Arrabiata sauce with spaghetti is a classic Italian dish known for its bold, fiery flavors and simplicity. “Arrabiata” translates to “angry” in Italian, which refers to the spiciness of the dish, thanks to the generous use of red chili flakes. This sauce is a perfect balance of heat and acidity, made with basic pantry ingredients such as tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and chilies, yet it packs a punch with its rich taste.
Traditionally served with spaghetti or other long pasta, Arrabiata sauce is a favorite for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their meals. The key to its deliciousness lies in its simplicity—using fresh, quality ingredients allows the natural flavors to shine. In just a few minutes, the garlic and chili flakes infuse the olive oil, creating a fragrant base for the tomatoes, which are then simmered to form a rich, slightly tangy sauce.
This dish is a great option for a quick, flavorful meal, perfect for weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting with a kick. Whether you’re a spice lover or looking for a quick Italian pasta dish, Spaghetti Arrabiata delivers a satisfying, mouthwatering experience.
Ingredients for Arrabiata Sauce recipe with Spaghetti
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1–2 teaspoons red chili flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 can (400g/14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
For the Spaghetti:
- 400 grams (14 oz) spaghetti
- Water (for boiling)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cooking Time Breakdown: Arrabiata Sauce recipe with Spaghetti
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time : 20 minutes
Total Time : 30 minutes
Servings – 4 Persons
Cooking Instructions for Arrabiata Sauce recipe with Spaghetti
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, drain the spaghetti, and set it aside.
2. Make the Arrabiata Sauce:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the red chili flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to release their flavor.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt, and optionally add 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Stir well.
Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together.
3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet.
Toss to coat the spaghetti with the sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Cook for 1–2 minutes more to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
4. Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of red chili flakes if you like more heat.
Serve hot.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Arrabiata Sauce recipe with Spaghetti
1. What does “Arrabiata” mean?
“Arrabiata” means “angry” in Italian, referring to the spiciness of the dish, which is usually from the red chili flakes added to the sauce.
2. How spicy is Arrabiata Sauce?
The spiciness depends on how much chili you add. You can adjust the heat level by using more or fewer red chili flakes. For a milder version, use less chili or substitute with paprika for a milder warmth.
3. Can I make the sauce less spicy?
Yes, simply reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit them entirely. You can still enjoy a flavorful tomato-based sauce without the heat.
4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and chop about 4-5 ripe tomatoes to substitute the canned tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes may give a slightly lighter and fresher flavor.
5. What type of pasta works best with Arrabiata Sauce?
While spaghetti is commonly used, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or any other pasta you prefer. Penne Arrabiata is a popular variation.
6. Can I add other ingredients to Arrabiata Sauce?
Yes! You can add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach, or even protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage to the sauce for more variety.
7. Can I make Arrabiata Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop and add a splash of water or stock if it thickens too much.
8. Can I freeze Arrabiata Sauce?
Yes, Arrabiata Sauce freezes well. Let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
9. How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter. To avoid this, sauté it over medium heat for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but do not let it brown. You can also add the tomatoes right after the garlic starts to soften to prevent burning.
10. What can I serve with Spaghetti Arrabiata?
Spaghetti Arrabiata pairs well with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also sprinkle Parmesan or Pecorino cheese on top to balance the heat with some salty creaminess.
11. Is Arrabiata Sauce vegan?
Yes, the traditional Arrabiata sauce is naturally vegan since it’s made with olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, and chili flakes without any animal products.
12. Can I use this sauce for other dishes?
Yes, Arrabiata sauce is versatile and can be used as a base for lasagna, baked pasta, or even as a topping for grilled vegetables or pizza.
Arrabiata Sauce recipe with spaghetti
Ingredients for Arrabiata Sauce recipe with Spaghetti
For the Sauce:
For the Spaghetti:
Cooking Instructions for Arrabiata Sauce recipe with Spaghetti
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, drain the spaghetti, and set it aside.
2. Make the Arrabiata Sauce:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Stir in the red chili flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to release their flavor.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt, and optionally add 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Stir well.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together.
3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet.
- Toss to coat the spaghetti with the sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes more to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
4. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of red chili flakes if you like more heat.
- Serve hot.
