Clara Olé: The New Quality Cream-Based Sauces

If you've been following me on Instagram, which you totally should, then there's a good chance you've seen how often I cook pasta. And while it does reflect my relationship with this Italian favorite, the main reason why I always make pasta is because it's relatively easy to prepare, especially with ready-made sauces from one of my favorite brands.

Whenever I'm hungry and craving for a flavorful and filling food that's easy to whip up, I'd always find myself boiling some pasta and checking the pantry for a pack of Clara Olé sauce. I think I've already tried the majority of their sauces. And let me tell you, they're definitely high quality! Unlike other ready-made sauces that have a chemical taste screaming fake, Clara Olé's sauces taste all-natural. And among pasta sauces in local grocery stores, I can easily say with conviction that Clara Olé is my number one favorite!

Tomato-Basil Spaghetti with Cashews using Clara Olé Chunky Tomato with Basil Pasta Sauce

Before discovering the new line of sauces from Clara Olé, my all-time favorite pasta sauce from the brand was the Chunky Tomato with Basil. I usually put garlic, bell peppers and more tomatoes when I use this pasta sauce, but when I'm pressed for time or just plain lazy, even simply reheating the sauce itself is already good enough.

About two months ago, I found out that Clara Olé has released a new line of sauces. Truth be told, it was only then I realized that previously, the brand only carried tomato and oil-based sauces. And while I was already very happy and content with their existing pasta sauces, these new quality cream-based sauces are a welcome addition.

• Carbonara
  Creamy, cheesy and salty with hints of mushroom and smoked bacon
• Béchamel
  Mild and creamy with a masterful blend of butter, cream and cheese
• Creamy Tomato
  Sweet and tangy tomato sauce with luscious cream

There's really no way I can pick a favorite among these three, since every one of them is different. But what I know is that these are all high quality cream-based sauces made from real cream. They don't taste like plastic like some of the "cream-based" or "carbonara" sauces daw that I picked up from the grocery before out of curiosity.

Creamy Carbonara using Clara Olé Carbonara and Bechamel Sauces

Fettuccine Carbonara using Clara Olé Carbonara Sauce

Since I like my carbonara pasta both a little salty but also really creamy and buttery, I found myself combining the Carbonara and the Béchamel sauces more often than not. The slightly salty, mushroom-y flavor of the former goes really well with the extra creaminess of the latter. But if you like your carbonara sauce less buttery but more flavorful, then using the Carbonara sauce as is would be perfect. And though I haven't tried it yet, I'm looking into topping the Béchamel sauce on grilled fish. Yum yum yum!

Cheesy Macaroni in Clara Olé Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce

Creamy Tomato Fried Rice with Fish and Bokchoy

As for the Creamy Tomato sauce, I found it perfect for coating macaroni! I'm sure it would go with any kind of pasta too. But so far, my favorite use of it aside from my macaroni, is with cooked rice. It just adds the right sweetness, tang and creaminess to fluffy rice, especially when eaten with fish and some leafy greens.

While the Carbonara Pasta Sauce seems fitting for carbonara (duh!), nachos and veggie sticks, the Béchamel White Sauce for baked lasagna, meats and grilled fish, and the Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce for spaghetti, meat loaf and tomato soup, there's really no certain way you can or cannot use these cream-based sauces from Clara Olé.

Actually, I think it's best to get creative and experiment on how to incorporate them with your pasta and even non-pasta dishes. You might just surprise yourself!

For more information, visit Clara Olé's official website
and Facebook Page, or follow them on Instagram.