Spicy Red Magic: Classic Arrabbiata Recipe for Dinner

Spicy tomato sauce dances with fiery chili peppers in this classic arrabbiata recipe that promises to ignite your taste buds.

Bold Italian flavors burst through every bite of this traditional dish.

The intense heat and rich tomato base create a symphony of culinary excitement.

Pasta lovers rejoice as this vibrant sauce coats each strand with passionate intensity.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike treasure this simple yet spectacular recipe.

Restaurant-quality results emerge from just a few carefully selected ingredients.

You’ll fall in love with the robust, zesty profile that makes arrabbiata a beloved Mediterranean classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Classic Arrabbiata Ingredients You’ll Need

• Rigatoni: Sturdy tube-shaped pasta perfect for gripping thick, spicy sauce with delightful texture and authentic Italian charm.

• San Marzano Tomatoes: Sweet, low-acidic Italian tomatoes renowned for rich, deep flavor and smooth consistency.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato essence that intensifies sauce's depth and creates robust flavor profile.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds fiery kick and vibrant heat signature to traditional arrabbiata sauce.
• Fennel Seeds: Introduces subtle anise-like undertones with gentle, aromatic complexity.

• Olive Oil: Premium cooking medium that carries rich Mediterranean essence and provides smooth cooking base.
• Onion: Foundational vegetable bringing sweet, caramelized undertones and aromatic depth.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient delivering intense, transformative flavor to sauce's character.
• Basil: Fresh herb contributing bright, peppery notes and classic Italian garden freshness.

• Cheese: Creamy, salty topping that balances spicy sauce and adds luxurious texture.

Cookware Essentials for Making Classic Arrabbiata Sauce

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly and saving pasta water.
• Large pan: Ideal for sautéing onions and garlic, then simmering the sauce.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring cup: Helps accurately measure pasta water.
• Knife: Needed for chopping onions and garlic.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta after cooking.

Instructions for Spicy, Rich Classic Arrabbiata

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a large pot, adding salt. Cook rigatoni until perfectly tender, following package guidance. Set aside some pasta water for later.

• Aromatic Foundation

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet. Gently soften onions until they become translucent and fragrant. Add minced garlic, allowing it to release its delicious essence.

• Sauce Creation

Pour in vibrant San Marzano tomatoes, rich tomato paste, spicy red pepper flakes, and earthy fennel seeds. Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing flavors to meld and develop depth. Stir in fresh basil leaves, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.

• Final Harmony

Introduce cooked pasta into the sauce, splashing in a bit of reserved pasta water to create a silky texture. Toss until every pasta strand is beautifully coated. Serve immediately, garnishing with grated cheese and additional basil if desired.

Heat Adjustments & Herb Pairings to Try

• Personalize the heat level by adjusting crushed red pepper flakes to match your spice tolerance.
• Enhance the dish by adding grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp for extra protein and flavor complexity.
• Experiment with different grated cheeses like pecorino romano, aged parmesan, or spicy provolone to create unique taste profiles.
• Transform the recipe into a vegetarian or vegan version by using plant-based cheese alternatives and incorporating roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for added depth.

Serving Classic Arrabbiata with Your Favorite Pasta

• Rustic Italian Family Feast: Invite loved ones to gather around the table and enjoy this spicy, comforting pasta together with crusty garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the bold, spicy flavors with a crisp medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a zesty Sangiovese that balances the heat of the arrabbiata sauce.
• Restaurant-Style Presentation: Plate the rigatoni in wide, white bowls, sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, and garnish with vibrant fresh basil leaves for a stunning visual appeal.
• Leftover Transformation: Repurpose any remaining arrabbiata pasta into a delicious frittata or baked pasta casserole by adding extra cheese and fresh herbs for a completely new meal experience.

Leftover Tips for Storing Classic Arrabbiata Sauce

• Refrigerator Recovery: Store leftover arrabbiata in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making each bite even more delicious the next day.
• Smart Pasta Handling: Keep cooked pasta and sauce separately to maintain optimal texture. Mix just before serving to prevent soggy noodles and preserve the perfect al dente bite.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Package sauce in freezer-safe containers, removing air pockets. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to restore consistency.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare sauce in larger batches during weekends. Portion into single-serve containers for quick weeknight dinners. This approach saves time and ensures a gourmet meal is always ready within minutes.

Fiery Arrabbiata Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rich and fiery classic arrabbiata sauce combines tomatoes, garlic, and chili peppers for a spicy Italian pasta experience. Cooks can quickly prepare this bold sauce to elevate weeknight dinners with authentic Mediterranean flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 grams) rigatoni
• 1 (28 oz / 794 g) San Marzano tomatoes
• 8 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 sweet onion, chopped
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp fennel seed, crushed
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup fresh basil, julienned
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Fill a spacious pot with water, season generously with salt, and bring to a vigorous boil. Immerse rigatoni, cooking until achieving an al dente texture with perfect resilience.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Introduce finely chopped onions, sautéing until they transform into a translucent, golden-edged delicacy. Quickly incorporate minced garlic, stirring to prevent scorching and release its intense flavor profile.
3. Sauce Development: Add San Marzano tomatoes and tomato paste, creating a vibrant base. Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes and fennel seeds, developing a complex and fiery sauce. Reduce heat, allowing the mixture to simmer and concentrate, gradually thickening into a rich, robust essence.
4. Herbal Infusion: Tear fresh basil leaves, gently folding them into the simmering sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, balancing the sauce’s bold character.
5. Final Assembly: Drain rigatoni, reserving a small quantity of starchy cooking liquid. Transfer pasta directly into the sauce, thoroughly coating each tube. If needed, incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve a luxurious, silky consistency.
6. Presentation: Plate the pasta, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves and a generous dusting of grated cheese, elevating the dish with a final flourish of indulgence.

Notes

• Master Pasta Timing: Cook rigatoni precisely al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring perfect texture that captures sauce beautifully.
• Prevent Garlic Burning: Introduce minced garlic quickly and stir constantly to avoid bitter, acrid flavors that can ruin the sauce’s delicate balance.
• Build Flavor Layers: Toast fennel seeds and red pepper flakes briefly in oil before adding tomatoes to unlock deeper, more complex aromatic notes.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce thickness, creating a silky, clingy coating that hugs each rigatoni perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg