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Recipe

Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta

A fiery pasta dish that balances heat with rich flavors, featuring a bold tomato sauce. Each bite delivers a satisfying kick complemented by aromatic herbs.

Notes

Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta is a vibrant dish that delights the senses with its spicy tomato sauce, al dente pasta, and a finishing touch of fresh basil. The heat from the red pepper flakes provides a delightful contrast to the sweet, tangy notes of ripe tomatoes, creating a perfect balance that keeps you coming back for more. The addition of garlic and olive oil enhances the overall richness, making each mouthful both satisfying and invigorating.

This dish showcases a straightforward technique that emphasizes the simplicity of fresh ingredients and quick cooking. The robust flavors are derived from a few key components: quality canned tomatoes, fresh garlic, and authentic Italian red pepper flakes. By allowing the sauce to simmer just until the flavors meld, it avoids losing the vibrant freshness that makes Arrabbiata distinct, resulting in a sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Arrabbiata pairs wonderfully with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which complements the spiciness without overwhelming it. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a splash of lemon. Serve this pasta dish alongside a crisp side salad with a citrus vinaigrette and some crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A light dessert, such as sorbet or panna cotta, would provide a refreshing finish to the meal.

This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners as it comes together in under 30 minutes. Make a larger batch and store the sauce for up to three days in the fridge, or freeze it for a convenient future meal. The flavors only get better the longer they sit, making it an ideal candidate for meal prep. Suitable any time of year, Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta is sure to spice up your dinner rotation!

Ingredients

Scale servings and toggle unit system.

  • 3/4 poundspasta of your choice, Such as penne or spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoonolive oil
  • 4 clovesgarlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoonsred pepper flakes, Adjust to taste
  • 1 can(28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoonsugar, To balance acidity
  • 1 tablespoonfresh basil, chopped, Plus more for garnish
  • to taste
  • for serving, grated
  • 4 tablespoonsfresh parsley, chopped, For garnish

Directions

  1. Step1
    Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta step photo
    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.

  2. Step2
    Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta step photo
    Sauté Garlic and Spices

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

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  3. Step3
    Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta step photo
    Add Tomatoes

    Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add sugar and salt to taste; bring to a simmer.

  4. Step4
    Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta step photo
    Simmer the Sauce

    Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir in the chopped basil just before removing from heat.

  5. Step5
    Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta step photo
    Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Drain pasta and add it directly to the sauce in the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta in the sauce.

  6. Step6
    Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta step photo
    Serve

    Plate the pasta and finish with grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil on top. Garnish with chopped parsley for color and freshness.

Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta | Common Cuisine