This Spaghetti Arrabiata is delicious, flavorful, and only has 10 ingredients. This easy pasta dish comes together in only 20 minutes.
I love this dish because it's delicious on it's own and also pairs deliciously with chicken, meatballs, or Italian sausage.
Recipe Inspiration
Arrabiata sauce is a classic Italian sauce that means 'angry' in Italian. It's named this because of the spicy red pepper flakes that give each bite a kick.
If you love spicy pasta dishes, this spaghetti arrabiata recipe is for you!
If you're looking for other spicy dishes, check out our Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Wraps, Spicy Asian Inspired Meatballs, and Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this recipe:
- Spaghetti
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Garlic
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Crushed Tomatoes
- Onion Powder
- Salt and Pepper
- Parmesan Cheese
- Fresh Basil
Directions
Let's make this recipe together!
Step 1
Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan or deep skillet (deep enough to hold the pasta and the sauce) over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Step 2
Add the crushed tomatoes, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir well and bring to a summer. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 3
Cook spaghetti in salted, boiling water until al dente. Just before draining, reserve one cup of pasta water and set aside.
Drain pasta and add to the sauce, or use tongs to transfer the pasta directly to the sauce.
Step 4
Toss spaghetti in the sauce. Add pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5
Top pasta with parmesan cheese and fresh basil and serve.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
Good Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Using good olive oil is a game changer in cooking. I love this brand and use it daily!
Deep Skillet - I use this skillet every day in my kitchen. It's so versatile - plus it's oven and dishwasher safe!
Spaghetti - This is one of my favorite spaghetti brands. I love buying in bulk on Amazon so I always have some stocked when I need it.
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy recipe.
Pasta Shape - I love serving spaghetti with arrabiata sauce, but any long pasta like linguini or fettuccine would be delicious.
Make it Vegan - This recipe can be easily made vegan. Just use vegan spaghetti and vegan cheese!
Add Protein - Meatballs, Italian Sausage, or grilled chicken are all delicious protein additions to this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arrabiata sauce has similar ingredients to tomato sauce but is spicy. Red pepper flakes make up the spicy element of arrabiata, which means 'angry' in Italian.
Arrabiata sauce origins from Italy. It is a spicy tomato based sauce served with pasta.
Arrabiata sauce is spicy. It is made spicy from red pepper flakes added to the sauce.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Other Recipes to Try
Spaghetti Arrabiata
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil for serving
Instructions
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat. Add in garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti in salted, boiling water until al dente. Just before draining, reserve one cup of pasta water and set aside. Drain pasta and add to the sauce.
- Toss spaghetti in the sauce. Add pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Top pasta with parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
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Alex says
SO good! Made this for my girlfriends and they were all so impressed!
Christina Musgrave says
So happy your girlfriends loved it!