What Sauce Goes with Lemon Pepper Pasta? (13 Best Sauces)

Knowing what sauce goes with lemon pepper pasta can be the difference between a good dish and a great dish.

And while you may be tempted to just go with a plain ol’ jar of tomato sauce, I’m here to show you that there are so many other delicious options out there.

So, whether you’re looking for a creamy sauce or something on the lighter side, read on for my top 13 picks.

What Sauce Goes with Lemon Pepper Pasta? 13 Best Sauces

When I think of lemon pepper pasta, the first sauce that comes to mind is Alfredo.

But there are a number of other great sauces that go well with this pasta recipe.

Here are 13 of the best sauces for lemon pepper pasta:

1. Alfredo Sauce

If you like your sauce thick and creamy, this is the recipe for you.

I like to add a little bit of garlic powder and onion powder to my Alfredo sauce to give it some extra flavor, but you can really add whatever spices you like.

This sauce goes great with any kind of pasta, but my personal favorite is fettuccine.

Pro Tip: If you want a thinner sauce, add some milk or chicken broth until you reach the desired consistency.

2. Quick Parmesan Cream Sauce

Fast, creamy, and cheesy, this parmesan cream sauce comes together in just 5 minutes and is the perfect addition to any pasta dish.

I like to mix things up by adding a little bit of spice with red pepper flakes, or some green veggies like spinach or broccoli.

You could also add in some cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.

Pro Tip: If you want a really smooth sauce, make sure to use a block of parmesan cheese and grate it yourself.

Pre-grated cheese can be more gritty and doesn’t melt as smoothly.

3. Basil Pesto Sauce

Basil pesto is super popular in my house because it’s so versatile.

See Also: What Salad Goes With Pesto Pasta? 10 Best Salads

You can use it as a pasta sauce, of course, but I also love to use it as a pizza sauce, or even just as a dipping sauce for bread.

If you want to get really creative, you can even use it as a sandwich spread.

My favorite way to mix up this sauce is to add in some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.

Pro Tip: Pesto can be pretty high in fat, so if you’re watching your intake, swap out half of the olive oil for water.

4. Marinara Sauce

This sauce needs no introduction – it’s a classic for a reason.

It’s the perfect balance of acidity, sweetness and savoriness, and it goes with just about any pasta dish.

I like to mix things up by adding in different herbs (basil, oregano, thyme), or swapping out the tomato sauce for roasted red peppers.

Pro Tip: This sauce freezes really well, so make a big batch and save some for later!

5. Italian Arrabbiata Sauce (sugo all’arrabbiata)

Prefer a little more spice in your pasta dishes?

This arrabbiata sauce is for you! It’s a traditional Italian tomato sauce that is typically made with garlic, tomatoes, and red chili peppers.

I like to add in a little bit of extra virgin olive oil and some crushed red pepper flakes to really give it a kick.

This sauce is delicious on its own, or you can use it as a base for other pasta dishes like this arrabbiata chicken pasta.

Pro Tip: If you want a creamier sauce, add in some heavy cream or half and half.

6. Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy, earthy, and a little bit salty, this mushroom sauce is the perfect addition to any pasta dish.

I like to mix things up by adding in different kinds of mushrooms, or even swapping out the mushrooms for another type of vegetable.

Sometimes I’ll add some crumbled bacon or pancetta for a little extra flavor.

This sauce is also great on its own as a dip for breadsticks or vegetables.

Pro Tip: If you want a thinner sauce, add in some chicken broth or milk until you reach the desired consistency.

7. Dijon Mustard Sauce

If you have a jar of Dijon mustard in your fridge, then you already have the base for this delicious and versatile sauce.

Just add some cream (I like to use half and half), a little bit of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.

This sauce is amazing on any type of pasta, but I especially love it with chicken or fish.

Pro Tip: If you want a little extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of honey to the sauce.

8. Lemon Butter Sauce

Got some lemon?

How about some butter?

Great!

You’ve got the makings of a delicious and versatile sauce.

This sauce is perfect for pasta, but can also be used as a dipping sauce, or even as a spread on some crusty bread.

I like to add a little bit of garlic to my lemon butter sauce, but you can really mix it up with any herbs or spices you like.

Pro Tip: If your sauce is too thick, thin it out with some pasta water or chicken broth.

9. Chimichurri Sauce

Green, pretty, and with a little bit of a bite, this Argentinian-inspired sauce is excellent on any grilled meat, but I especially love it on chicken or fish.

It’s also really good on roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions.

My favorite way to eat it is mixed into some cooked pasta with a little bit of olive oil.

Pro Tip: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

10. Gorgonzola Sauce

This sauce will take your lemon pepper pasta to the next level.

It’s creamy, it’s tangy, it’s slightly sweet, and the gorgonzola cheese gives it a nice sharpness.

I like to add a little bit of cream to this sauce to thin it out and make it more gloopy.

If you’re feeling fancy, you can also add some chopped up bacon or pancetta.

Pro Tip: If you want a really smooth sauce, make sure to use a block of gorgonzola cheese instead of pre-crumbled cheese.

11. Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Sauce

Instead of going with the traditional basil pesto, this sun-dried tomato pesto is a great way to mix things up.

It’s still got that classic pesto flavor, but with a little bit of sweetness from the tomatoes.

I like to add it to simple pasta dishes with just some olive oil and Parmesan cheese.

Or, for a heartier meal, I’ll add in some grilled chicken or shrimp.

Pro Tip: If you want a creamier sauce, add in some goat cheese or ricotta cheese.

12. Horseradish Sauce

How about some zingy horseradish sauce on your pasta tonight?

This condiment is perfect for those who like a little bit of a kick with their pasta.

I like to mix mine with some sour cream to lighten it up, and add a touch of honey to balance out the heat.

You could also try adding in some grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs.

Pro Tip: If you want a truly unique flavor, try mixing horseradish sauce with ketchup.

It might sound strange, but it’s delicious!

13. Olive Tapenade

Although this isn’t technically a sauce, it’s a great way to add some extra flavor and depth to your pasta dish.

I like to mix mine with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, garlic, and a little bit of crushed red pepper flakes.

You can also add in some capers for an extra salty kick.

This sauce is great on its own, or you can use it as a base for a more traditional tomato sauce.

Pro Tip: If you want a creamier sauce, mix the tapenade with some ricotta cheese.