Arrabiata Sauce

Are you tired of store-bought pasta sauces that lack flavor and freshness? Why not try making your own homemade arrabiata sauce? This spicy, tangy tomato-based sauce is a classic Italian favorite that’s surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen.

Here I’ll walk you through the simple steps of creating a delicious arrabiata sauce from scratch. From selecting the ripest tomatoes to adding just the right amount of red pepper flakes for that perfect kick, you’ll be amazed at how much better homemade can taste. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your taste buds with this flavorful and satisfying sauce!

What is Arrabiata Sauce?

Arrabiata sauce is a spicy Italian tomato sauce flavored with garlic, red chili peppers, and olive oil. The name “arrabbiata” translates to “angry” in Italian, reflecting the fiery kick provided by the chili peppers in the sauce. This zesty and flavorful sauce is commonly paired with pasta dishes such as penne arrabbiata, adding a bold and invigorating flavor to the meal. With its simple yet robust ingredients, arrabbiata sauce is a favorite among those who enjoy a bit of heat in their culinary creations.

Can You Make Arrabiata Sauce Ahead?

Yes, you can make Arrabiata sauce ahead of time to save time and simplify meal preparation. The spicy tomato-based sauce actually benefits from resting as the flavors have more time to meld together, resulting in a more robust and delicious taste.

Ingredients Of Homemade Arrabiata Sauce

Homemade Arrabiata sauce is a classic Italian sauce known for its spicy kick and rich flavors. To make this delicious sauce, you will need essential ingredient

Extra Virgin Olive Oil ¼ Cup (60 Ml)

Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich and flavorful base to this spicy tomato sauce. Its fruity notes complement the heat of the red chili flakes, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Yellow Onion 1 Cup (140 G)

The yellow onion adds a sweet and savory flavor base to the sauce, while the garlic provides a rich and aromatic element.

Crushed Red Pepper 1-2 Teaspoons

This fiery spice adds the signature heat and kick to the sauce, giving it that characteristic zing that sets it apart from other tomato-based sauces.

Garlic 2 Tablespoons

Garlic adds depth and aroma to the dish. By sautéing minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, you can create a flavorful base for the Arrabiata sauce.

Whole Peeled Tomatoes 28 Oz (794 G)

These tomatoes provide a rich and vibrant flavor base for the sauce, adding a burst of freshness to every bite. By using whole peeled tomatoes, you can control the texture of the sauce to your liking, whether you prefer it chunky or smooth.

Sea Salt ½ Teaspoon

To create this spicy and tangy sauce, you’ll need a few key ingredients, starting with sea salt. Sea salt is essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the other ingredients and adding depth to the overall taste of the sauce.

Cracked Black Pepper ¼ Teaspoon

Cracked black pepper adds a punch of bold flavor and a hint of heat to the dish. The coarse texture of cracked black pepper provides a satisfying crunch and releases its aromatic oils when added to the sauce, enhancing its overall taste profile.

Large Basil Leaves 10

Large basil leaves add a fresh and aromatic flavor profile to the dish. The vibrant green basil leaves not only enhance the visual appeal of the sauce but also contribute a hint of sweetness and peppery undertones that complement the spicy nature of Arrabiata sauce.

Pasta 8 Oz (226 G) For Serving

Once the sauce is ready, toss it with your favorite pasta for a simple yet satisfying meal that is sure to impress your taste buds.

Grated Parmesan Cheese For Serving As per taste 

The sharpness of the Parmesan complements the spiciness of the sauce beautifully, creating a delicious harmony that will elevate your pasta dish to a whole new level.

How to Make Arrabiata Sauce?

• Add the onion and sauté it until it turns transparent after heating the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the crushed red pepper and garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
• Once in the pan, add the tomatoes and use a wooden spoon to break them up into smaller, more manageable pieces. After bringing the sauce to a simmer, reduce the heat and stew it uncovered for about half an hour. When finished, the sauce should have a slight thickening.
• Before adding the fresh basil to the sauce, gently tear it up. Try the seasoning by tasting it and adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.

Arrabiata Sauce vs. Marinara

When it comes to pasta sauces, Arrabiata and Marinara are two popular choices that offer distinct flavors and characteristics. Arrabiata sauce is known for its spicy kick, thanks to the addition of red chili peppers or pepper flakes. This fiery sauce adds a bold and zesty flavor to dishes, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals. 

On the other hand, Marinara sauce is a classic tomato-based sauce that is more mild and versatile. Made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and onions, Marinara sauce offers a rich and savory flavor profile that complements a wide range of pasta dishes. 

Whether you prefer the fiery heat of Arrabiata or the comforting simplicity of Marinara, both sauces have their own unique appeal that can elevate any pasta dish to delicious heights.

Tips For Spicy Italian sauce

• Many arrabiata sauce recipes call for onion, but I think it adds too much sweetness and takes away from the taste of the red pepper flakes. So I decided to leave it out. Include ¼ cup of finely chopped onion if you choose.
• Crushed red pepper flakes should be used gently at first. Two tablespoons is plenty, though that quantity might not be to everyone’s taste. Red chili flakes should be added slowly since once they are in the sauce, they cannot be taken out.
• You can use fresh thyme, fresh oregano, or a variety of other fresh herbs.

• This recipe for arrabbiata sauce is a little thicker, but you could add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a really thick consistency.
• To increase the vegetable content, add spinach or kale at the end. You can also add zucchini and mushrooms at the start of making the sauce.
• To improve the taste profile, cook the garlic in a mixture of olive oil and butter.

How To serve Red Sauce Pasta?

Green Salad: 

You can try this  Vegetarian Pasta Sauce with super Simple Arugula Salad or Lemony Kale salad .

Side Vegetable: 

This Spicy tomato sauce   with hearty vegetables like green beans, cauliflower, and broccoli. You can try Chili and garlic sauce with  Roasted Broccoli, Roasted Green Beans, Roasted Cauliflower , Parmesan Roasted Broccoli with Balsamic Drizzle, or my Best Ever Green Beans.

Drinks: 

A classic aperol spritz or an Americano cocktail are excellent pre-meal drinks or aperitivos. Spicy tomato soups go well with Italian red wines like Primitivo and Sangiovese. Try the Pinot Grigio for a white wine.

Dessert

Try a small, decadent dessert like Lemon Posset, Foolproof Basque Cheesecake, Pots de Crème, or Mini Lava Cakes for Two for dessert after a hot lunch.

Variations of Chili tomato sauce

• Add Red Pepper Flakes Or  Garlic:

To increase the dish’s spiciness, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and/or garlic to your liking.

• Add Some Meat. 

Add the onions and sauté the ground meat, bacon, or pancetta. To make the shrimp, we sauté them and add them to the sauce before the pasta is served. Meatballs cooked in an air fryer are also quite good.

• Use Fresh Tomatoes To Make The Sauce: 

If you have too many fresh Roma tomatoes, you can substitute them with canned tomatoes. Heat a large pot of water to a boil, then briefly submerge the tomatoes in the boiling water until the skins start to separate. Until they are manageable, immerse them in cold water. The tomatoes should first be peeled and corked, then roughly chopped before adding to the pan. You will need about 3½ pounds of tomatoes, which is about 7 to 8 cups of diced tomatoes.

• Add Heavy Cream 

Add a half cup of room temperature heavy cream to the sauce before adding the vinegar, butter, and basil for a creamy arrabbiata.

How to Store Chili and Garlic Sauce?

Refrigerate/Freeze:

Store the cooked pasta and sauce separately in sealed containers in the freezer or refrigerator for best results. You can freeze the sauce for up to six months or keep it in the fridge for three to four days. Pasta that has been cooked can be kept for up to three months in freezer-safe packaging.

Reheat

To acquire the best results, please defrost the sauce before reheating. Cook it in a pot, skillet, or microwave. To reheat frozen pasta without sauce, first bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the frozen pasta to the boiling water, cook for one minute, then drain and serve. This procedure works even when the spaghetti isn’t frozen.

What Pasta Pairs with Arrabiata?

Arrabiata sauce is a spicy tomato sauce that pairs best with pasta shapes that can hold the robust sauce well. Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti are popular choices to pair with Arrabiata due to their nooks and crannies that trap the flavorful sauce. The texture of these pasta shapes complements the spiciness of the Arrabiata sauce, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish. The next time you prepare Arrabiata sauce, consider serving it with penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti for a delicious and well-balanced meal.

FAQ

Why is It Called Arrabiata?

The Italian word “arrabiata” means “angry.” Some folks who enjoy the sauce may go “red in the face.” When you try to consume spicy cuisine and it goes wrong, you can’t disguise your embarrassment.

What Does Arrabbiata Taste Like?

When red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers are added to Arrabbiata sauce, they give it a spicy kick. Usually, the sweetness of tomatoes and the smell of garlic and onion balance out this heat.

What is the Difference Between Arrabiata and Bolognese?

Bolognese and arrabiata are two distinct Italian sauces. Bolognese is a ragu made with ground beef, pig, and pancetta. It cooks gently for hours, resulting in a thick, meaty sauce. Arrabiata is a spicy tomato sauce that is quick to create and contains no meat.

Final Words

Spice up your meals with the bold flavors of homemade arrabiata sauce. This versatile sauce adds a fiery kick to your favorite dishes, making every bite a culinary delight. Whether you drizzle it over pasta or use it as a dip, this homemade arrabiata sauce is sure to impress your taste buds. Embrace the art of homemade cooking and elevate your dishes with this delicious sauce that will leave you craving more. Get ready to tantalize your senses with each savory spoonful of this flavorful arrabiata sauce.