Ingredients

½ medium onion (finely chopped)

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

4 garlic cloves (crushed or minced)

1 fresh cayenne chili pepper (chopped, remove seeds if less heat is desired)

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomato

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

¼ teaspoon black pepper

6-8 basil leaves (chopped)

8-12 ounces pasta of choice

Freshly grated Parmigiano cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until the onion is golden on the edges.

Step 2: Add the crushed or minced garlic, chopped cayenne chili pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until the edges of the garlic start to turn golden. Then pour in the crushed tomato, season generously with salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, partially cover with a lid, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: While the sauce simmers, fill a large pot about two-thirds full with water. Season it generously with salt and add the pasta. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the simmering sauce along with ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir in the chopped basil leaves and increase the heat. Toss the pasta in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with extra chopped basil or parsley and freshly grated Parmigiano cheese if desired. Enjoy your spicy and comforting Pasta Arrabbiata!

Tips & Variations

If you prefer a milder sauce, omit the fresh cayenne pepper and reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

For extra depth, add a splash of red wine to the sauce before simmering.

Try using different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni to hold the sauce well.

Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?

Yes, you can use dried basil if fresh is not available. Use about one-third the amount of dried basil, adding it during the sauce simmering step for best flavor.

What type of pasta works best for Arrabbiata sauce?

Penne is traditionally used for Arrabbiata as its ridges hold the spicy sauce well. However, any pasta shape you like, such as spaghetti or rigatoni, will work perfectly.