Go Back
+ servings
Twirled spaghetti arrabbiata on a black plate with a copper fork topped with parsley on a wooden cutting board over a white marble counter top with a gray linen in the background.

Spaghetti Arrabbiata

Quick, spicy Spaghetti Arrabbiata featuring Calabrian chilis. Ready in just about 30 minutes, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests!
5 from 44 votes
Print Pin
Course: Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 small or 2 large
Calories: 483kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Pasta

Sauce

  • 28 ounces canned tomatoes crushed or whole peeled
  • ¼ cup olive oil extra virgin
  • ½ onion yellow or sweet
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 6 to 8 Calabrian chilis whole, or 1 tablespoon chili flake
  • kosher salt to taste
  • fresh herbs like parsley or basil, optional
  • Parmesan cheese grated, optional

Instructions

Sauce

  • Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
  • Place a large pan or medium sauce pot over medium to medium-low heat. Add olive oil. Once shimmering, add the onion, chilis, and a pinch of salt, and sweat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the onion is becoming translucent.
  • Add the garlic and cook until just fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  • Add the tomatoes and season with salt. If using whole peeled tomatoes, crush with your hand as you add them to the pot. Bring up to a boil and down to a simmer for about 20 minutes.
  • Remove the chilis with a slotted spoon.

Pasta

  • Meanwhile, set a stockpot filled with salted water over high heat. Once the water is boiling (and the sauce has cooked for at least 10 minutes), add the pasta and cook to package directions.
  • When the pasta is finished, strain or use tongs to add the pasta to the sauce.
  • Garnish with parsley or basil and parmesan cheese if desired and serve right away.

Notes

  • If you do not have access to Calabrian chilis, use 1 tablespoon of red pepper flake/chili flake in their place. You do not need to remove the chili flake like you would the chilis.
  • This dish can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
  • The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then place in a pot on the stove. Bring up to a boil and down to a simmer before serving over fresh pasta.
  • To make in advance, I recommend storing the sauce and pasta separately or making the pasta when ready to serve the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 483kcal | Carbohydrates: 76g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 274mg | Potassium: 989mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 1070IU | Vitamin C: 117mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 4mg