Picture this: a classic Perth evening. The sun’s setting in a blaze of orange and pink, the air’s got that salty buzz from the coast, and your stomach’s growling louder than a possum stuck in a wheelie bin. You’re tired, you’re hungry, and the thought of wrangling a complicated recipe sounds about as appealing as stepping on a bluebottle down at Scarborough Beach.
But here’s the good news—making pasta and sauce doesn’t have to be a hard slog. In fact, it can be downright easy and a heap of fun.

Whether you’re a tired parent juggling the kids, a uni student barely surviving on toast and two-minute noodles, or just a Perth local in desperate need of a proper feed, this guide’s for you.
And when cooking still feels like a bit too much hard yakka? Don’t sweat it—Tommy Sugo, Perth’s own gourmet meal delivery legends, have your back with Italian feeds so good you’ll be belting out "That's Amore" while wearing your trackies.

So grab your comfiest pants and let’s get cracking! Here’s what you’ll score from this yarn:

Key Takeaways:

• Seven no-stress, bloody good tips to nail making pasta and sauce like a true Perth pro.

• Clever hacks to impress your mates at your next backyard barbie or dinner party.

• A peek at how Tommy Sugo brings proper Italian flavour to your door.

• A few laughs and true-blue stories to keep things lively!

Tip 1 – Rustle Up Your Bits and Bobs (Prep Like a Legend)

You wouldn’t head to Cottesloe without your sunnies, so don’t jump into cooking without getting your kit sorted first.

Fresh vs. Dry Pasta – Pick Your Weapon
Fresh pasta is the fancy one—silky, smooth, and cooks super quick. Perfect for when you want to impress. Dry pasta’s the reliable workhorse—easy to store, always ready for action.
When I’m rushed off my feet, I grab dry linguine. But if I want to level up? Tommy Sugo’s fresh fettuccine rocks up at my place like a VIP. No kneading, no fuss—just bloody delicious.

Sauce Staples – Keep It Simple
Forget fancy-pants recipes with 20 ingredients. A solid pasta sauce only needs tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and a bit of salt.
Flat out or too tired to chop? Tommy Sugo’s Napolitana sauce is a lifesaver—rich, tangy, and ready to roll.

Fun Fact: Australians consumed over 71,000 tonnes of pasta in 2024, and simple tomato-based sauces topped the popularity charts!

My First Sauce Disaster
True yarn—I once added about 12 random spices trying to "get creative." Ended up with a tomato swamp no one wanted to touch.
Moral of the story? Stick to basics and fresh herbs. You’ll smash it, Perth legends!

Tip 2 – Boil That Pasta Like a Boss

Believe it or not, cooking pasta can go pear-shaped if you don’t keep an eye on it. Here’s how to ace it:

Salt the Water Like the Indian Ocean
Chuck in a hefty handful of salt once your water’s boiling. It should taste like the sea out at Cottesloe—this seasons the pasta itself, not just the sauce.

Cook It Just Right
No one wants soggy pasta. Follow the packet instructions but taste a minute early. You’re aiming for al dente—firm to the bite.
Tommy Sugo’s gluten-free gnocchi cooks up fast and freezes like a dream for up to 12 months—handy for busy weeks!

Don’t Rinse It, Ever
Rinsing washes away that lovely starch that helps sauce stick.
Keep a mug of pasta water—it’s liquid gold for loosening up sauce if needed.

Tip 3 – Cook a Sauce That Absolutely Slaps

Sauce is where the magic happens. Let’s make it sing:

Simple Tomato Sauce
Start with good canned tomatoes, a glug of olive oil, and a smashed garlic clove. Simmer it slow till it thickens up.
Need a shortcut? Tommy Sugo’s Siciliana sauce is a full-flavoured legend—made right here in WA.

Creamy Pasta Feels
Feeling a little flash? Stir in a spoonful of cream or mascarpone with some mushrooms for a creamy twist.
Or cheat a little (no judgement!) with Tommy Sugo’s porcini mushroom ravioli, already oozing that rich, truffly goodness.

Pro Tip: Slow-cooked sauces are scientifically proven to have deeper flavour profiles due to longer Maillard reactions (fancy, right?).

BBQ Sauce Fail
I once thought chucking BBQ sauce into pasta was genius. Spoiler: it wasn’t. Stick with Italian classics and you’ll be laughing.

Tip 4 – Match Pasta and Sauce Like Old Mates

When it comes to pasta, it’s not just about throwing any sauce at it and hoping for the best. No, no—each pasta has its perfect partner, like the right Aussie mates for a backyard BBQ.

Long Pasta Loves Light Sauces

For long, thin pastas like spaghetti and fettuccine, you want a sauce that won’t overpower the noodles. These pastas pair best with lighter sauces—think olive oil, a garlic-infused blend, or a simple tomato sauce. You want something that coats the pasta just right without drowning it.

Take Tommy Sugo’s fresh primavera fettuccine, for example. It’s packed with fresh, vibrant veggies and tastes like a summer arvo in Fremantle. It’s the perfect dish when you're craving something light, fresh, and satisfying without weighing you down. And if you're after an easy meal that’s ready to go? Their ready-made meals home delivery Perth has got you covered. Just heat it up, and you’ve got a meal that’s restaurant-quality without the hassle!

Short Pasta Loves Chunky Goodness

Shorter pastas, like penne, rigatoni, or gnocchi, are built for the big stuff. They need hearty, chunky sauces to fill them up. Think rich, meaty ragus or creamy concoctions that cling to those nooks and crannies. For the ultimate indulgence, try Tommy Sugo’s beef cheek and red wine ravioli. It’s like a warm hug on a plate—comfort food at its finest.

Tip 5 – Give It a Perth Twist

Let’s Aussie-fy this whole pasta caper:

Fresh Herbs Everywhere
Got basil or parsley in the garden (or even from the servo)? Chuck it in!
Tommy Sugo’s ricotta and pesto spelt ravioli brings those fresh herby hits without any gardening needed.

Local Wine, Big Flex
Add a splash of Margaret River red wine into your sauce. Instant gourmet points without any faffing about.

Seafood Vibes
Perth’s seafood’s second to none. Toss in some prawns or scallops into a garlicky butter sauce for a beachy twist.

Tip 6 – Plate It Like a Pro

Food’s gotta taste good—and look good too!

Twirl and Swirl
Use tongs to spin spaghetti into a neat little nest on the plate. Looks flash, feels fancy.
Tommy Sugo’s ready-to-eat meals are so well plated you’ll feel guilty eating them. (Almost.)

Top It Like a Boss
A sprinkle of parmesan, a dash of good olive oil, a fresh basil leaf—little touches go a long way.

Hot Tip: Studies show diners rate meals as 30% tastier when dishes look attractive on the plate. Visual vibes matter!

My Freo Win
One summer arvo, I twirled a basic pasta and slapped on a basil leaf. My mates thought I was Perth’s next MasterChef. Sometimes it’s the simple stuff!

Tip 7 – Lean on Tommy Sugo When Life’s Too Busy

Sometimes you’re flat out like a lizard drinking and cooking’s just not happening.
That’s when Tommy Sugo swoops in like a true blue hero.

Gourmet Feasts Without the Fuss
From Harvey beef lasagne to vegan sweet potato ravioli, Tommy’s menu is stacked with ripper options.
It’s all cooked fresh in Perth, using local produce, and delivered right to your door.

Quick and Easy Ordering
Spend over $90 and you’ll score free next-day delivery across Perth. Perfect for busy weeks when you can’t be stuffed cooking.

Why I’m a Tommy Sugo Convert
After smashing through their beef cheek ravioli more times than I can count, I can safely say it’s the best feed I’ve had delivered in Perth—hands down.

Conclusion: Ready to Rule the Pasta Scene?

There you have it, mates—7 bloody good tips to nail pasta and sauce like a true Perth legend!
From sorting your bits and bobs to serving up an Insta-worthy plate, you’re ready to whip up pasta that’ll have your mates begging for seconds.

And hey, when life’s too busy or you just want to kick back with a coldie? Tommy Sugo’s got your back—real Italian, real quick, and real bloody delicious.

FAQs

What’s the easiest way to tackle pasta and sauce?
Start with dry pasta and a simple tomato sauce. Or cheat smart with Tommy Sugo’s Napolitana—no one will know!

Do I need fancy gear to make pasta?
Not at all. Dry pasta works a treat. If you’re feeling flash, grab Tommy Sugo’s fresh pasta—delivered straight to your Perth doorstep.

How do I stop pasta sticking together?
Salt your water, stir early, and don’t rinse after draining. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

What’s a newbie-friendly sauce?
Simple tomato sauce is a no-brainer. Want it even easier? Tommy Sugo’s Siciliana sauce is packed with flavour, ready to go.

How long does it take to make pasta and sauce?
From scratch? About 20–30 minutes. Fresh pasta or gourmet delivery? Even faster!

Can I freeze homemade pasta sauce?
Yep! Most sauces freeze well for up to three months. Tommy Sugo’s meals stay fresh frozen for a whole year!

What’s a pasta dish kids will smash?
Mild tomato spaghetti or creamy penne’s always a winner. Tommy Sugo’s chicken agnolotti is a kid-approved hit too.

How do I make my sauce taste better?
Fresh herbs, good oil, and patience. Or, grab one of Tommy Sugo’s ready-made sauces—they’re built for full-on flavour.

Why is Tommy Sugo so bloody good?
They use top-notch, fresh WA produce, no nasties, and handmake everything in small batches. That’s why they’re Perth’s pasta kings!