Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe: A Spicy, Flavorful Classic

Are you craving a zesty, tangy sauce that can elevate your pasta dishes? If so, Arrabbiata Sauce is your perfect go-to. With its kick of heat and rich tomato flavor, this sauce is both easy to make and incredibly versatile. This simple recipe is packed with fresh ingredients, and with just a few pantry staples, you can whip up this delicious sauce in no time.

Whether you’re tossing it with your favorite pasta, using it as a dipping sauce, or pairing it with meatballs, this sauce is sure to leave your taste buds tingling. So, let’s dive right into this simple and scrumptious Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe!

Ingredients for Arrabbiata Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fiery, flavor-packed sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1-2 dried red chili peppers (adjust based on your spice preference)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon tomato paste
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the Olive Oil Start by heating the olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped garlic. Stir frequently to avoid burning it. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

2. Add the Chilies Next, add the dried red chili peppers to the pan. If you prefer more heat, feel free to crush them slightly to release their oils. Let them cook with the garlic for another 1 minute. Keep an eye on them, as the dried chilies can quickly get too crispy.

3. Stir in the Tomato Paste Once your garlic and chilies are infused, add in the tomato paste. Stir it around for 30 seconds, allowing it to deepen the color and flavor. This adds a rich, savory element to the sauce.

4. Pour in the Crushed Tomatoes Now, add the crushed tomatoes to the pan. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

5. Season the Sauce Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you like, you can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

6. Simmer Until Perfect Continue simmering the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency. You can cook it longer for a thicker sauce or keep it a little runny if you like it light and fresh.

7. Garnish and Serve Remove the sauce from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. This extra touch adds an aromatic freshness that complements the spice of the chili peppers.

Recipe Notes

• Spice Level: The beauty of this sauce lies in how customizable it is. Adjust the number of chili peppers based on your spice tolerance. You can also substitute with red pepper flakes if you don’t have dried chilies.
• Tomato Quality: For the best flavor, use high-quality, ripe tomatoes or organic crushed tomatoes.
• Tomato Paste: This ingredient is essential to deepen the flavor and give the sauce its rich texture. Don’t skip it!

Time & Serving Information

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Serves: 4

This recipe makes enough to serve 4 people. Feel free to double it if you’re cooking for a crowd or want leftovers for the next day!

How to Serve

• With Pasta: The most popular way to serve Arrabbiata sauce is with penne pasta. Its ridges hold the sauce beautifully.
• As a Dipping Sauce: Perfect for dipping warm, crusty bread or as a side with your favorite appetizers.
• With Meatballs: Arrabbiata sauce pairs beautifully with Italian-style meatballs. The spice from the sauce complements the savory meat perfectly.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• A medium saucepan
• A wooden spoon for stirring
• A sharp knife for chopping garlic and basil
• A measuring spoon for the tomato paste

Storage

Store any leftover Arrabbiata sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just chop and cook them down until they break apart, and add a little water to make the sauce smooth.

2. How can I make the sauce less spicy? To reduce the heat, use fewer dried chilies or remove the seeds from the chili peppers before adding them to the sauce.

3. Can I add vegetables to this sauce? Absolutely! You can sauté onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms in the oil before adding the garlic and chilies for extra flavor.

4. Is this sauce gluten-free? Yes, this Arrabbiata sauce is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free pasta.

5. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, Arrabbiata sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Just reheat it before serving.

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

• For a smoother sauce, blend it briefly with an immersion blender before serving.
• If you love garlic, feel free to add more for an extra punch of flavor.

Health Benefits

While Arrabbiata Sauce is a flavorful addition to your meals, it also has some health benefits:

• Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants like lycopene, which is known for its heart-health benefits.
• Low in Calories: With just 90 calories per serving, this sauce is a great option if you’re watching your calorie intake.
• Anti-Inflammatory: The olive oil and chili peppers contain anti-inflammatory properties, which can promote overall health.

Final Thoughts

Arrabbiata sauce is the perfect blend of heat, spice, and tanginess. It’s quick to make, flavorful, and can be paired with so many dishes. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or preparing for a dinner party, this sauce will impress everyone. So, next time you’re in the kitchen, don’t reach for the jar—make your own Arrabbiata Sauce from scratch. It’s simple, it’s fresh, and it’s downright delicious.