This Spicy Spaghetti Arrabbiata is a bold, flavor-packed pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Made with a rich, garlicky tomato sauce and a kick of heat from red pepper flakes, it's perfect for spice lovers looking to switch up their pasta night. Serve it with crusty bread and parmesan for an easy, restaurant-quality meal at home!
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
1 pound Spaghetti
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring constantly until the onion is soft and translucent (about 3 minutes). Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2 Tablespoon Olive Oil, ¼ cup Diced Onion, 2 cloves Fresh Garlic, ¼ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
1 28 ounce Crushed Tomatoes, 1 teaspoon Sugar, 1 Tablespoon Basil, ½ teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add ¼ cup of water (or chicken broth) to adjust the consistency. For a thicker sauce (ideal for pizza), simmer longer.
¼ cup Water
Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce or ladle the sauce over individual servings. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and basil ribbons for the perfect finishing touch.
½ cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Garnish with Fresh Basil Ribbons
Notes
Add protein - Although this is a vegetarian dish you can add cooked chicken, shrimp or even throw in some cannellini beans or a can of tuna to this classic arrabbiata sauce.
Instead of crushed tomatoes - You can use a jar of passata or tomato puree if you can't find crushed tomatoes. Or pick up canned San Marzano tomatoes and put them in the blender or mash them with a potato masher to make a sauce. You can also use a combination of good quality fresh tomatoes; both plum tomatoes and cherry tomatoes would make an excellent choice.
Storage
Fridge: Leftover sauce can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: The sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw frozen pasta sauce in the fridge overnight and reheat over the stove or in the microwave. Toss with fresh pasta and serve.