Arrabiata pasta, also known as spicy penne or Italian chili pasta, is a beloved classic that brings a fiery kick to your plate. This bold and tangy dish features al dente pasta tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce seasoned with garlic, chili flakes, and fragrant Italian herbs. Sometimes called pasta all’arrabbiata or simply spicy tomato pasta, It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Arrabiata Pasta Recipe
Arrabbiata / Arrabiata Pasta is one dish which was staying in mind for quite a long time. This pasta has a tomato base but few more herbs and a little extra spice makes it really tasty and kind of addictive.
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About Arrabiata pasta
Arrabiata pasta became popular for its simplicity and bold flavors, quickly winning over food lovers around the world. Growing up, my family cherished this fiery pasta as a comforting meal that could be whipped up in minutes, turning basic pantry ingredients into a delicious feast.
Whether served at a cozy dinner or a lively gathering, its perfect blend of spice, garlic, and herbs never fails to excite the palate and warm the heart.
The sauce for this pasta is really spicy and flavourful with lots of garlic, onions, basil and italian herbs. You can make a bunch of this sauce and keep it fridge for more than a week.
My Other Tomato Based Pasta,
Why this recipe work?
Perfect Balance of Heat and Flavor: The chili flakes add just the right amount of spicy kick, balanced by sweetness from tomatoes and a hint of acidity from lemon juice or vinegar.
Quick and Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together fast, making it ideal for busy weeknights without compromising on taste.
Why I love this recipe - This pasta reheats well and even tastes better the next day, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. I can easily control the spice, making it enjoyable for the whole family, mild for kids, extra chili for spice lovers. When I’m craving something tangy, spicy, and comforting all at once, this recipe hits the spot every time. Whether it’s garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies, this pasta is versatile enough to complement any meal.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level, add vegetables, or use any type of pasta you prefer, making it adaptable to different tastes.
Classic Italian Flavor Profile: The combination of garlic, herbs, and chili is a timeless blend that appeals to many, delivering authentic Italian comfort in every bite.
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Ingredients
Pasta: A versatile base that soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly, providing the satisfying texture and heartiness the dish needs.
Water: Essential for boiling the pasta to the perfect al dente texture.
Salt: Used in both pasta water and sauce to enhance and balance all the flavors.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and depth to the sauce, helping to sauté the aromatics and carry the flavors.
Tomatoes: The star ingredient, offering natural sweetness and acidity that forms the rich, tangy base of the sauce. Tomato Ketchup boosts the tangy sweetness and deepens the tomato flavor in the sauce.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with a pungent, savory aroma that complements the heat of the chili.
Onion: Adds sweetness and body to the sauce when cooked until soft and translucent.
Seasonings - Chili Flakes, salt, sugar, Italian seasoning, basil and pepper powder provides the signature spicy kick that defines the arrabiata flavor.
Lemon Juice or Vinegar: Gives a final touch of acidity, enhancing the overall freshness and depth of the sauce.
Hacks
Use Fresh or Canned Tomatoes: If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, good-quality canned tomatoes work perfectly to create a rich sauce.
Roast Garlic for Milder Flavor: Roasting the garlic before adding it to the sauce softens its pungency and adds a subtle sweetness.
Add Red Pepper Flakes Gradually: Start with less chili and add more as you go to control the spice level exactly how you like it.
Reserve Pasta Water: Keep some pasta cooking water aside and add it to the sauce to help it cling better and create a silky texture.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil or parsley just before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Use Quality Olive Oil: A good extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference in taste, so don’t skip on quality here.
Variations
Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce: A luscious and velvety blend of ripe tomatoes and rich cream, this pasta offers a perfect balance of tangy and smooth flavors that comfort every palate.
Cheese Pasta Recipe: Loaded with melted cheese, this indulgent pasta is a creamy, cheesy delight that’s perfect for quick dinners or cozy nights in.
Desi Vegetable Pasta Recipe: This fusion dish brings together colorful Indian spices and fresh vegetables tossed with pasta, creating a vibrant, flavorful meal with a desi twist.
Eggplant Pasta Recipe: Featuring tender, roasted eggplant pieces, this pasta combines smoky, earthy flavors with tangy tomato sauce for a wholesome, satisfying dish.
Basil Pesto Recipe: A classic Italian sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan, pesto adds a fragrant, herbal punch to any pasta.
Cajun Chicken Pasta: Spicy and smoky Cajun-seasoned chicken paired with creamy pasta makes for a bold, flavorful dish that’s sure to excite your taste buds.
Arrabiata Pasta (Step by Step)
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| Take all your ingredients for the sauce |
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| First take some red ripe tomatoes |
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| make a cross like this |
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| drop them in hot boiling water and let them simmer for 2 mins |
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| now you can see the peel started coming away |
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| remove the tomatoes and drop them in cold water |
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| let them sit for 2 mins |
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| now you can peel off the skin straight away |
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| Take the peeled tomatoes in a blender |
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| puree finely |
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| Heat olive oil in a kadai |
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| Add in lots of chopped garlic |
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| add in chopped onions |
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| cook till it gets light golden |
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| add in tomato puree |
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| mix well and cook |
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| Add in some tomato ketchup |
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| chilli powder |
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| salt, sugar and pepper |
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| some basil |
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| and some italian seasoning cook till oil separates |
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| add in lemon juice and turn off the heat |
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| Now you can see the oil has separated from the mix |
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| sauce done |
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| Now cook pasta in lots of salted boiling water |
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| drop macaroni in |
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| cook till done |
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| drain it |
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| place some pasta in a plate |
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| spoon some sauce over it |
Expert Tips
Use Fresh, Ripe Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes give the sauce a vibrant, natural sweetness that canned tomatoes sometimes lack.
Control the Spice Level: Adjust chili flakes or powder gradually to suit your heat preference without overpowering the dish.
Simmer the Sauce Slowly: Allow the tomato sauce to simmer gently on low heat to deepen the flavors and achieve a rich, well-blended taste.
Add a Pinch of Sugar to Balance Acidity: Tomatoes can be quite acidic, a small pinch of sugar helps mellow the tartness and rounds out the flavor.
Stir Frequently While Cooking Sauce: This prevents the sauce from sticking to the pan and helps develop an even flavor.
Use a Wide Pan for Sauce: A wider pan allows quicker evaporation of excess liquid, giving you a thicker, more concentrated sauce.
Serve with Freshly Grated Parmesan: Topping your Arrabiata pasta with fresh Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, salty contrast to the spicy sauce.
FAQ
1)Can I use any type of pasta for Arrabiata?
Yes, while penne is traditional, you can use macaroni, spaghetti, or any pasta shape you prefer.
2)How spicy is Arrabiata pasta?
The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of chili flakes or powder, making it mild or very spicy according to your taste.
3)Can I make Arrabiata pasta vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan if you skip adding cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives.
4)How long does Arrabiata pasta last?
It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
5)Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
6)What can I serve with Arrabiata pasta?
It pairs well with garlic bread, fresh salads, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
More Pasta Recipes to Try
📖 Recipe Card
Arrabiata Pasta Recipe | Pasta All’arrabbiata
Equipment
- Cooking pot
Ingredients
For Boiling pasta
- 1 cup Dried Pasta
- 6 cups Water
- 1 tbsp Salt
For Sauce
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil - 3 tblspn
- 4 large Tomatoes
- 6 cloves Garlic peeled & chopped finely
- 1 medium Onion peeled & chopped finely
- 1 tbsp Dried Red Chilli Flakes
- ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Tomato Ketchup optional
- 1 tsp Salt or to taste
- ½ tsp Sugar or to taste
- ½ tsp Italian Seasoning
- ½ tsp Dried Basil
- ½ tsp Lemon Juice / Vinegar or to taste
Instructions
- Take some water in a sauce pan and bring it to a boil. Make a plus sign in the bottom of tomatoes and drop it in boiling water. Let it simmer for 2 mins, till you see the peels coming off. Now remove the tomatoes and drop them in cold water. Let it sit for 2 mins or so. Now peel off the skin and take the tomatoes in a blender. Puree them smoothly.
- Heat oil in a kadai. Add in the garlic and onions. Cook till it turns light golden. Now add in the tomato puree and cook till it is cooked. Add in ketchup and other ingredients except lemon juice and cook till oil separates from the mix. Add lemon juice and mix well.Sauce done.
- Meanwhile cook pasta in lots of boiling salted water till it is cooked. Strain and toss with the sauce. Instead of tossing, you can serve some sauce over cooked pasta as well.
Nutrition
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Anonymous
Hi arthi.. Very nice recipe... Love it... Thank u...
Anonymous
its really yummy
durga kalyan
tried this yesterday and it was super tasty.thanks for the recipe.
Parthenonindy Restaurant
This recipe looking so yummy and tempting i will surely try this thanks for sharing this recipes.
https://www.parthenonindy.com
Ambika Rathnam
Can I add nandos peri peri sauce instead of ketchup
Aarthi
@Ambika Rathnamyes u can use..but the flavour will be diff
Anonymous
Looks super delicious. Can't wait to make it. The other day I made the white sauce from your blog and it was so yum! 🙂