Spicy Classic Rigatoni Arrabbiata Recipe: Homemade Italian Heat

Spicy and bold, this classic rigatoni arrabbiata sparks culinary passion with every bite.

Tomatoes dance with fiery chili peppers, creating a sauce that sings of authentic Italian tradition.

Rich, vibrant flavors burst through each perfectly cooked pasta tube.

The heat builds gradually, teasing taste buds with its complex warmth.

Red pepper flakes provide a delightful punch that turns an ordinary meal into a spectacular dining experience.

Simple ingredients combine to produce a dish that feels both rustic and sophisticated.

Get ready to savor a plate of pure, unapologetic deliciousness that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy.

Step-by-Step Rigatoni Recipe

• Pasta Preparation

Boil a pot of water with a pinch of salt. Cook rigatoni until it reaches that perfect tender-but-firm texture. Save a splash of pasta water before draining.

• Flavor Foundation

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet. Soften onions until they turn translucent and release their sweet aroma. Toss in garlic and let it dance around the pan briefly.

• Sauce Magic

Tumble in vibrant San Marzano tomatoes with a dollop of tomato paste. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes and crushed fennel for a spicy kick. Let the sauce bubble gently, developing deep, rich flavors.

• Herbal Embrace

Scatter fresh basil into the simmering sauce. Give it a quick stir and taste, adjusting seasonings to make your taste buds sing.

• Final Flourish

Marry the pasta with the sauce, using a splash of reserved water to create a silky coating. Plate immediately and crown with a generous shower of Parmesan cheese. Garnish with extra basil leaves for a pop of freshness.

Heat Adjustments & Sauce Tips

• Spice Master's Pasta Tricks: Elevate Your Arrabbiata Game
• Heat Control Magic: Keep sauce simmering gently to develop deep tomato flavors without burning, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain smooth texture.
• Pepper Power Adjustment: Customize heat levels by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes – start conservatively and gradually increase for personal spice preference.
• Pasta Water Wonder: Always reserve pasta water before draining; its starchy magic helps create silky sauce that perfectly clings to rigatoni, ensuring optimal coating and richness.
• Herb Fresh Finale: Tear fresh basil leaves instead of chopping to release more aromatic oils, adding bright flavor complexity right before serving and creating restaurant-quality presentation.
• Cheese Enhancement: Freshly grated Parmesan transforms the dish – use high-quality aged cheese and grate directly over hot pasta for maximum melting and flavor intensity.

Serving Ideas for Spicy Pasta

• Pasta Party Platter: Arrange the rigatoni arrabbiata on a large wooden board with rustic bread slices and fresh basil scattered around for a stunning family-style presentation.
• Spicy Side Companions: Pair the dish with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or serve alongside marinated olives to balance the sauce's heat and add fresh flavors.
• Wine and Dine Combo: Complement the spicy tomato sauce with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which will enhance the dish's robust flavors and provide a smooth drinking experience.
• Herb Garnish Boost: Sprinkle extra fresh basil, cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving to elevate the dish's aromatic profile and add a touch of gourmet flair.

How to Save This Dish for Later

• Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up double the sauce and store extra in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Refrigerated sauce stays fresh for 4-5 days, giving you delicious meal shortcuts.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool the sauce completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Sealed sauce can last up to 3 months, ready for instant pasta emergencies.
• Pasta Reheating Hack: When warming leftovers, add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Gently reheat in a skillet for best texture and flavor restoration.
• Ingredient Prep Tip: Chop extra basil and store in olive oil within a sealed container. This trick keeps herbs fresh and allows quick flavor boosts for future cooking adventures.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Rigatoni Arrabbiata

• Rigatoni: Sturdy tube-shaped pasta that perfectly captures the spicy sauce with its ridged texture and holds ingredients beautifully.

• Olive Oil, Sweet Onion, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that create a rich, deep flavor base with smooth, sweet undertones.
• San Marzano Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Premium Italian tomatoes offering intense, sun-ripened sweetness and concentrated tomato depth.

• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Fennel Seeds: Adds vibrant heat and subtle anise-like complexity that transforms the sauce from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, herbaceous leaves that provide a fresh, aromatic finish to the robust sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and amplifies all other flavors in the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, sharp cheese that adds creamy richness and depth when sprinkled on top.

What You Need to Make This Spicy Dish

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of space.
• Large pan: Needed to create the rich, spicy arrabbiata sauce.
• Cutting board: Perfect for chopping onions, garlic, and basil.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring sauce and mixing pasta.
• Colander: Helps drain cooked pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Grater: Ideal for creating fresh Parmesan cheese topping.
• Measuring cup: Ensures accurate pasta water reservation.

Fiery Rigatoni Arrabbiata

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy classic rigatoni arrabbiata blends robust tomato sauce with fiery chili peppers for an authentic Italian experience. Passionate cooks can savor this simple yet bold pasta dish that brings Rome’s culinary spirit directly to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 grams) rigatoni
• 1 (28 oz/794 grams) can San Marzano tomatoes
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 sweet onion, chopped
• 8 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp fennel seeds, crushed
• ¼ cup fresh basil, julienned
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook rigatoni until al dente, reserving a half cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions until translucent, then add minced garlic, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release its intense flavor.
3. Sauce Development: Add San Marzano tomatoes and tomato paste to the onion-garlic base. Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes and fennel seeds to build depth. Simmer sauce on low heat, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld together.
4. Flavor Harmonization: Incorporate julienned basil into the simmering sauce, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
5. Final Composition: Combine cooked rigatoni directly into the sauce, using reserved pasta water to create a smooth, glossy coating. Toss thoroughly to ensure each pasta piece is evenly dressed in the vibrant sauce.
6. Presentation: Plate the pasta, garnishing with delicate Parmesan cheese shavings and fresh basil leaves to add a final layer of herbal brightness and textural complexity.

Notes

• Salting Pasta Water Strategically: Use abundant salt to enhance pasta’s flavor from within, creating a robust base that transforms ordinary noodles into extraordinary bites.
• Garlic Sautéing Technique: Watch heat carefully, stirring constantly to prevent burning, which can introduce bitter undertones and compromise the sauce’s delicate balance.
• Tomato Sauce Depth Building: Allow slow simmering to develop complex flavors, letting spices like fennel and red pepper infuse every layer with rich, aromatic complexity.
• Pasta Finishing Finesse: Reserve starchy pasta water as a secret weapon for creating silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each rigatoni, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg