefer it.
So what are you waiting for? Dig in & enjoy. Buon appetito!
