Introduction
If you’re craving a spicy and flavorful pasta dish, look no further than this delicious Arrabiata sauce recipe. Featuring a perfect blend of garlic, chili, and crushed tomatoes, it pairs beautifully with penne or ziti pasta. This dish is simple, fresh, and can be customized to suit your heat preference.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Cups:
– 400g/14oz penne or ziti, or other pasta of choice (short or long)
– 1 tbsp cooking/kosher salt, for cooking pasta
ARRABIATA SAUCE:
– 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
– 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
– 1 red cayenne pepper chili, finely chopped (with seeds)
– 1/2 tsp chili flakes (red pepper flakes)
– 800g/28 oz canned crushed tomato
– 1 1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp white sugar, only if needed
SERVING:
– Parmesan, finely grated
– 2 tsp finely chopped parsley, optional
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
To prepare this dish, start by sautéing the garlic in olive oil until fragrant, followed by adding the cayenne pepper and chili flakes. Then, incorporate the canned crushed tomatoes, seasoning, and let it all simmer. While the sauce cooks, boil the pasta in salted water. Reserve some pasta water for the final toss to create a perfect sauce consistency. Serve hot with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and parsley for a delightful meal. Enjoy the burst of flavors that this Arrabiata sauce brings to your plate!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Sauté
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and stir for about 10 seconds. Then, add the finely chopped cayenne pepper and chilli flakes. Cook the mixture for 1 minute, or until the garlic turns light golden.
Add Tomato Mixture
Incorporate the canned crushed tomatoes, cooking salt, and black pepper into the pot. Rinse the tomato cans with some water and add that water into the pot as well.
Simmer
Increase the heat to high and stir the contents. Once the mixture comes to a simmer, reduce the heat back to medium. Allow it to simmer for 15 minutes. At the 10-minute mark, check the taste. If the sauce is too sour, add the white sugar as needed.
Cook Pasta
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of cooking salt. After the water has reached a boil, add the pasta and cook according to the package directions.
Save Water
Just before draining the pasta, stir the pot vigorously to agitate the starch. Scoop out 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water and set it aside. Then drain the pasta.
Toss
Add the cooked pasta to the pot with the sauce, along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Toss the mixture well on the stove until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Use additional pasta cooking water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Serve
Divide the pasta mixture between bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with finely grated parmesan and optional finely chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Spiciness
This dish has a fair kick to it, classified as medium to medium-hot. To reduce the spiciness, you can de-seed the cayenne pepper, which contains most of the heat. For a milder version, omit the cayenne pepper entirely and start with a small amount of chilli flakes. Gradually add more to suit your taste during the simmering process.
Cayenne Pepper Information
Cayenne peppers are large red chillis that are not overly spicy. Generally, smaller chillis are spicier, so keep that in mind when selecting your ingredients.
Sugar in Sauce
As the sweetness of canned tomatoes can vary, only use the sugar if the sauce needs balancing. Higher quality canned tomatoes will naturally have a sweeter flavor.
Pasta Cooking Water
Reserving and using the pasta cooking water is an essential step. The starch in the water helps the sauce thicken and adhere to the pasta, preventing it from sitting in a watery pool at the bottom of the bowl.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add finely minced garlic, stirring for about 10 seconds before adding cayenne and chili flakes.
Simmering
Once the sauce is at a simmer, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Taste it after 10 minutes and adjust with sugar if it’s too sour.
Cooking Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook according to package instructions.
Reserving Pasta Water
Before draining the pasta, stir the pot to agitate the starch, then scoop out 1 cup of the cooking water for later use.
Tossing
Combine the drained pasta with the sauce and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Toss on the stove until well coated, adding more water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Serving
Divide the pasta into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with finely grated parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
FAQ
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any short or long pasta of your choice, such as spaghetti, fusilli, or farfalle.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
To reduce spiciness, deseed the cayenne pepper or start with a smaller amount of chili flakes and adjust to taste as the sauce simmers.
What should I do if my sauce tastes too sour?
If the sauce is sour, you can add a small amount of sugar to balance the acidity.
Why should I reserve pasta cooking water?
The starches in the reserved pasta cooking water help the sauce thicken and adhere better to the pasta, creating a more cohesive dish.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Conclusion
This Arrabiata Pasta dish is a delightful blend of spicy and savory flavors that bring comfort with every bite. The combination of garlic, cayenne pepper, and crushed tomatoes creates a rich sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. Whether enjoyed on a busy weeknight or for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please.
Pasta Primavera
Mix pasta with a variety of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots for a fresh twist.
Pasta with Pesto
Combine cooked pasta with homemade or store-bought basil pesto, adding cherry tomatoes and pine nuts for added texture.
Mac and Cheese
Create a creamy cheese sauce using cheddar and mozzarella mixed with pasta, topped with breadcrumbs and baked for a crispy finish.
Carbonara
Toss pasta with a rich sauce made from eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper for a classic Italian dish.
Seafood Pasta
Add shrimp or scallops to the sauce along with the pasta for a luxurious seafood-infused meal.
Vegetarian Bolognese
Substitute meat with lentils or grated vegetables to create a hearty, meat-free version of the classic Bolognese sauce.
Alfredo Pasta
Prepare a creamy alfredo sauce with butter, cream, and parmesan cheese to create a rich and satisfying dish.
