SPICY ARRABBIATA SPAGHETTI
Spicy arrabbiata spaghetti is a fiery, flavour-packed Italian dish that combines the richness of crushed tomatoes with the heat of red chilli flakes and the aromatic depth of garlic. “Arrabbiata” translates to “angry” in Italian, reflecting the spicy kick that makes this dish stand out. This simple yet bold sauce coats every strand of spaghetti, creating a well-balanced harmony between heat, acidity and umami. The use of olive oil adds a silky finish, enhancing the depth of the sauce. Perfect for spice lovers, this dish is easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, making it an excellent choice for a quick yet satisfying meal. Whether served as a standalone dish or paired with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad, spicy arrabbiata spaghetti delivers an authentic Italian experience with a delightful, fiery twist.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Italian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Boil, Sauté, Simmer
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Weeknight Dinner, Comfort Food, Family Meal
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, Vegetarian, High Fibre, Quick & Easy
DISH TYPE
Pasta
INGREDIENTS
The list of ingredients for spicy arrabbiata spaghetti is given below:
- 50g spaghetti, cooked
- 100g crushed tomatoes
- ½ garlic clove, minced
- ¼ tsp red chilli flakes
- 1 tsp olive oil
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Fibre: 5g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Sugar: 5g
PREPARATION
- Cook The Spaghetti: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the spaghetti, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
- Heat The Olive Oil: In a pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil for about 30 seconds.
- Sauté The Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add The Crushed Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, allowing them to simmer for 2-3 minutes to develop flavour.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle in the red chilli flakes, stirring to distribute the heat evenly. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Combine The Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan, tossing well to coat with the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Season And Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh basil or a drizzle of extra olive oil.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
10 minutes
TIPS FOR SPICY ARRABBIATA SPAGHETTI
- Use High-Quality Tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes provide a richer, more authentic flavour.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Add more or less chilli flakes depending on your heat preference.
- Don’t Burn The Garlic: Cook it just until fragrant to avoid a bitter taste.
- Enhance The Flavour: A splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar can balance the acidity.
- Perfect Pasta Texture: Reserve pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and coat the spaghetti evenly.
VARIATIONS
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein.
- Cheesy Twist: Top with grated parmesan or vegan cheese for added richness.
- Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh basil, oregano or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Smoky Depth: Replace red chilli flakes with smoked paprika for a milder, smoky heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti to accommodate dietary needs.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water to restore moisture.
- Freezing: The sauce can be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and heat before adding freshly cooked pasta.
- Meal Prep: Prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately for quick meals throughout the week.