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Delicious Spicy Arrabbiata Recipe with Fresh Basil Easy and Perfect

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A quick and easy spicy arrabbiata sauce with fresh basil that balances heat and herbal brightness, perfect for weeknight dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, thinly sliced or minced
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 (28-ounce / 800 grams) can whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus extra for pasta water
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional but recommended)
  • 10–12 fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or penne pasta
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil using about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts (4 liters) of water.
  2. Cook the pasta: Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of spaghetti or penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a skillet for about 1 minute.
  4. Add sliced or minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Avoid burning the garlic.
  5. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spice in the oil.
  6. Add the entire 28-ounce (800 grams) can of whole peeled tomatoes, breaking them up gently with a spoon or spatula.
  7. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon sugar. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
  8. Add torn or roughly chopped fresh basil leaves during the last 2 minutes of cooking and stir to combine.
  9. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water.
  10. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if using.

Notes

Avoid burning the garlic by cooking it gently over moderate heat. Bloom the crushed red pepper flakes in oil to enhance flavor. Use sugar to balance tomato acidity. Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its aroma. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use plant-based cheese. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free diet.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy arrabbiata, arrabbiata sauce, fresh basil pasta, quick pasta sauce, easy Italian recipe, spicy pasta, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/delicious-spicy-arrabbiata-recipe-with-fresh-basil-easy-and-perfect/