Italian arrabbiata sauce is a flavorful tomato-based sauce with a spicy kick from the addition of plenty of crushed red pepper flakes! It's a fantastic sauce to use with so many dishes - or to take your spaghetti night to the next level! It's simple to make and oh-so delicious!
Heat a large pot with the olive oil to medium. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the diced onion and saute for 4-5 minutes or until translucent.
2 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ cup yellow onion
Add the minced garlic, salt & pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes and continue sauteing for a minute. Stir the tomato paste into the sauteed onion and garlic and continue to stir until the paste turns a deeper red color, about 2 minutes.
1 tablespoon garlic, ¼ teaspoon each, salt & pepper, 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes, 2 tablespoon tomato paste
Transfer peeled tomatoes into the pan, then crush and break them apart as they cook using a wooden spoon or spatula. Add in the crushed tomatoes, stir, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
3 ½ cups tomatoes, 2 cups crushed tomatoes
Stir in the herbs (basil and oregano) and continue simmering for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed, then remove from heat and allow to cool.
¼ cup basil, 2 tablespoon oregano
Notes
If you accidentally overdo it on the spicy red peppers, add tomatoes. Tomatoes are neutral and will help dilute the spice. They will need to be cooked down in order to blend with the rest of the sauce. Or, if you’re in a time crunch, just add a bit of plain tomato sauce. It will work to the same effect. Read my post on how to fix too much pepper.
To thicken your sauce, simmer it longer. It’s very difficult–if not impossible–to overcook this sauce. As long as you're simmering it over low heat, adding cook time will only aid in thickening it and developing the flavor.
Arrabbiata sauce can be used for more than just pasta! Try spreading it on a meatball sub with mozzarella. Use it as a dipping sauce for toasted ravioli or mozzarella sticks. Make pizza bread. Be creative! It’s a very versatile sauce.