Here are some fun, unique, and easy pasta sauces without tomato to add to your repertoire. Your tastebuds will thank you for switching things up!
No Tomato Pasta Sauce
Whether you’re tired of the usual marinara sauce or pizza sauce, have an allergy to tomatoes, or are following a low-acid diet, these tomato-free pasta sauces are sure to keep you nourished and satisfied.
As a pediatric registered dietitian, I know many babies and toddlers are allergic or intolerant to tomatoes and other night shades. And many parents struggle with finding healthy non tomato-based sauces that are suitable for this age group.
Look no further! All of these sauces are super easy to make with minimal ingredients (because I am a parent myself) and packed with nutrition and flavor!
Best Tomato-Free Sauces for Pasta
I say pasta but truly all of these sauces will be delicious for pizzas (you must try this easy protein pizza!), sandwiches, proteins (like chicken, beef, salmon, tofu), or roasted vegetables.
You can also enjoy as a salad dressing by mixing with some olive oil and vinegar or as a dip for veggies and other fun dippers.
I told you these sauces are just as versatile as tomato-based sauces :).
Broccoli Pesto Pasta
This sauce was developed during the time when my son absolutely refused to eat broccoli. I combined it with some spinach, beans, fresh herbs, and cheese, and he couldn't eat it fast enough!
Hulk Pasta
If I serve spinach on my 5 year old’s plate, 95% of the time it will go untouched. I continue offering in its raw form for exposure, but to actually get this nutritious leafy green into his belly, I like to add it to pancakes, muffins, smoothies…and sauces!
My kids love this cold, like pasta salad, and so it’s been easy to add to the school lunchbox as well!
And you must call it hulk pasta - it has magical powers :).
Carrot Pasta Sauce
The roasted vegetables give this bright colored sauce a creamy texture and enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots, making it a perfect complement to pasta dishes and beyond!
Lemon Ricotta Pasta Sauce
20 minutes and 6 simple ingredients are all you need to make this creamy, zesty sauce! Fresh lemon juice and zest truly make this dish!
Cashew Pasta Sauce
Whether there is a dairy allergy in your household or you're looking for a delicious twist on a classic cream sauce, this recipe is a must try!
Miso Pasta
Creamy and bursting with umami flavor, this miso pasta sauce is such a unique recipe and incredibly easy to whip up. Simply combine a handful of ingredients in a bowl and you're done!
Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
This homemade sauce is oh so comforting, and especially perfect for the fall. Its creaminess comes from the butternut squash and beans, which happen to be quite a lovely duo!
You can certainly stir in some yogurt and cheese. I love it with parmesan cheese or pecorino romano.
Thai Red Curry Pasta
Being Korean, spicy foods are an integral part of our cuisine. So it's important for us to introduce to our children from early on.
Of course you don't want to cause any pain to your child, so start slowly! If you've never introduced your baby to Thai curry paste, I would start by making this curry pasta with the Massaman or Yellow variety.
It will still be an incredible flavor exposure for your little one and the whole family!
Creamy Macaroni Carbonara
The eggs are whisked with cheese and get tossed with the hot pasta to create a delightfully thick and creamy sauce. It's a great comfort food for any busy weeknights.
Beet Pesto
This beetroot pesto is especially great for anyone who shies away from beets. All the add-ins, like fresh basil and garlic, and fresh lemon juice, truly elevate the flavor of the beets.
Not to mention, it's visually so stunning that it will make you feel like like you’re sitting down to a fancy meal ;).
Zucchini Pesto
Whether you have an abundance of zucchini or are looking for a lighter and unique variation, this bright green sauce is sure to become one of your go-to! Simply add all the ingredients into a food processor or blender and enjoy!
Creamy Ricotta Pesto
The consistency of this 15-minute creamy pesto is on the thick side but you can easily adjust to suit your needs!
Sweet Potato Sauce
Sweet potatoes combined with red bell peppers and tofu make this sauce so velvety and yummy. It's also an easy way to incorporate more iron into your baby's diet as well.
Asian Salad Dressing
Y’all, this dressing!!! It is made with just 5 ingredients and has unforgettable flavor. This simple sauce is perfect for cold pasta, like soba noodles.
Thai Peanut Coconut Sauce
Just 3 ingredients and a bowl are all you need to make this no cook sauce. If enjoying with pasta, add some starchy pasta water to thin it out.
It's also delicious on toast, sandwiches, and with tofu or chicken.
Roasted Cauliflower dip
You're going to add an entire head of cauliflower into this dip that you can thin out with some additional liquid to enjoy over pasta.
Hummus Pasta
Mix hummus with a small amount of pasta water or olive oil to create a creamy sauce. It will instantly elevate any pasta dish.
You can use it as a dressing for a cold pasta salad or toss with cooked pasta and your choice of vegetables and proteins.
As you can see, tomato-free pasta sauces are a fantastic way to add variety and excitement to your pasta dishes. Try some or all of these options and discover a new favorite today!
Dana says
I popped over to your website to find a new pasta recipe to try out this week. You must have read my mind because the first thing I saw was this post with a huge list of fun recipes to try.
Min says
Love it when that happens!! Perfect timing :). Hope you enjoy some of all of these recipes!