Quick Answer
Yes, it is perfectly fine to add Parmesan cheese to spaghetti sauce. Parmesan cheese can lend a creamy, nutty flavor to tomato-based spaghetti sauces. It also helps thicken the sauce slightly. When adding Parmesan to spaghetti sauce, be sure to grate it finely so it melts smoothly into the sauce. Use about 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan per 4-6 servings of sauce. Stir it into the simmering sauce just before serving. The heat will help the cheese melt evenly.
Explaining Why Parmesan Cheese Works Well in Spaghetti Sauce
There are a few reasons why Parmesan cheese makes a great addition to spaghetti sauce:
Flavor
Parmesan cheese has a rich, nutty, salty flavor that adds depth and savoriness to tomato-based sauces. The sharpness of the Parmesan balances the acidity of the tomatoes nicely. Just a small amount of finely grated Parmesan can take a basic sauce from flat to fantastic.
Texture
In addition to flavor, Parmesan contributes a smooth, creamy texture to the sauce. It melts beautifully into the simmering liquid, making the sauce feel more luxurious on the tongue. The melted cheese helps coat each strand of spaghetti.
Thickening
Parmesan contains casein proteins that act as natural thickeners when heated. As the cheese melts, these proteins help bind the sauce together. This gives the sauce a nicer consistency and helps it cling perfectly to the pasta.
Saltiness
Parmesan packs quite a salty punch. A little bit goes a long way in seasoning a pot of sauce. The saltiness of the cheese enhances all the other flavors. It makes the tomatoes, garlic, and herbs pop.
How Much Parmesan to Use
When it comes to adding Parmesan cheese to spaghetti sauce, a light hand is best. You want just enough cheese to enhance the sauce without overpowering it. Here are some guidelines for how much to use:
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan per 4-6 servings of sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons per 3 cups of sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons for a basic 1-pot spaghetti dinner for 4
Aim for around 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan per person, depending on preferences. It’s better to start with less cheese and add more to taste. The flavor will concentrate as the sauce simmers.
Tips for Adding Parmesan to Spaghetti Sauce
While it’s easy to stir shredded Parmesan into pasta sauce, there are some tips to ensure you maximize its flavor and texture:
Grate the cheese finely.
Parmesan has a hard, crumbly texture. For the best meltability, grate it on a microplane or fine side of a box grater. Large shreds may not incorporate smoothly.
Hold off until the end.
Wait to add the Parmesan until your sauce is finished simmering. This prevents the cheese from breaking or becoming stringy.
Stir continuously.
As soon as you add the cheese, stir the sauce constantly until the Parmesan melts. This distributes it evenly for the best flavor.
Let it simmer.
After adding the cheese, let the sauce bubble gently for 1-2 minutes so the Parmesan fully incorporates. The residual heat finishes melting it.
Add pasta water if needed.
If your sauce seems too thick after adding the cheese, thin it with a splash of starchy pasta water. This adds moisture and helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
Substitutions for Parmesan Cheese
While Parmesan is traditional, you can use other cheese varieties to add flavor to spaghetti sauce:
| Cheese | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|
| Pecorino Romano | Sharp, salty, slightly tangy |
| Asiago | Smooth, mildly nutty |
| Fontina | Very mild, slightly nutty |
| Gruyère | Sweet, nutty, melts smoothly |
| Monterey Jack | Mild, buttery, creamy |
Go for cheeses that melt well. Avoid soft fresh cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta or goat cheese that can turn watery in hot sauce. Hard grating cheeses like Parmesan work best.
Flavor Variations
While traditionalists insist on plain Parmesan, there are ways to jazz up your spaghetti sauce with different cheese flavors:
Peppercorn Parmesan
Stir in Parmesan that’s been mixed with cracked black peppercorns. The pepper adds a spicy kick.
Herbed Parmesan
Blend chopped fresh parsley, basil, oregano or other herbs into grated Parmesan before adding to the sauce.
Spicy Cheese
For a Southwestern vibe, use a blend of Parmesan and shredded pepper jack or chipotle cheddar cheese.
Smoked Cheese
Add depth with smoked mozzarella, smoked gouda or smoked cheddar mixed with the Parmesan.
Blue Cheese
The bold flavor of blue cheese pairs wonderfully with the acidity of tomatoes. Crumble in some mild blue cheese.
Making a Cheese Sauce
In addition to stirring Parmesan into tomato sauce, you can make an easy cheese sauce to toss the cooked pasta in. Here’s how:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan, pepper and nutmeg.
- Toss with hot cooked pasta until thoroughly coated.
This easy cheese sauce clings to each noodle for cheesy perfection. Adjust the amount of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Cooking the Pasta
Here are some final tips for cooking pasta to serve with Parmesan-infused spaghetti sauce:
- Use a long shape like spaghetti, linguine or fettuccine to hold the chunky sauce.
- Undercook the pasta slightly so it’s al dente. It will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. The starch helps bind the sauce.
- Toss the hot pasta with the sauce in the pot, adding splashes of water as needed.
- Garnish each bowl with extra grated Parmesan, if desired.
And that’s it! With just a bit of grated Parmesan, you can take a basic tomato pasta sauce from boring to sensational. The cheese adds rich flavor, texture and seasoning that perfectly complements the tomatoes, garlic and herbs. A sprinkle of Parmesan transforms spaghetti into an easy, delicious dinner the whole family will love.
Conclusion
Parmesan cheese is an excellent addition to tomato-based spaghetti sauces. Its sharp, nutty flavor balances the acidity of the tomatoes and provides a salty kick. Melted into the hot sauce, Parmesan also lends a creamy, smooth texture and helps thicken the consistency so it coats the pasta. For best results, grate the cheese finely and stir it in at the end of simmering. Use around 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon per serving. Pecorino Romano, Asiago or Gruyère can be subbed in for similar flavor. With just a sprinkle of Parmesan, you can take a simple pasta dinner from flat to fabulous.