Homemade Arrabbiata Sauce

Making arrabbiata sauce is easier than you think! Ditch the store-bought jar and whip up this homemade arrabbiata sauce recipe instead using fresh vine tomatoes and spicy red pepper flakes.

Hello and welcome back to the latest instalment of “I planted way too many tomatoes so here’s another tomato recipe” – arrabbiata sauce edition.

If you’re intimidated by making a homemade tomato sauce, don’t be! This recipe is surprisingly easy. You can have a delicious, fully home cooked meal in under 30 minutes. Don’t get me wrong, I often grab a jar of pasta sauce for an easy weeknight dinner but after making this homemade arrabbiata sauce, it’s hard to go back to the jar! 

Whether you have a garden that is overflowing with fresh tomatoes or you just want to take a stab at a homemade pasta sauce, this recipe is for you! This sauce can be used on pasta, pizza or in casseroles. So versatile and perfect for all of that fresh produce piling up this time of year. 

Arrabbiata vs. Marinara Sauce

Both arrabbiata and marinara sauce are tomato based but the major difference? Spice! Arrabbiata is Italian for angry so the name of the sauce is a play on words referring to the spiciness of the dish. My version is using red pepper flakes but you can also make it with chopped chili peppers. 

Arrabbiata Sauce Ingredients

yellow onion

garlic cloves

large vine tomatoes – if you’ve got tomatoes fresh from your garden, amazing! Otherwise any type from the grocery store will work. 

extra virgin olive oil 

Italian seasoning – a seasoning blend that adds a ton of flavor to the dish. It’s typically a combination of oregano, basil, thyme and rosemary. 

red pepper flakes – the star of the show… add a kick with red pepper flakes!

fresh basil leaves – optional but I love the flavor it adds to the dish. 

salt and pepper to taste

Can you use canned tomatoes?

While I personally think nothing compares to fresh tomatoes in the summer, you can use canned tomatoes if you’re in a pinch! Use one 14 ounce can of diced tomatoes in place of the fresh tomatoes. 

How to Make Arrabbiata Sauce

STEP 1: Add olive oil, onions to a large sauce pan and cook on medium heat for 5 mins or until onions are translucent. Add in garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes. Add tomatoes and increase temperature to medium-high until mixture starts to boil. Add in red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper. Once boiling reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer, uncovered for 20 mins.

STEP 2: Continue simmering until preferred consistency is reached. Or if you prefer a smoother consistency use an immersion blender to blend to smooth.

STEP 3: Top on your favourite pasta or pizza or any of the other ideas below!

How to Use Arrabbiata Sauce

Pasta – The first thing that comes to mind is pasta! I love this sauce over any noodle. Add a protein and some shredded cheese and you’ve got a delicious dinner. Traditionally arrabbiata sauce is enjoyed over penne but any pasta will work.

Pizza – swap out the marinara sauce on your homemade pizza for a zesy, upgraded ‘za! 

Casserole – I can’t wait to try this sauce in any casserole that calls for a tomato based sauce. It would be so delicious in my eggplant parmesan casserole.

Sauce/Dip – You can’t go wrong drizzling this on a grain bowl or on roasted veggies. Already dreaming up ideas to dip into this spicy sauce. 

How to Store Arrabbiata Sauce

This sauce stores really well! Allow it to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It will last up to 5 days in the fridge and can also be frozen for longer storage.

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