Rigatoni Arrabbiata is a bold, spicy Italian pasta dish made with tube-shaped rigatoni pasta and a simple but fiery tomato-based sauce. The word “Arrabbiata” literally means “angry” in Italian—a reference to the heat from the red pepper flakes that gives this sauce its signature fiery punch.
But don’t let the name scare you off! This recipe can be easily adjusted to fit your spice tolerance, and its simplicity is what makes it timeless.
Unlike Alfredo or Bolognese, Arrabbiata sauce is:
- Dairy-free
- Meat-free
- Made with only pantry staples
And that’s exactly what makes it both humble and powerful—like a warm hug with a spicy wink.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Ready in 30 minutes
- ✅ 100% Plant-Based & Vegan
- ✅ Made with pantry ingredients
- ✅ Customizable heat level
- ✅ Perfect for busy weeknights
- ✅ Meal-prep and freezer friendly
- ✅ Kid-friendly if made mild
Whether you’re a student, a home cook, or someone who’s simply trying to cook more meals from scratch, this pasta dish will earn a permanent spot in your rotation.
🧂 Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish come together:
1. Rigatoni Pasta
- Why it matters: Its ridges and tube shape perfectly trap the sauce.
- Alternatives : Penne, ziti, or even fusilli.
2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Adds richness and helps carry the heat from red pepper flakes.
3. Fresh Garlic
- Aromatic, slightly sweet when cooked, and the backbone of this sauce.
4. Red Pepper Flakes
- The main source of heat. Start with less and add more gradually.
5. Crushed Tomatoes
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
6. Sea Salt or Kosher Salt
- Helps balance and amplify the natural tomato sweetness.
7. Fresh Parsley (Optional)
- A finishing touch that adds freshness and color.
👩🍳 How to Make Rigatoni Arrabbiata
Let’s break it down into simple steps:
🔹 Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add 12 oz of rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente.
- Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
🔹 Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Chili
- In a wide skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add 4 finely chopped garlic cloves and ½ to 1 tsp red pepper flakes.
- Cook just until garlic softens (about 1 minute). Don’t let it brown.
🔹 Step 3: Add Crushed Tomatoes
- Stir in a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes.
- Add salt to taste (start with ½ tsp).
- Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
🔹 Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add drained rigatoni to the sauce.
- Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed for silkiness.
🔹 Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Top with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot.
🌶️ Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
You can easily customize this base recipe depending on what you have or what you’re craving:
| Add-In | Effect |
|---|---|
| Chickpeas | Adds protein and texture |
| Kalamata Olives | Adds briny contrast |
| Vegan Parmesan | Savory depth |
| Mushrooms | Meaty texture without meat |
| Roasted Red Peppers | Sweetness and complexity |
| Spinach or Kale | Boosts nutrition |
💡 Pro Tips for the Perfect Arrabbiata Sauce
- Use crushed tomatoes, not diced or pureed. Crushed gives the best balance of texture and cling.
- Salt your pasta water like broth—about 1–2 tbsp per pot.
- Save pasta water to thin the sauce and help it coat better.
- Simmer the sauce long enough to let flavors meld, but not so long that it thickens too much.
- Don’t overcook garlic—bitterness ruins the base.
🧊 How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
✅ Refrigeration:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Keep pasta and sauce separate if you plan to reheat later.
✅ Freezing:
- Sauce freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil.
✅ Reheating:
- Best done in a pan over medium heat.
- Add 1–2 tbsp of water or broth to bring the sauce back to life.
🍷 Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Turn your pasta dinner into a full experience:
- 🥖 Side: Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
- 🥗 Salad: Arugula and balsamic or a Caesar-style (vegan) salad
- 🍷 Wine: Chianti, Barbera, or a spicy Zinfandel
- 🍋 Drink: Sparkling lemon water or iced tea
Want dessert? Try it with a scoop of lemon sorbet or a light fruit salad.
🥗 Is Arrabbiata Sauce Healthy? (Nutrition Info)
Yes! This dish is naturally:
- Low in saturated fat
- Cholesterol-free
- High in fiber (especially with whole wheat pasta)
Estimated Per Serving (1 plate):
- Calories: 410
- Carbs: 60g
- Protein: 11g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
❓ FAQs About Rigatoni Arrabbiata
Q1: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free rigatoni or penne.
Q2: Is it too spicy for kids?
Start with ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes and add more only for adult servings.
Q3: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
You can, but you’ll need to cook them longer and add tomato paste for richness.
Q4: Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Consider lentils, chickpeas, or even tofu crumbles.
Q5: Is Rigatoni Arrabbiata good for meal prep?
Yes, it holds up well in the fridge and is freezer-friendly.
🍝 Try These Next!
- Creamy Vegan Pesto Pasta
- Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil
- Lemon Garlic Orzo
- Crockpot Marinara with Ziti
- Mushroom Stroganoff (Vegan)
📝 Printable Recipe Card
Rigatoni Arrabbiata – Easy Pasta Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Elena (Original by AI 🤖)
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- ½ to 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Heat olive oil, then sauté garlic and chili flakes for 1 minute.
- Stir in tomatoes and salt. Simmer 15–20 minutes.
- Toss in rigatoni and pasta water. Mix well.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
