Unlocking Culinary Magic: Delicious Recipes with New Prego Pasta Sauces

Prego, a name synonymous with comforting and convenient pasta dinners, has recently unveiled a range of exciting new sauces. These aren’t just your grandmother’s traditional marinara; they’re innovative flavor combinations designed to elevate your weeknight meals. This article dives deep into these new Prego offerings, exploring their unique characteristics and providing you with a treasure trove of delicious and easy-to-follow recipes. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a culinary playground!

## Exploring the New Prego Lineup

Before we jump into the recipes, let’s take a closer look at some of the new Prego pasta sauce varieties that are making waves in the culinary world. While availability might vary based on your location, keep an eye out for these tempting options:

* **Prego Farmers’ Market Sauces:** These sauces emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients, offering flavors like Roasted Red Pepper & Garlic, Garden Vegetable, and Tomato & Basil. They often boast larger chunks of vegetables and a brighter, fresher taste.

* **Prego Plant-Based Sauces:** Catered towards vegetarian and vegan diets, these sauces deliver the classic Prego taste without any animal products. Expect rich tomato flavors enhanced with herbs and spices.

* **Prego Italian Sausage Flavored Sauce:** Infused with the savory taste of Italian sausage, this sauce provides a meaty, robust flavor without the need to cook actual sausage. Perfect for quick and easy pasta dishes.

* **Prego Flavored with Bacon:** Another meaty marvel, this sauce features the smoky and salty goodness of bacon, adding depth and richness to your pasta dishes. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser.

* **Prego Creamy Alfredo with Roasted Garlic:** A decadent and flavorful twist on the classic Alfredo sauce, infused with the savory aroma of roasted garlic.

* **Prego Marinara with Parmesan:** Offers a simple yet satisfying flavor by adding grated Parmesan cheese to the original Marinara flavor. Perfect for those who love a cheesy twist.

## Recipe 1: Farmers’ Market Roasted Red Pepper & Garlic Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

This recipe uses Prego’s Farmers’ Market Roasted Red Pepper & Garlic sauce as a base, building upon its flavor profile with Italian sausage and fresh spinach for a complete and satisfying meal.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 jar (24 oz) Prego Farmers’ Market Roasted Red Pepper & Garlic Pasta Sauce
* 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 5 ounces fresh spinach, washed and chopped
* 1 pound pasta of your choice (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well)
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
* Red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Sausage:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Add Sauce and Spinach:** Pour the Prego Farmers’ Market Roasted Red Pepper & Garlic Pasta Sauce into the skillet. Stir in the cooked sausage. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.
4. **Incorporate Spinach:** Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5. **Cook the Pasta:** While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
6. **Combine Pasta and Sauce:** Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
7. **Serve:** Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if desired.

**Tips and Variations:**

* For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
* Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce for a creamier texture.
* Substitute chicken sausage or turkey sausage for Italian sausage.
* Use different types of pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine.
* Roast the red peppers yourself for an even fresher flavor. Simply roast them in the oven until the skin is blackened, then peel, seed, and chop them before adding them to the sauce.

## Recipe 2: Plant-Based Pasta Primavera with Prego’s Plant-Based Sauce

This vibrant and healthy recipe showcases Prego’s plant-based sauce and a medley of fresh spring vegetables, creating a light yet satisfying vegetarian meal.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 jar (24 oz) Prego Plant-Based Pasta Sauce
* 1 pound pasta of your choice (penne, farfalle, or fusilli work well)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 cup broccoli florets
* 1 cup sliced carrots
* 1 cup sugar snap peas
* 1/2 cup frozen peas
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Vegan Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Pasta:** Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and carrots and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. **Add Remaining Vegetables:** Add the sugar snap peas and frozen peas to the skillet. Cook for another 3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. **Add Sauce:** Pour the Prego Plant-Based Pasta Sauce into the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. **Combine Pasta and Sauce:** Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6. **Stir in Basil:** Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
7. **Season and Serve:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with vegan Parmesan cheese, if desired.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Use a variety of seasonal vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* Substitute vegetable broth for the pasta water to thin the sauce.
* Top with toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for added crunch.
* Add grilled tofu or tempeh for extra protein.

## Recipe 3: Italian Sausage Flavored Sauce with Cheesy Baked Ziti

This recipe uses Prego’s Italian Sausage Flavored Sauce in a comforting and cheesy baked ziti, a perfect dish for a family gathering or potluck.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 jar (24 oz) Prego Italian Sausage Flavored Sauce
* 1 pound ziti pasta, cooked al dente
* 1 pound ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Cook Ziti:** Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
3. **Prepare Ricotta Mixture:** In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ricotta mixture, and Prego Italian Sausage Flavored Sauce. Toss to coat thoroughly.
5. **Assemble Casserole:** Pour half of the ziti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining ziti mixture and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. **Let Rest:** Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for a heartier dish.
* Use different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina.
* Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta mixture.
* Top with breadcrumbs for added crunch.
* Prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake just before serving.

## Recipe 4: Bacon-Infused Carbonara with Prego’s Bacon Flavored Sauce

This recipe takes a shortcut to a classic carbonara by using Prego’s Bacon Flavored Sauce, creating a rich and flavorful pasta dish in minutes.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 jar (24 oz) Prego Flavored with Bacon Pasta Sauce
* 1 pound spaghetti
* 4 large egg yolks
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* 1/4 cup heavy cream
* Black pepper to taste
* Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook Spaghetti:** Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. **Prepare Egg Yolk Mixture:** While the spaghetti is cooking, whisk together the egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream in a bowl. Season with black pepper to taste.
3. **Heat Sauce:** Gently heat the Prego Flavored with Bacon Pasta Sauce in a large skillet over low heat.
4. **Combine and Cook:** Drain the spaghetti and immediately add it to the skillet with the heated sauce. Toss to coat thoroughly. Remove the skillet from the heat.
5. **Add Egg Mixture:** Slowly drizzle the egg yolk mixture over the spaghetti, tossing constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Add a little of the reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The heat from the pasta and sauce will gently cook the egg yolks, creating a creamy sauce.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Use pancetta or guanciale instead of the bacon flavored sauce for a more authentic carbonara (you’ll need to cook it separately before adding it to the dish).
* Add a pinch of nutmeg to the egg yolk mixture for added flavor.
* If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water to thin it out.
* Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
* Ensure the spaghetti is very hot when you add the egg yolk mixture; this will help cook the eggs properly.

## Recipe 5: Creamy Roasted Garlic Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli

This recipe combines the convenience of Prego’s Creamy Alfredo with Roasted Garlic sauce with tender chicken and broccoli, resulting in a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 jar (24 oz) Prego Creamy Alfredo with Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce
* 1 pound pasta of your choice (fettuccine or penne work well)
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 cup broccoli florets
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook Pasta:** Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. **Cook Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Sauté Broccoli:** Add the broccoli florets to the same skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. You may need to add a little water to the skillet to help steam the broccoli.
4. **Add Sauce:** Pour the Prego Creamy Alfredo with Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce into the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. **Combine Ingredients:** Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce and broccoli. Toss to coat thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, asparagus, or spinach.
* Use shrimp instead of chicken.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* Substitute milk or cream for the pasta water to thin the sauce.
* Top with toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for added texture.

## Recipe 6: Simple Marinara with Parmesan and Meatballs

This classic dish utilizes Prego Marinara with Parmesan for a quick and comforting family meal. Adding homemade or store-bought meatballs elevates the simple sauce.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 jar (24 oz) Prego Marinara with Parmesan Pasta Sauce
* 1 pound spaghetti
* 1 pound meatballs (homemade or store-bought), cooked
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook Spaghetti:** Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain.
2. **Heat Sauce and Meatballs:** While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the Prego Marinara with Parmesan Pasta Sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. **Combine:** Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce and meatballs.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the sauce for a richer flavor.
* Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for extra depth.
* Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.
* Sprinkle with a little bit of Pecorino Romano cheese for a saltier taste.
* Add a bay leaf to the sauce while simmering for added aroma.

## Tips for Using Prego Pasta Sauces

* **Don’t Overcook:** Simmering the sauce for too long can lead to a loss of flavor and a thickened consistency. Follow the recipe instructions carefully.
* **Season to Taste:** While Prego sauces are already seasoned, don’t be afraid to add your own touches. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning can enhance the flavors.
* **Add Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley can brighten up any pasta sauce. Add them towards the end of cooking for the best flavor.
* **Get Creative:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Try adding vegetables, meats, cheeses, or spices to create your own unique pasta sauce creations.
* **Warm the Sauce Properly**: Do not boil prego sauces on high flame for too long. This destroys the texture and overall taste.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Combine the sauce with fresh ingredients such as meat and vegetables to bring out the natural flavors.

## Conclusion

With Prego’s exciting new range of pasta sauces, creating delicious and satisfying meals has never been easier. From the fresh and vibrant Farmers’ Market sauces to the convenient and flavorful meat-infused options, there’s a Prego sauce to suit every taste and occasion. So, unleash your inner chef and start exploring the endless culinary possibilities with these fantastic new additions to the Prego family. Happy cooking!