Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta 🌶️🧄🍅🔥 A Fiery Tomato-Garlic Sauce That Hits Hard and Finishes Clean

Arrabbiata (meaning “angry” in Italian) is a pasta sauce with attitude — built on the trio of olive oil, garlic, and red chili. No cream, no fuss — just deep tomato flavor and a slow-building heat that clings to every bite.

It’s bold, bracing, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the pasta

• 8 oz penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti
• Salted water for boiling
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

For the sauce

• 2–3 tbsp olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to mellow acidity)
• Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika or Calabrian chili paste (for depth)

To finish

• Fresh parsley or basil
• Grated Pecorino or Parmesan
• Drizzle of olive oil or chili oil

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Sauté the garlic and chili
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and golden — not browned.

Step 3: Simmer the sauce
Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Stir well and let simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine with pasta
Add drained pasta to the sauce along with a splash of pasta water. Toss to coat, simmer 1–2 minutes more to marry flavors.

Step 5: Serve hot
Top with herbs, cheese, and a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick.

Flavor Variations

• Add anchovies or capers for a salty, umami layer
• Stir in sautéed kale, spinach, or broccoli rabe
• Use Calabrian chili or fresh hot red chilis instead of flakes
• Toss with shrimp, grilled chicken, or white beans for protein
• Finish with a spoonful of ricotta or burrata for creamy contrast

Pro Tips

• Use high-quality tomatoes — they define the sauce
• Garlic should be gently sautéed — not fried or burnt
• Let the chili infuse the oil early for layered heat
• Adjust spice to your liking — it should burn a little, but not punish
• Stir pasta into the sauce while it’s still hot to help it cling better

Final Thoughts

Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta is loud, proud, and wildly craveable — a minimalist’s spicy masterpiece that punches way above its ingredient list. It’s the dish you make when you want bold flavor with zero compromise.

Sizzle it. Simmer it. Bring the heat. 🌶️🧄🍅🔥

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

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