The best pasta pairings with San Marzano’s ready-made sauces
Choosing the right pasta shape for the right sauce isn't just an Italian tradition, it's the secret to an unforgettable dish. San Marzano’s line of ready-made sauces is crafted in Italy using 100% natural ingredients, inspired by traditional recipes. Here's how to make the most of each jar.
Pasta and sauce pairing guide
Arrabbiata sauce and penne rigate
Bold and spicy, arrabbiata is the go-to sauce when you're in the mood for something with attitude. It delivers a punch of heat and intensity a sauce that doesn’t hold back.
Why Penne Rigate?
The ridged, tubular shape of penne captures every drop of sauce and channels the spiciness into every bite, creating the perfect balance of heat and satisfaction.
Perfect for:
Quick weeknight dinners or a fiery pasta dish to wake up your taste buds.
Tomato Basil sauce and spaghetti
Light and elegant, this sauce brings a sense of balance and tradition to the table. It's a staple in Italian kitchens for a reason — familiar, comforting, and timeless.
Why Spaghetti?
Long and smooth, spaghetti distributes the sauce evenly, making each forkful simple yet satisfying. It allows the natural flavor of the sauce to take center stage.
Perfect for:
Everyday meals, family dinners, or a simple plate of pasta that feels like home.
Roasted garlic sauce and fettuccine
Deep and aromatic, this sauce brings out warm, cozy notes that make it a favorite for those who appreciate layered flavor. It’s bold without being overpowering — rich, but still balanced.
Why Fettuccine?
Flat and broad, fettuccine wraps itself in the sauce, delivering maximum coverage and mouthfeel. It turns every bite into something luxurious.
Perfect for:
A comforting dinner or an easy way to impress with a dish that feels slow-cooked.
Four cheese sauce and gnocchi
Creamy and indulgent, this sauce is pure comfort. Smooth and satisfying, it's the kind of sauce that makes you slow down and savor every bite.
Why Gnocchi?
These soft, pillowy dumplings are the ideal base for a rich and velvety sauce. They soak up flavor without being heavy, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Perfect for:
Cold evenings, comfort food cravings, or a decadent no-fuss dinner.
Vodka sauce and rigatoni
Smooth and stylish, this sauce has a balanced richness that feels both comforting and slightly elevated — the kind of dish you'd serve to guests but also make just for yourself.
Why Rigatoni?
The large, ridged tubes of rigatoni are made to hold thick, silky sauces like this. They catch the sauce inside and out, making each bite full and satisfying.
Perfect for:
Baked pasta dishes, date nights at home, or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Marinara sauce and linguine
Fresh and versatile, this sauce has a clean, classic flavor that adapts well to many dishes. It’s light enough to keep things simple, but flavorful enough to stand on its own.
Why Linguine?
With its flat surface and light texture, linguine is great for sauces that are more fluid and refined. It lets the sauce glide over it evenly without being too heavy.
Perfect for:
Quick meals, seafood add-ons, or anyone who loves a classic Italian plate with a modern twist.