3. Gia Russa Alla Vodka Sauce. Gia Russa's vodka sauce is intoxicating, and not because of its booze element (which is mild) but rather due to the generous amounts of whipping cream, butter and sweet plum tomatoes. As you might have inferred from the ingredient list, this sauce has the potential to overpower if paired with something equally rich. Stick to simple penne, spaghetti or rigatoni.
2. Mom's Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce. All of "Mom's" sauces receive rave reviews from pasta aficionados, but I have a special fondness for the arrabiata because of its strong anchovy flavor and hearty mushroom chunks. Those who find the spice just a bit too bold are well-advised to add some tempering parmesan cheese (and feel free to get the cheap kind to balance out your expenditure).
1. Cucina Antica Tuscany Pumpkin. Yes, yes, we all know I have a strong pumpkin bias. I promise you that even if you don't have an orange squash fetish, you'll love this sauce for its vibrant tones of cinnamon, parsley, garlic and rosemary. It's especially fitting for stuffed pasta such as cheese tortellini, though my favorite (unsurprisingly) is to use it to dress sage pumpkin ravioli.
