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Spicy Spaghetti Arrabbiata: A Fiery Italian Classic

Looking to add a little zest to your pasta game? Dive into the world of Spaghetti Arrabbiata! This beloved Italian dish features al dente spaghetti tossed in a bold, spicy tomato sauce enriched with garlic and chili. While the term “arrabbiata” translates to “angry” in Italian, there’s nothing but comfort that comes with this dish. Prepare it once, and it might just become a staple in your kitchen!

A platter of spaghetti with tomato sauce sprinkled with cheese garnished with basil leaves.

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Arrabbiata

Quick Dinner: This Italian classic can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights.

Bold & Spicy: A delightful medley of aromatic garlic, savory onion, rich crushed tomatoes, and fresh chilies creates a perfectly zesty meal.

Budget-Friendly: With simple pantry staples, you can enjoy restaurant-quality pasta without breaking the bank.

Customizable Heat: Adjust the spiciness to match your preference—whether you like it mild or fiery hot!

Ingredients

Spaghetti: While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to explore other pasta shapes you enjoy.
Olive Oil: A generous splash will set the perfect base for your sauce.
Garlic & Onion: Essential for adding depth to your sauce.
Fresh Chili Peppers: The secret ingredient that brings the heat—cherry peppers work wonderfully!
Crushed Tomatoes: The sauce’s heart; opt for San Marzano for the best flavor.
Tomato Paste: Adds a richer, more concentrated flavor to your sauce.
Sugar, Salt & Pepper: To balance the acidity of the tomatoes and elevate the overall taste.
Fresh Basil: A must-have garnish that adds a refreshing touch.
Parmesan Cheese: Optional but delightful as a finishing touch.

A platter of spaghetti arrabbiata served in a plate.

How to Make Spaghetti Arrabbiata

Cooking spaghetti arrabbiata is straightforward, making it perfect for both bustling weeknights and laid-back weekends. With just a little frying, stirring, and tossing, you can serve up a delicious platter in no time. Follow these simple steps:

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic, diced onion, and sliced chilies. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and the onion is translucent.

2. Add Tomato Paste

Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for another 3-5 minutes until it deepens in color and flavor.

3. Combine with Crushed Tomatoes

Next, add the crushed tomatoes along with sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Prepare the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, boil a pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Once done, drain and reserve a bit of the pasta water.

5. Finish the Sauce

Remove the sauce from heat and stir in chopped fresh basil. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as necessary.

6. Toss with Pasta

Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to ensure each strand is coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

7. Serve and Savor

Plate your spaghetti and garnish with additional fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy a comforting bowl of spicy goodness!

Spaghetti arrabbiata served in a plate garnished with chopped parsley.

Tips For the Best Spaghetti Arrabbiata

Perfecting this dish can bring joy to both your kitchen and your taste buds. Here are some handy tips to elevate your spaghetti arrabbiata:

Quality matters: Using good olive oil and high-quality canned tomatoes will significantly impact your dish’s flavor.
Cook al dente: For the best results, ensure your spaghetti is cooked al dente, as it will soak up the sauce.
Use fresh tomatoes: For a brighter and fresher taste, replace canned tomatoes with halved cherry tomatoes.
Balance the heat: Start with fewer chilies and add more based on your spice tolerance. Red pepper flakes can also be used as a substitute.
Don’t skip the cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano adds a delightful saltiness that complements the heat.
Try tasty variations: Add protein options like grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier version.
Make it a meal: Pair with a simple arugula salad and crusty Italian bread, and enjoy with a glass of red wine.

How to Store

Spaghetti arrabbiata is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

To Store:

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For optimal freshness, store the sauce and pasta separately to avoid sogginess.

To Freeze:

Transfer the cooled sauce into a freezer-safe container and store it for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator prior to reheating.

To Reheat:

Reheat the sauce and leftover pasta together in a skillet over medium heat, adding a few tablespoons of water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.