17 Dinner Recipes That Are Secretly All About the Sauce

3 weeks ago 21

This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

When it comes to unforgettable dinners, it’s all about the sauce! These 17 recipes prove that a great sauce can elevate any dish to new heights. From the creamy indulgence of Shrimp Alfredo and Butter Chicken Curry to the tangy perfection of Sweet Sour Chicken with Pineapples and Grilled Peri Peri Chicken, these meals are packed with flavor. Whether you’re craving hearty classics like Chicken Marsala and Slow Cooker Beef with Mushrooms or lighter options like Tuscan Salmon in Cream Sauce, these recipes are sure to impress. Get ready to pour, drizzle, and savor every saucy bite!

Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca Pasta Recipe

A close-up of Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca showcases a vibrant tomato sauce with black and green olives, capers, and fresh basil leaves. A gold fork elegantly twirls the pasta on a white plate, inviting you to indulge in its rich flavors.

Looking for a quick and flavorful pasta dish? This Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca recipe uses pantry staples like canned tomatoes, olives, and capers to create a delicious meal in minutes. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner option when you’re short on time but craving something satisfying!
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca Pasta Recipe

Shrimp Alfredo

Craving a quick and delicious dinner? This Shrimp Alfredo recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, offering a decadent and satisfying alternative to takeout. Enjoy perfectly cooked shrimp in a creamy, homemade Alfredo sauce over fettuccine for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo

Chicken Marsala

This Chicken Marsala recipe brings the taste of Italy straight to your kitchen! Tender chicken cutlets are simmered in a rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms and pancetta, creating a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s a guaranteed family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala

The Best Chicken Cacciatore of Your Life

a serving dish full of Chicken Cacciatore with a plate of spaghetti in the background.

This Chicken Cacciatore recipe features tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with pancetta, herbs, and vegetables. It’s a comforting and flavorful Italian-American classic that’s perfect for a hearty family dinner. You can prepare it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker for an easy, delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: The Best Chicken Cacciatore of Your Life

Grilled or Baked Peri Peri Chicken with Sauce Recipe

Grilled Peri Peri chicken thighs generously sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley, served on a white plate with a lemon wedge on the side.

This Peri Peri Chicken recipe can be grilled or baked, and it’s packed with flavor thanks to a vibrant marinade and sauce. With the taste of lemon, herbs, and spice this chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Grilled or Baked Peri Peri Chicken with Sauce Recipe

Spinach Mushroom Pasta

Ready in under 30 minutes, this Creamy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta is a weeknight winner! This vegetarian dish is packed with flavor and is sure to be a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Mushroom Pasta

Hamburger and Rice

This Hamburger and Rice recipe is a comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in. It combines tender ground beef, savory vegetables, and fluffy rice, making it a satisfying dish the whole family will love. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make!
Get the Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Close-up of Tuscan chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce.

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe is an Italian-inspired dish that’s sure to impress! Tender chicken cutlets are smothered in a silky, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan cheese. This restaurant-quality meal is easy to make and perfect for a family-friendly dinner or special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Steak Stir Fry

This Steak Stir Fry is a quick and easy meal that’s way better than takeout! Tender steak, vibrant veggies, and a flavorful sauce come together in just 45 minutes for a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Steak Stir Fry

Tuscan Salmon in Cream Sauce

A close-up of Tuscan Salmon with creamy sauce, spinach, and tomatoes. The salmon is cooked to a tender texture, topped with a rich sauce and garnished with vegetables. A gold fork is on the plate beside the fish.

This creamy Tuscan Salmon recipe is not only quick and easy, but it’s also a one-pot wonder! Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is sure to impress your family any night of the week. The combination of salmon, spinach, and parmesan cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Salmon in Cream Sauce

Salisbury Steak

Whip up a delightful and comforting meal with our fantastic Salisbury Steak recipe, ready in 30 minutes. Ideal for hectic weeknights, this dish is bound to become a beloved family favorite.

Get The Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Butter Chicken Curry

Bring the vibrant flavors of India to your kitchen with this easy Butter Chicken Curry recipe! This dish features a perfect blend of spices and tender chicken in a creamy tomato sauce. Serve with fresh cilantro and yogurt for an authentic experience.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken Curry

Creamy Tagliatelle and Mushrooms

A close up image of a white plate with a creamy tagliatelle pasta dish and sliced mushrooms.

This Creamy Tagliatelle and Mushrooms recipe is a quick and easy vegetarian dish that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. The combination of mushrooms, white wine, garlic, and a touch of cream creates a flavorful sauce that coats the tagliatelle perfectly. Garnish with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese for a restaurant-worthy dish in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tagliatelle and Mushrooms

Sweet Sour Chicken with Pineapples

a bowl full of Sweet and sour chicken with white rice in the background

Craving Chinese takeout but short on time? This Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapples recipe is ready in just 25 minutes! It’s a family-friendly meal that’s faster (and probably healthier) than ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Sour Chicken with Pineapples

Slow Cooker Beef with Mushrooms

A close up image of a bowl filled with Beef with Mushrooms and noodles.

Looking for a comforting and hearty meal? This Slow Cooker Beef with Mushrooms recipe is the perfect choice. Tender beef is slow-cooked in a rich, dark gravy with mushrooms, creating a classic dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef with Mushrooms

Slow Cooker Italian Pulled Pork

This Slow Cooker Italian Pulled Pork recipe is a fantastic and versatile dish! Serve it in a sandwich with cheese for lunch or over pasta for dinner. Either way, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken

This Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken recipe is perfect for a simple weeknight meal. The chicken becomes incredibly tender as it slow cooks in a sweet and savory honey soy glaze. Serve over rice with a sprinkle of green onions for a complete and satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken

Read Entire Article