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Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe

4.8 from 99 reviews

A classic Italian Arrabbiata sauce featuring a spicy kick from red pepper flakes, simmered slowly with garlic, onions, and fresh basil for a rich, flavorful tomato sauce perfect for pasta or dipping.

Ingredients

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Arrabbiata Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, minced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn

Instructions

  1. Infuse oil: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the red pepper flakes and let them infuse the oil for about 2 minutes to release their spicy flavor.
  2. Sauté onion: Add the minced onion to the pan and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Add tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the whole peeled tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon. Season with salt and optional sugar to balance acidity.
  4. Simmer sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 30-40 minutes until it thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Stir basil: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the torn fresh basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately with your favorite pasta or as a dipping sauce.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
  • The optional sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes but can be omitted if you prefer a more tangy sauce.
  • Use fresh basil for the best flavor, adding it at the end to keep its vibrant aroma.
  • This sauce pairs well with penne pasta or as a spicy dip for breadsticks.
  • Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: Arrabbiata sauce, spicy tomato sauce, Italian pasta sauce, easy sauce recipe, spicy pasta sauce