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Spicy & Bold Pasta Arrabbiata

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My Spicy & Bold Pasta Arrabbiata is a fiery Italian-inspired pasta dish that combines tender noodles with a bold, garlicky tomato sauce infused with crushed red pepper flakes. It’s simple to make, full of rich flavor, and ideal for anyone who enjoys a little heat in their meals. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients

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  • 400g pasta (penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 400g canned diced or crushed tomatoes (or fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. Prepare the oil and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until lightly golden and fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  3. Add the spice: Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes and let them sizzle for about 20 seconds to infuse the oil with heat.
  4. Add the tomatoes: Pour in the diced or crushed tomatoes. Stir well and season with salt and black pepper.
  5. Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
  6. Blend the sauce (optional): For a smoother texture, lightly blend the sauce with an immersion blender.
  7. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Toss gently until the pasta is well coated.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh basil, and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

Adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes.

Fresh tomatoes give a lighter flavor, while canned ones create a richer sauce.

For extra protein, serve with grilled chicken or shrimp.

To keep the sauce vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese.

Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Find it online: https://quickrecipetricks.com/spicy-bold-pasta-arrabbiata/