Spaghetti Arrabiata

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spaghetti Arrabiata is a delicious example of how minimal ingredients can create a standout meal. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and endlessly satisfying. You can make it as spicy or mild as you like, and it’s naturally vegan without any modifications. With just one pot and a few pantry staples, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

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

• Spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
• Olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
• Garlic (thinly sliced or minced)
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Canned crushed tomatoes or peeled whole tomatoes
• Salt
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Optional: black pepper, a pinch of sugar to balance acidity

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir and bring to a simmer.
4. Season with salt and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a pinch of sugar if the sauce is too acidic.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to help coat the noodles and create a silky texture.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 25 minutes total:

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: Include grilled tofu, chickpeas, or vegan sausage for a heartier dish.
• Make it extra spicy: Increase the amount of red chili flakes or add fresh chopped chili peppers.
• Use different pasta: Penne is a traditional alternative to spaghetti in Arrabiata, but any pasta works.
• Rich finish: Stir in a splash of reserved pasta water and a drizzle of olive oil just before serving for a glossy sauce.
• Add veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini can be added for more texture and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Let the pasta cool completely before storing.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
• Reheating: Reheat pasta on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

How spicy is Spaghetti Arrabiata?

It’s typically moderately spicy, but you can control the heat by adjusting the amount of red chili flakes.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but they should be peeled and cooked down longer to achieve the same rich consistency.

Is Arrabiata sauce vegan?

Yes, the classic recipe is naturally vegan—just tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and chili.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

What’s the difference between Arrabiata and Marinara?

Arrabiata is spicier due to the addition of chili flakes, while marinara is more herb-forward and mild.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes. The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.

What pasta shape works best?

Spaghetti and penne are most commonly used, but any pasta that holds sauce well will work.

Do I need to use fresh parsley?

It’s optional, but it adds a nice fresh contrast to the spicy, rich sauce.

Can I add cheese?

Traditionally, it’s served without cheese, but you can top it with vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast if you like.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook it on medium to low heat and keep an eye on it. Burnt garlic will turn bitter and affect the flavor of the sauce.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Arrabiata is a fast, fiery, and flavor-packed pasta dish that proves less really can be more. With its simple ingredients and bold taste, it’s a great go-to recipe for weeknights, dinner parties, or anytime you need a satisfying meal with a spicy twist. Keep it classic or customize it to suit your taste—it’s always a winner.

Spaghetti Arrabiata

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Spaghetti Arrabiata is a bold and spicy Italian pasta dish made with garlic, red chili flakes, olive oil, and tomatoes. Quick, simple, and full of fiery flavor, it’s a naturally vegan recipe perfect for weeknights.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

1. 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
2. 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3. 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
4. 1–2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
5. 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or peeled whole tomatoes, crushed by hand
6. 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
7. 1/4 tsp black pepper (optional)
8. 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
9. 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Season with salt, black pepper (if using), and a pinch of sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic.
4. Simmer the sauce for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
5. Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• Use fresh tomatoes if desired, but cook longer for a rich sauce.
• Adjust chili flakes to control the spice level.
• To prevent garlic from burning, sauté on medium to low heat and stir frequently.
• Penne is also a traditional pasta choice for Arrabiata sauce.
• Top with vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for extra flavor if desired.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0mg