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    Cucina by Elena » Recipes » Classic Italian Recipes

    Best Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe (Spicy Spaghetti Sauce)

    Published: Feb 27, 2023 · Modified: Aug 31, 2023 by Elena · 6 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    Best Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe (Spicy Spaghetti Sauce) - or Sugo all’arrabiata in Italian, is made with sweet San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Ready in under 30 minutes!

    Serve with a simple salad and crusty bread to make a complete meal. 

    Best Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe (Spicy Spaghetti Sauce) serving dish and plate with spicy pasta sauce.

    More Italian recipes you will love Authentic Italian Spaghetti alla Puttanesca Recipe, Amatriciana Sauce with Pasta (Bucatini), Pasta Carbonara (no cream), and Broccoli Pasta with Sausage Recipe.

    Best Arrabbiata Sauce

    Spaghetti Arrabbiata is a quick, simple, and delicious pasta cooked in a lip-smacking spicy tomato sauce. It's the perfect pasta recipe with a spicy twist. A must-try pasta recipe.

    The literal translation of sugo all'arrabbiata is” the angry sauce”! The hotness from the red chili flakes might make your face red to look mad, or angry.

    This is the best Arrabbiata sauce. You can adjust the spice level to make this a tomato-based sauce the whole family will love.

    close up of the Best Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe (Spicy Spaghetti Sauce) in a blue and white serving bowl red serving dish with pasta in the background.
    Jump to:
    • Best Arrabbiata Sauce
    • Simple Ingredients
    • How to Make Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe (Spicy Spaghetti Sauce) with Step-by-Step Photos
    • Best Pasta for Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe
    • What Canned Tomatoes Are Best for Arrabiata Sauce
    • Variations
    • Top tips
    • FAQs
    • What to Serve with Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe (Spicy Spaghetti Sauce)
    • Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe (Spicy Spaghetti Sauce)

    Simple Ingredients

    Making this classic Italian pasta dish only takes a few essential ingredients. You likely have everything in your pantry to make this tonight.

    ingredient shot for recipe
    • Spaghetti or pasta of choice, read why Cheap vs. Expensive Pasta (Why Pasta Quality Matters!)
    • Cloves garlic
    • Red pepper flakes or fresh hot peppers (add more or less depending on personal taste)
    • San Marzano Tomatoes, whole
    • Extra virgin olive oil
    • Sea salt to taste
    • Fresh basil (you can also use fresh Italian parsley)
    • Optional- Freshly grated Parmigiano cheese or parmesan cheese for topping

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    How to Make Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe (Spicy Spaghetti Sauce) with Step-by-Step Photos

    process for how to make Best Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe (Spicy Spaghetti Sauce)- adding chili and garlic to the oil.
    1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, whole chili peppers, or chili pepper flakes, and heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. 
    process for how to make Best Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe (Spicy Spaghetti Sauce)- sauce cooking in pan

    1. Add the canned tomatoes. Crush the whole tomatoes with the side of a wooden spoon. You can also break them up before adding them to the pan. Cook on low for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens—season with a pinch of salt. 
    2. Bring water to a boil in a 6 qt. pot. Season with salt. Add the spaghetti and give it a quick stir with your favorite pasta tool. 
    process for how to make Best Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe (Spicy Spaghetti Sauce)- mixing pasta in pan with the spicy sauce

    Drain the spaghetti when cooked to al dente according to package instructions, drain, and toss quickly in the saucepan. toss the Spaghetti Arrabiata Pasta for 3 to 4 minutes until the spaghetti is well coated with the pasta sauce. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and serve garnished with fresh basil and cheese, if desired. Serve hot!

    Best Pasta for Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe

    A long pasta shape is traditionally served with arrabbiata sauce (the most popular spicy spaghetti). You can use your favorite pasta shape and change depending on your preference. Try it with whole-wheat spaghetti!

    • Angel Hair
    • Bucatini
    • Spaghetti
    • Fettucini
    • Linguine

    Short pasta varieties like penne also work with this simple pasta sauce recipe.

    What Canned Tomatoes Are Best for Arrabiata Sauce

    For this recipe, we use the best canned tomatoes we can find. Picked at the peak of ripeness and properly packaged, the good canned tomatoes are perfect for this classic Italian tomato sauce recipe.

    Don't use a brand that uses a lot of citric acids to preserve freshness- or it can make the sauce acidic. Add a teaspoon of sugar if you end up with a little acidic sauce.

    I like to use whole tomatoes, such as San Marzano. Whole tomatoes are less processed since they aren't diced or crushed by a machine. Use the best quality tomatoes for this easy homemade tomato sauce, and you will use this sauce on and with everything. Try it with Easy Italian Style Nachos (sheet pan).

    Best Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe (Spicy Spaghetti Sauce) on a plate with a fork in it.

    Canned Tomato Brands I Recommend

    You can use whole peeled, crushed, petite diced, or a mix! You can use a variety of Italian tomatoes or locally sourced ones in the area where you live. Quality is the canned tomatoes is the secret ingredient to the best arrabbiata sauce recipe. You can find most of these at your local grocery store or order here:

    •  Bianco DiNapoli Organic Whole Peeled Tomatoes 
    •  Cento Italian Style Peeled Tomatoes 
    • Dellalo San Marzano (DOP) Whole Peeled Tomatoes
    •  Muir Glen Organic
    • Mutti Peeled Whole Tomatoes

    If you want to read more in-depth about canned tomatoes, the NY Times published a great article.

    *contains affiliate links

    close up of the Best Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe (Spicy Spaghetti Sauce) in a blue and white serving bowl.

    Variations

    If this is your first time making the arrabbiata sauce- try it the traditional Italian way. You can try these versions the next time.

    • Shortcut- garlic powder, chili powder, and onion powder. I never use them, but if you have them on hand and want to save time, you can add that instead of fresh or whole variety.
    • Make it a meaty spaghetti sauce by adding ground beef or pork, similar to Classic Italian Ragu Recipe (Meat Sauce).
    • Peppers- although not traditional, you can add some small diced orange peppers or green peppers.
    • Onion- You can add half of a medium onion, diced, to this recipe if you like. You will cook it for about 8 minutes in the extra virgin olive oil before adding the garlic and other ingredients.
    • Fresh Herbs - add a couple of bay leaves while the sauce is simmering.
    • Extra Spicy- Add a touch of hot sauce to really send you through the rough with this spicy sauce!
    close up of the Best Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe (Spicy Spaghetti Sauce) in a blue and white serving bowl.

    Top tips

    • Cook Pasta Perfectly. Salt the water to flavor the pasta from the inside out. Only cook until al dente. Read:  How Long to Boil Spaghetti Pasta Perfectly Every Time. 
    • Finish cooking the pasta in the pan and toss it with the warm sauce.

    FAQs

    What's the difference between marinara and arrabbiata sauce?

    The main difference between marinara sauce and arrabbiata sauce is the spice level. Traditional Italian red sauce does not have any hot peppers. Arrabbiata sauce has plenty of spice!

    What does arrabbiatta sauce taste like?

    Arrabbiata sauce tastes similar to a classic Italian tomato sauce, with chili flakes, red chili peppers, or dried chilis to kick it up a notch and add spice. You can use this spicy tomato sauce for pasta, meats, and fish.

    Can you make arrabbiata sauce with fresh tomatoes?

    You can make arrabbiata sauce using fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes. Use about 500 grams of fresh tomatoes, finely chopped, and add them when you add the canned tomatoes to this recipe. Enjoy!

    What is Arrabbiata Sauce

    A classic Roman pasta dish, spaghetti all'arrabbiata is enjoyed in all regions of Italy. It is a spicy version ofthe Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce Recipe (Sugo al Pomodoro). Arrabbiata means 'angry' in Italian, referring to the sauce made with tomatoes and hot red chili peppers that pack a spicy punch.

    You will also love- Italian Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe (Tomato Cream), Marinara Sauce Recipe, and Spaghetti alla Nerano Recipe.

    What to Serve with Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe (Spicy Spaghetti Sauce)

    Serve spicy arrabbiata sauce with pasta or meat, fish, or fresh crusty bread.

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    Make sure to leave a ⭐️star rating on the recipe card and comment below if you make the recipe. I love to connect with you through my recipes.

    I would love for you to tag me on Instagram @cucinabyelena so I can see your delicious Italian recipes. To get more ideas, follow me on Pinterest.

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    Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe (Spicy Spaghetti Sauce)

    ★★★★★

    5 from 3 reviews

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    Best Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe (Spicy Spaghetti Sauce) - or Sugo all’arrabiata in Italian, is made with sweet San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Ready in under 30 minutes!

    • Total Time: 25 minutes
    • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 1 lb spaghetti or pasta of choice
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
    • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes or whole chili pepper
    • 1- 28 oz can of San Marzano Tomatoes, whole
    • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • sea salt to taste
    • 8 leaves of fresh basil, torn (can also use fresh Italian parsley)
    • Optional- Freshly grated Parmigiano cheese or parmesan cheese for topping

    Instructions

    1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, whole chili peppers, or chili pepper flakes, and heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. 
    2. Add the canned tomatoes. Crush the whole tomatoes with the side of a wooden spoon. You can also break them up before adding them to the pan. Cook on low for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens—season with a pinch of salt. 
    3. Bring water to a boil in a 6 qt. pot. Season with salt. Add the spaghetti and give it a quick stir with your favorite pasta tool. 
    4. Drain the spaghetti when cooked to al dente according to package instructions, drain, and toss quickly in the saucepan. toss the Spaghetti Arrabiata Pasta for 3 to 4 minutes until the spaghetti is well coated with the pasta sauce. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and serve garnished with fresh basil and cheese, if desired. Serve hot!

    Notes

    Cook Pasta Perfectly. Make sure to salt the water to flavor the pasta from the inside out. Only cook until al dente. Read:  How Long to Boil Spaghetti Pasta Perfectly Every Time. 

    • Author: Elena Davis
    • Prep Time: 5 min
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Category: Savory
    • Method: Italian
    • Cuisine: Italian

    Keywords: arrabbiata sauce, spicy tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce, red pepper flakes, Italian pasta recipe

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cucinabyelena on Instagram when you make the recipe! I would love to see it. Don't forget to leave a STAR RATING and REVIEW on this post. Thank you!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Stephanie Jimenez says

      September 02, 2023 at 9:16 am

      I made this last night. The kids are silently around the table (always a great sign). Even the picky eaters enjoyed it! I will definitely make it again. It’s so much better than anything store-bought.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        September 04, 2023 at 7:50 pm

        Yes! Silence and eating is always a great sign it is yummy! Happy everyone loved it.

        Reply
    2. Erin says

      May 21, 2023 at 8:45 pm

      This sauce was so good and so quick and easy. Pretty spicy but I loved the spice.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        May 22, 2023 at 11:02 am

        Yes, this sauce has a kick! Happy you loved it.

        Reply
    3. Jeffrey Howard Brown says

      February 28, 2023 at 1:45 pm

      Excellent recipe just like my Nona's (Cefalu, Sicily). I used Calabrian chili peppers, Sicilian sweet Basil (fresh from my garden), Parmesan Reggiano from Parma and Cento's San Marzano tomatoes. What could go wrong? I made some homemade and oven baked Sicilian style meat balls (with raisins) to serve on the side. I used bronze cut Ronzoni Bucatini pasta.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        February 28, 2023 at 2:12 pm

        Your meal sounds like a dream right now! I am happy you loved the arrabbiata sauce- It's a favorite. I tone down the spice level for my children, and they love it too!

        Reply

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    Ciao! I'm Elena. Welcome to my cucina (kitchen). I was born in Italy and grew up spending my summers on the beaches of Sardegna cooking, eating, and sharing tasty Italian meals. Here you will find trusted, achievable, and delicious Italian (and more) recipes that highlight fresh ingredients with a simple process.

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