Roman classic with a fiery twist: spaghetti all’arrabbiata
This spicy pasta dish from Rome is all about flavor and attitude. Meet Spaghetti all’Arrabbiata – vegan, bold, and unbelievably easy to make. My personal twist: gluten-free spaghetti, a touch of tomato paste, and homemade chili oil for extra heat!
What you should know about Spaghetti all’Arrabbiata
What does “Arrabbiata” mean?
Literally translated, arrabbiata means “angry” – a nod to the dish’s fiery nature. Originating from Rome, this sauce relies on a simple but powerful combo: tomatoes, garlic, chili, and olive oil.
Should I really make the sauce myself?
Absolutely. Once you’ve tried homemade Arrabbiata, you’ll never go back. It’s intensely fresh, aromatic, and full of soul – no comparison to the bottled stuff.
How spicy is it?
That’s up to you! You can tone it down or spice it up depending on your chili preferences. In Rome, any dish heavily flavored with chili and garlic is affectionately called “arrabbiato”.
What’s different from the traditional version?
Usually served with penne, I’ve made mine with gluten-free spaghetti – a breeze to prepare and just as satisfying. I also add tomato paste and finish with a splash of homemade chili oil.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS
- 400 g spaghetti (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 can chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 red chilies
- 1 bunch basil
- 1 sprig oregano
- Salt & pepper
- 120 g grated Parmesan or Montasio DOC
- Optional: 1 tsp chili oil
PREPARATION
- Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Finely chop the garlic and chilies. Wash and chop the basil.
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté garlic and chili, then stir in the tomato paste.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the spaghetti, basil, and oregano. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of chili oil if desired.
- Top with grated cheese and serve hot.
- No fresh herbs? Use dried basil or oregano as an easy substitute.
- Mild version for kids: Simply reduce the amount of chili.
- Flavor boost: A dash of homemade chili oil adds serious depth and personality!