Pasta Arrabbiata Recipe

If you've ever wanted to whip up a tasty, spicy pasta dish that feels both simple and satisfying, this Pasta Arrabbiata Recipe is the perfect go-to. It's a quick, fiery tomato sauce tossed with your favorite pasta, bringing just the right amount of heat and zest to your weeknight dinner or casual get-together. I love how the bright aromatics and the kick from the chili meld, making it a memorable dish that's never complicated.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Ingredient Game Plan
• How to Cook Pasta Arrabbiata Recipe
• Pro Moves I Swear By
• Serve It Up
• Make-Ahead & Storage
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Complete Recipe

Ingredient Game Plan

Choosing fresh, quality ingredients makes a huge difference in this Pasta Arrabbiata Recipe. I like to pick ripe canned tomatoes, good olive oil, and fresh chili to get the authentic, vibrant taste.

• Onion: Use a medium yellow or white onion for a mild sweetness that browns nicely.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Pick one with a fresh, grassy flavor to enhance the sauce's richness.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves crushed or minced bring the best aroma and flavor.
• Cayenne chili pepper: Fresh is ideal, but adjust heat by removing seeds or substituting dried flakes.
• Crushed tomatoes: Go for good-quality canned tomatoes with no added sugar, as their natural sweetness works best.
• Basil leaves: Fresh basil adds a lovely herbaceous finish that brightens the sauce.
• Pasta: Penne is traditional, but rigatoni or spaghetti also hold the sauce nicely.

How to Cook Pasta Arrabbiata Recipe

Step 1 - Prep & Season

Start by heating your olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy-duty skillet. Add the finely chopped onion and cook it gently for about 5 to 7 minutes until you see the edges turn golden and the aroma deepens. This step builds the base flavor, so don't rush it. Next, toss in your crushed garlic and the fresh chopped cayenne chili pepper along with red pepper flakes. Sauté these briefly - just about 30 seconds - until the garlic edges start turning a delicate golden brown. This quick sear releases the oils and heat but keeps the garlic from burning and turning bitter.

Step 2 - Build Flavor

Now pour in the crushed tomatoes and season the sauce generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce your heat to low. Partially cover your skillet and let the sauce simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll notice the sauce thickening beautifully and the flavors intensifying, with that familiar fiery aroma filling your kitchen. This simmer is key - it mellows the acidity and lets the spice settle in.

Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just al dente, usually a minute or two less than the package suggests. Save about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Add the hot pasta directly into your sauce along with half a cup of the reserved pasta water and the chopped basil. Crank the heat up slightly and toss everything together for 2 to 3 minutes. This finishing toss lets the pasta soak up the spicy tomato sauce while the pasta water emulsifies the sauce, ensuring a silky coating that clings perfectly. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking the pasta and maintain that lovely bite.

Serve It Up

Finishing Touches

I like finishing my Pasta Arrabbiata with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil and, for those who enjoy a creamy contrast, a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan. It adds that delicate salty richness that balances the spicy tomato sauce beautifully. A light drizzle of good olive oil right before serving can also add a silky richness that feels like a little indulgence.

Great Pairings

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlicky sautéed greens like spinach or kale. For more texture, crusty bread makes a natural companion - perfect for soaking up every last bit of that fiery sauce.

Easy Plating Wins

Serve the pasta twirled neatly in shallow bowls to keep the sauce front and center. A scatter of fresh basil or parsley adds color contrast, and a small wedge of lemon on the side can give diners a fresh zing if they like a touch of brightness. For casual meals, a rustic wooden board with a bread basket nearby keeps things cozy and inviting.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Pasta Arrabbiata in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken as it chills, so you might find the pasta a little drier after refrigeration. That's normal and easy to fix when reheating.

Freezer Notes

This sauce freezes well on its own, but I recommend freezing it separately from the pasta for best texture. Thaw the sauce overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta to avoid mushiness.

Reheating Pasta Arrabbiata Recipe Without Drying Out

To reheat, add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to the pasta and sauce, then warm slowly on the stovetop over low heat while stirring gently. In the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to distribute moisture evenly. Avoid overheating to keep the sauce silky and the pasta tender but not mushy.