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Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta with Bold Heat

A close-up of Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta with Bold Heat, coated in a rich tomato sauce and garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring a spicy tomato sauce with a kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ยฝ medium onion, finely chopped
  • ยผ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed or minced
  • 1 fresh cayenne chili pepper, chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
  • ยฝ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomato
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ยผ teaspoon black pepper
  • 68 basil leaves, chopped
  • 812 ounces pasta of choice
  • Freshly grated Parmigiano cheese, optional

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden on the edges.
  2. Add garlic, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sautรฉ for 30 seconds until garlic begins to turn golden.
  3. Pour in crushed tomato and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower heat, partially cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the sauce along with ยฝ cup of reserved pasta water and chopped basil.
  6. Increase heat and mix pasta into the sauce for 2-3 minutes until flavors combine.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil, parsley, or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • For less heat, remove the seeds from the cayenne pepper.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
  • Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce to the pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta, Bold Heat Pasta, Quick Pasta Recipe, Italian Pasta, Tomato Sauce, Chili Pasta