5 Easy Pasta Sauce Recipes for Weeknight Dinners
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Five Dinners, One Sauce, Zero Stress
Weeknight cooking shouldn't feel like a second job. When you've got a great sauce in your pantry, dinner is already halfway done. Chef Stef's Pasta Sauce is rich, bold, and versatile enough to anchor five completely different meals โ so you can eat well every night without repeating yourself.
Here are five easy pasta sauce recipes that go from pantry to table in 30 minutes or less.
1. Classic Spaghetti & Meat Sauce
Ready in: 25 minutes
The one everyone loves. Brown 1 lb of ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet, drain the fat, then pour in a jar of Chef Stef Pasta Sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes while your spaghetti cooks. Finish with a handful of fresh basil and a generous shower of Parmesan. Done.
Chef Stef's tip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and a splash of red wine to the meat while it browns for a deeper, more complex sauce.
2. Baked Penne with Mozzarella
Ready in: 30 minutes
Cook 12 oz penne until just al dente (it'll finish cooking in the oven). Toss with a full jar of Chef Stef Pasta Sauce and pour into a baking dish. Top with 1ยฝ cups shredded mozzarella and ยผ cup Parmesan. Bake at 400ยฐF for 15โ18 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil for the last 2 minutes for a crispy top.
Chef Stef's tip: Stir in a cup of ricotta before baking for a creamier, lasagna-style result.
3. Shakshuka-Style Eggs in Tomato Sauce
Ready in: 20 minutes
Pour a jar of Chef Stef Pasta Sauce into a wide skillet over medium heat. Add ยฝ teaspoon cumin and a pinch of smoked paprika. Once simmering, use a spoon to make 4โ6 wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each one. Cover and cook 5โ7 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Serve straight from the pan with crusty bread.
Chef Stef's tip: Crumble feta cheese over the top right before serving. It melts slightly into the sauce and adds a salty, creamy contrast.
4. Quick Chicken Parmesan
Ready in: 30 minutes
Pound 2 chicken breasts thin, season with salt and pepper, and pan-fry in olive oil until golden (about 3โ4 minutes per side). Place in a baking dish, spoon Chef Stef Pasta Sauce generously over each piece, and top with sliced mozzarella. Bake at 400ยฐF for 10โ12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve over spaghetti or with a simple salad.
Chef Stef's tip: Press panko breadcrumbs onto the chicken before frying for a crunchier crust that holds up under the sauce.
5. Pasta Sauce Pizza (Yes, Really)
Ready in: 20 minutes
Use store-bought pizza dough, naan, or even a tortilla as your base. Spread a generous layer of Chef Stef Pasta Sauce, add your toppings (pepperoni, veggies, whatever's in the fridge), and top with mozzarella. Bake at 450ยฐF for 10โ12 minutes. This is the move when you need dinner fast and the kids need to feel like it's a special night.
Chef Stef's tip: Drizzle a little honey over the finished pizza. Sweet + savory + tomato = a combination that surprises everyone in the best way.
Stock Up and Stay Ready
The best weeknight dinners start with great ingredients on the shelf. Keep a few jars of Chef Stef Pasta Sauce in your pantry and you're always 30 minutes away from a meal worth sitting down for.
Which recipe are you trying first? Tag us and let us know โ we love seeing Chef Stef meals on your tables.