Introduction
Spaghetti Arrabbiata is a classic Italian dish that boasts a rich and spicy tomato sauce. Originating from the region of Lazio, specifically Rome, this dish is known for its simple yet robust flavor profile. The combination of garlic, chili peppers, and tomatoes creates a delightful balance of heat and taste that appeals to spicy food lovers. Here is a detailed recipe to guide you through the preparation of this flavorful dish.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound (16 ounces) spaghetti
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion or shallot, diced
4-6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
2-3 fresh chili peppers (such as cherry peppers), seeded and finely chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped (plus more for garnish)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Instructions
1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion, sliced garlic, and chopped chili peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Be cautious to prevent the garlic from burning.
2. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps to deepen the flavor of the sauce.
3. Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
6. Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with additional fresh basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Spaghetti Arrabbiata!
This recipe offers a delightful balance of heat and flavor, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a spicy kick in their meals.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion, sliced garlic, and chopped chili peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Be cautious to prevent the garlic from burning.
Add Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps to deepen the flavor of the sauce.
Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasonings
Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Serve
Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with additional fresh basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Spaghetti Arrabbiata!
Notes
Adjust Spice Level
The number of chili peppers can be altered based on your heat preference. Start with one if you prefer a milder dish and add more to taste.
Fresh Herbs
Using fresh basil adds a bright flavor, but you can substitute with dried herbs if fresh ones are not available. Just use about a teaspoon of dried basil.
Pasta Cooking Water
The reserved pasta water contains starch that helps to bind the sauce and pasta together. Use it sparingly to avoid making the dish too watery.
Cheese Variation
While Parmesan is traditional, feel free to experiment with other grated cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead
The sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. Just reheat before adding it to freshly cooked pasta.
Cook Techniques
Sautéing Aromatics
In a skillet, use medium-low heat to warm olive oil before adding diced onion, sliced garlic, and chopped chili peppers. Cook while stirring frequently until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Cooking Tomato Paste
After sautéing, stir in tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes. This step enhances the sauce’s overall flavor by releasing the paste’s natural sugars.
Simmering the Sauce
Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper to the sauté. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
Cooking Pasta
Meanwhile, boil salted water and cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
After thickening the sauce, stir in fresh basil and combine the drained spaghetti with the sauce. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
Serving the Dish
Divide the spaghetti into serving plates and garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for optimal taste.
FAQ
Can I adjust the spice level of Spaghetti Arrabbiata?
Yes, you can increase or decrease the number of chili peppers based on your spice preference.
What type of pasta can I use instead of spaghetti?
While spaghetti is traditional, you may substitute with other types of pasta such as penne or linguine.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for the sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to peel and crush them, approximately four cups should be equivalent to a 28-ounce can.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for Parmesan cheese?
Yes, you can use nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese substitute.
Conclusion
Spaghetti Arrabbiata is a simple yet delicious dish that brings a wonderful blend of heat and flavor to your dining experience. Its spicy tomato sauce, combined with the perfect pasta, creates a satisfying meal that is quickly prepared and sure to impress. Whether enjoyed on a cozy night in or served to guests, this dish captures the essence of Italian cuisine and invites you to savor every bite.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Penne all’Arrabbiata
Replace spaghetti with penne for a variation that holds the sauce beautifully, providing an equally spicy and delightful experience.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
For a simpler, garlic-based option, sauté garlic in olive oil with red pepper flakes for a quick and flavor-packed meal, perfect for garlic lovers.
Spaghetti with Meatballs
Add homemade or store-bought meatballs to your Arrabbiata sauce for a hearty twist that combines spice and savory meat flavors.
Vegetable Arrabbiata
Incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the sauce for added nutrition and flavors.
Seafood Arrabbiata
Introduce shrimp or calamari into the sauce for a delicious surf-and-turf take on the traditional Arrabbiata, perfect for seafood enthusiasts.
Arrabbiata Pizza
Use the spicy tomato sauce as a base for pizza, topped with cheese, fresh basil, and your favorite toppings for a unique Italian-inspired feast.
