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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    The Ultimate Spaghetti Arrabiata Recipe

    by Oscar Chimenti, Last Modified: February 16, 2023 This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links. See the Disclosure Policy linked in my footer.

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    skillet with spaghetti arrabiata next to a dish with spaghetti.

    Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this fiery Spaghetti Arrabiata recipe! Perfectly al dente pasta tossed in a bold tomato sauce infused with garlic and red chili pepper flakes. Bring the heat to your plate tonight.

    Make this spaghetti arrabbiata pasta recipe with your favorite pasta noodles, traditional, low carb or keto. I will give you all the options down below.

    bowl with spaghetti arrabiata garnished with parmesan and basil leaves. this recipe
    Jump To:
    • Why is it called spaghetti arrabiata or sugo all'arrabiata?
    • Why you'll love this spaghetti arrabbiata recipe?
    • Ingredients Used in this Recipe
    • Steps by step instructions
    • Other pasta recipes you might enjoy
    • What type of pasta can I use for this spaghetti arrabbiata recipe?
    • Recipe tips
    • How to store leftovers?
    • What to serve with spaghetti arrabiata?
    • Vegan Dairy Free
    • Frequently asked questions
    • The Ultimate Spaghetti Arrabiata Recipe

    We make this traditional Italian spicy pasta with a quick and easy homemade pasta sauce that only takes a few minutes to prepare.

    Why is it called spaghetti arrabiata or sugo all'arrabiata?

    Arrabiata in Italian means "angry". So the transition would be angry spaghetti because the sauce in this dish is spicy (pushed to excess).

    In fact, I remember as a child when we would shake a soda can and then open it and it explodes, my mother would use the word "arrabiata" to describe it.

    Some spell the word as arrabiata and some spell it with two B's as arrabbiata. I will use them interchangeably.

    Why you'll love this spaghetti arrabbiata recipe?

    • It's a super quick and easy recipe with only 7 ingredients you can make in 30 minutes.
    • You can make it with a variety of pasta noodles including zucchini noodles, edamame and spaghetti squash.
    • Like it extra hot or milder? Use more or less of the chili pepper flakes in this recipe.
    • A restaurant-style recipe made with simple ingredients. Trust me, you will be surprised how good this spaghetti arrabbiata sauce really is.
    • Can easily be made for two or for a crowd, especially those late-night parties.
    bowl with spaghetti arrabiata garnished with parmesan and basil leaves.

    Ingredients Used in this Recipe

    Made with extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, red pepper flakes and basil, this arrabiata sauce will be your go-to recipe when you need something quick yet super delicious in a pinch.

    • Crushed Tomatoes: when you want to make a quick fresh flavored sauce, crushed tomatoes are the way to go.
    • Spaghetti: Use your favorite noodles, I used a low-carb spaghetti by Ciao Carb, see below for noodle options.
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: use the most flavorful and highest quality of olive oil you can afford.
    • Fresh Garlic: giving the sauce that mild pungent, soft, sweet buttery flavor you can only get from fresh minced garlic.
    • Red Pepper Flakes: the red chili flakes give this arrabiata sauce its fiery kick.
    • Fresh Basil: this is a must for this spaghetti arrabbiata recipe or any red pasta sauce. The fresh basil gives it a beautiful aromatic flavor that hits all the flavor notes in this recipe.
    • Oregano
    • Salt and Black pepper to taste.

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    Steps by step instructions

    How to make spaghetti arrabiata?

    STEP 1: First cook pasta according to the package instructions. When straining the noodles, just be sure not to strain the water too much if using dry spaghetti as you want some of that pasta water to remain with the spaghetti.

    If you are using zucchini or spaghetti squash you won't need to strain them. Set the noodles aside for now.

    STEP 2: In a large skillet over medium heat add the 1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and let it warm up a bit. Then add the freshly minced garlic. Stir and saute until the garlic has softened. Reduce the heat if needed, be careful not to burn the garlic as it will become bitter.

    Take the skillet off the stove if it becomes too hot and reduce the heat, then place the skillet back on the element.

    garlic and oil in a skillet with a wooden spoon.

    STEP 3: reduce the heat to medium/low and add the crushed tomatoes. Stir and allow to simmer for 10 minutes.

    tomato sauce in a skillet pan.
    • STEP 4: Stir in the oregano, crushed red pepper flakes and fresh basil leaves.
    tomato sauce in a skillet with fresh basil.

    STEP 5: Toss in your spaghetti noodles and mix until the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce.

    spaghetti in a skillet with a spoon.

    STEP 5: Top with freshly grated parmesan and more freshly chopped basil. Salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

    spaghetti arrabiata in a skillet garnished with grated parmesan and basil.

    Other pasta recipes you might enjoy

    • Baked Goat Cheese Pasta
    • Healthy Taco Pasta
    • Thai Chicken Curry Pasta
    • Low Carb Zucchini Pasta
    • Keto Carbonara with Pancetta
    • Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole

    What type of pasta can I use for this spaghetti arrabbiata recipe?

    Really any noodles, shapes and sizes will do the trick but for this recipe, I enjoy spaghetti-shaped noodles. I am picturing Lady and the Tramp here. Ok, not really but there is something romantic about twirling that spaghetti around a fork and then using the "shovel and slurp" technique just to make it all more enjoyable and fun to eat.

    I used a low-carb spaghetti called Ciao Carb which to me is the closest thing to traditional spaghetti but contains fewer carbs.

    Here are some different types of spaghetti-style noodles I would use in this recipe.

    • Traditional dry spaghetti noodles (if you aren't concerned about the carbs)
    • Edamame Noodles
    • Great Low Carb Spaghetti Noodles
    • Palmini Anger Hair Pasta
    • Low carb dry spaghetti noodles like Ciao Carb or P2 EatSmart.
    • Zucchini Noodles
    • Spaghetti Squash
    skillet with spaghetti arrabiata next to a dish with spaghetti and a parmesan brick and grater.

    Recipe tips

    Top Tip: allow the sauce to simmer for at least 10 minutes or longer. If you want to get more flavor penetrating the pasta, remove it from boiling a few minutes early and allow it to finish getting to al dente simmering in the sauce.

    How to store leftovers?

    Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I prefer to fry the cold leftover pasta when reheating, the spaghetti gets a little crispy and then I top it off with grated parmesan, it's delicious.

    You can also reheat it in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes on high.

    What to serve with spaghetti arrabiata?

    Here are a few recipes to serve with this arrabiata sauce recipe:

    • Panzanella Salad
    • Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus
    • Low Carb Arancini Balls
    • Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
    • Ricotta Balls
    skillet with spaghetti arrabiata next to a dish with spaghetti.

    Vegan Dairy Free

    Omit the grated parmesan and sprinkle with nutritional yeast to keep this dish vegan and dairy free.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I use other shapes of pasta with this recipe?

    Yes, feel free to use any shapes your heart desires.

    How many carbs per serving is in this pasta recipe?

    The nutrition breakdown for this recipe will depend on the type of spaghetti you use. In the recipe card below I provide the nutrition for the Ciab Carb pasta that I used. The total carbs per serving with the pasta and sauce were 34g.

    Is this recipe keto friendly?

    This recipe can be keto friendly if you reduce the serving size or if you choose a noodle that is lower in carbs like zucchini or spaghetti squash.

    skillet with spaghetti arrabiata next to a dish with spaghetti and a parmesan brick and grater.
    bowl with spaghetti arrabiata garnished with parmesan and basil leaves next to a cheese grater and parmesan.

    The Ultimate Spaghetti Arrabiata Recipe

    Oscar
    Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this fiery Spaghetti Arrabiata recipe! Perfectly al dente pasta tossed in a bold tomato sauce infused with garlic and red pepper flakes. Bring the heat to your plate tonight.
    5 from 29 votes
    Print Pin This Recipe
    Prep Time : 10 mins
    Cook Time : 20 mins
    Total Time : 30 mins
    Course : Main Course
    Cuisine : American, Italian
    Diet : Diabetic
    Servings : 2 people
    Calories : 212

    Equipment

    • Large Skillet

    Ingredients
      

    • 100 g dry spaghetti use your preferred noodles of choice
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 10 oz crushed tomatoes
    • ¼ teaspoon oregano
    • ¼ teaspoon chili pepper flakes use more or less according to your preference
    • 6 basil leaves rolled and sliced in to strips (chiffonade)
    • ¼ cup grated parmesan
    Get the New E-bookCheck out Low Carb Comfort Food!

    Instructions
     

    • Cook pasta according to the type of spaghetti you are using.
      100 g dry spaghetti
    • In a large skillet over medium heat add the extra virgin olive oil. Once warm add the minced garlic and saute until softened.
      1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cloves garlic
    • Add the crushed tomatoes and allow to simmer over medium low heat for 10 minutes.
      10 oz crushed tomatoes
    • Stir in the oregano, red pepper flakes and fresh basil.
      ¼ teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon chili pepper flakes, 6 basil leaves
    • Add the spaghetti into the pan and stir through until the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce.
    • Top with grated parmesan. Salt and pepper to taste
      ¼ cup grated parmesan
    • Garnish with freshly chopped basil if desired. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    Nutritional information will change depending on the type of pasta you use for this recipe.
    Top Tip: allow the sauce to simmer for at least 10 minutes or longer. If you want to get more flavor penetrating the pasta, remove it from boiling a few minutes early and allow it to finish getting to al dente simmering in the sauce.

    This recipe card provides the basic details to make this recipe. For more information, questions or variations please review the content above the recipe card.

    Updates and Revisions

    If conflicting information between the video and recipe card, the recipe card will always have the most up to date information, ingredients and instructions.

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutritional Information

    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 1g
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    Food safety

    • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooked food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more food guidelines

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    I am a Type 2 Diabetic and enjoy creating low-carb and diabetic-friendly recipes that are good for you! All recipes are developed to help you make great food without the highs and lows of diabetes.

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