Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and spicy flavor
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Quick and easy to prepare
• Perfect for many pasta dishes
• Naturally vegetarian
• Easy to customize for different spice levels

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley or basil
• Parmesan cheese optional
• Pasta of choice

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant without browning.
3. Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook briefly to release their flavor.
4. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan.
5. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
6. Simmer the sauce for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Cook the pasta according to package instructions while the sauce simmers.
8. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce until evenly coated.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.
10. Serve immediately while hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add sautéed onions for extra sweetness.
• Include cooked sausage or shrimp for added protein.
• Stir in olives or capers for a briny flavor.
• Use fresh chili peppers for even more heat.
• Add cream for a spicy creamy arrabbiata sauce.
• Mix in spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover arrabbiata sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

FAQs

What does arrabbiata mean?

Arrabbiata means “angry” in Italian, referring to the spicy heat of the sauce.

Is arrabbiata sauce very spicy?

It can be moderately to very spicy depending on the amount of red pepper flakes used.

What pasta works best with arrabbiata sauce?

Penne is the traditional choice, but spaghetti and rigatoni also work well.

Can I make the sauce less spicy?

Yes, simply reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.

Is arrabbiata sauce vegetarian?

Yes, the traditional sauce is naturally vegetarian.

Can I freeze arrabbiata sauce?

Yes, it freezes very well for future meals.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Yes, sausage, chicken, or shrimp pair nicely with the spicy sauce.

What herbs go best with arrabbiata sauce?

Parsley and basil are classic choices.

Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Yes, fresh ripe tomatoes can be used instead of canned tomatoes.

How long should arrabbiata sauce simmer?

About 15–20 minutes is usually enough to develop the flavors.

Conclusion

Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce is a simple yet bold Italian classic that brings heat and rich tomato flavor to your pasta dishes. Quick to prepare and highly versatile, this sauce is perfect for busy weeknights or comforting homemade dinners. With its spicy kick and savory garlic flavor, it’s a recipe every pasta lover should try.

Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe

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Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce is a bold Italian tomato sauce packed with garlic and fiery red pepper flakes for a rich and flavorful kick. Quick to prepare and full of robust flavor, this classic sauce is perfect for pasta nights and spicy food lovers.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 to 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 12 ounces pasta of choice

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, without browning.
3. Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook briefly to release their flavor.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan.
5. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
6. Simmer the sauce for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Cook the pasta according to package instructions while the sauce simmers.
8. Drain the pasta and toss it with the arrabbiata sauce until evenly coated.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.
10. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
• Penne pasta is the traditional choice for arrabbiata sauce.
• Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
• Sausage, shrimp, or grilled chicken pair well with this spicy sauce.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Fresh ripe tomatoes can be substituted for canned tomatoes if desired.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg