It's always tempting to use lots of sauce, especially if you really love sauces.
The amount of sauce you should use for one portion depends on the type of sauce, the dish you're preparing, personal preference, and dietary considerations.
Here are some general guidelines to help you determine how much sauce to use for one portion.
For pasta dishes, a standard serving size is usually about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of sauce per 2 ounces of dry pasta.
Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences and the type of pasta you're using.
If you're using a tomato-based sauce for dishes like pizza or lasagna, a thin layer or about 1/4 to 1/3 cup per serving should be sufficient.
Creamy sauces like Alfredo or cheese sauce may require a bit more, around 1/3 to 1/2 cup per serving, depending on the richness and thickness of the sauce.
For gravies served with meat or mashed potatoes, 1/4 to 1/3 cup per serving is a common amount.
When using BBQ sauce or marinades for grilling or roasting meat, 2 to 3 tablespoons per serving is often sufficient.
For dipping sauces, like salsa, hummus, or aioli, 2 tablespoons per serving should be enough.