Pasta dishes are a lot more complicated than you think! There are a bunch of different factors that all play a role in constructing the perfect meal. Certain sauces pair better with certain meats and shapes of pasta than others, so there’s a lot of thought that gets put into every recipe. Pasta sauce should be one of the first things on your mind when constructing a new dish, and pesto sauce and alfredo sauce are two of the most popular sauces out there. We’ll show you how to pick between the two below!
How Healthy Is Each Sauce?
If you’re looking specifically for which sauce is healthier than the other, you’ll have to take a look at the makeup of each sauce. Pesto sauce is constructed using parmesan cheese, salt, basil, olive oil, garlic, and pine nuts. It has a pretty high sodium content unless you make it from scratch, but both versions have an added protein boost. Alfredo sauce is based on cream and cheese as its two primary ingredients. Neither sauce is going to win a health competition, but pesto is the superior option for that reason.
Pasta Noodles
As we mentioned earlier, certain types of pasta pair better with some sauces than others. The same thing is true for pesto and alfredo sauce! Thicker pasta sauces like alfredo pair best with long and flat noodles that are capable of absorbing the sauce without becoming soggy. This is why it works best with pasta shapes like fettuccine. Pesto, on the other hand, pairs best with rounded and slimmer noodles like spaghetti. Spaghetti noodles absorb olive oil-based sauces the best, which is why you’ll see them paired together so much.
Pasta Toppings
There are even certain meats and cheeses that pair better with some pasta sauces! In the case of alfredo sauce, pairing it with chicken results in a match made in heaven. Chicken works well with more flavorful sauces since there isn’t much flavor to the meat to begin with. Pesto sauce, on the other hand, pairs best with steak and tuna. Since the sauce isn’t as flavorful, it benefits from some added enhancement that meats like steak and tuna can provide it.
Pasta Delights at Trattoria Il Panino
Those looking for the best Italian dining experience on the east coast will find it at Trattoria Il Panino! From the dishes we serve to our desserts, drinks and ambiance, our aim has always been to greet our guests with an authentic Italian experience. For the best Italian cuisines in Boston’s North End, make a reservation with us today!