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

The BEST Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe
Hello and welcome back to the latest edition of “I planted way too many tomatoes so here is another tomato recipe” – Arrabbiata sauce edition.
If you’re intimidated by making a homemade arrabbiata sauce, don’t let that put you off! This recipe is surprisingly easy. In less than 30 minutes you can prepare a delicious, completely homemade meal. Don’t get me wrong, I often reach for a jar of pasta sauce for an easy weeknight dinner, but after making this Arrabbiata Sauce recipe, I have a hard time going back to the jar!
Whether you have a garden full of fresh tomatoes or just want to try a homemade tomato sauce, this recipe is for you! This sauce can be used with pasta, pizza or in casseroles. So versatile and perfect for all the fresh produce that piles up this time of year.
Arrabbiata vs. Marinara Sauce
Both arrabbiata and marinara sauces are tomato based, but the biggest difference? Spice up! Arrabbiata is Italian for angry, so the sauce’s name is a pun referring to the dish’s spiciness.
My version uses red chilli flakes, but you can also make it with chopped red chillies.
Ingredients for the Arrabbiata sauce
- Yellow Onion – You can use a classic yellow onion or a sweet yellow onion.
- Garlic cloves – Don’t skimp on the garlic and make sure you use freshly chopped garlic and not the kind from the jar.
- Large vine tomatoes – San Marzano are traditional But If you have fresh tomatoes from your garden, feel free to use them!
- olive oil – ideally extra virgin olive oil if available.
- Italian spice – a spice mixture that gives the dish a lot of flavor. Typically, it’s a combination of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
- red pepper flakes – the star of the show… give it 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 there’s nothing quite like fresh tomatoes in the summer, you agree may Use canned tomatoes if you have to! Use a 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes in place of the fresh tomatoes.
How to Make Arrabbiata Sauce
STEP 1: Boil and simmer the vegetables
In a large saucepan, add olive oil and onions and cook over medium-high heat until onions are translucent, 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and increase the heat to medium-high until the mixture begins to boil. Add red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.

STEP 2: MIXTURE
Continue to simmer until desired consistency is achieved. Or if you prefer a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.

STEP 3: SURCHARGE
Garnish your favorite 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 with every pasta. Add a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp and some grated Parmesan cheese and you have a delicious dinner. Traditionally, arrabbiata sauce is enjoyed with penne pasta, but any pasta will do just fine.
- Pizza – Substitute the marinara sauce on yours Homemade pizza for a spicy, upgraded “Za!”
- casserole – I can’t wait to try this sauce in any casserole that calls for a tomato sauce. It would taste so good to me Aubergine Parmesan Casserole.
- sauce/dip – You can’t go wrong drizzle this over a cereal bowl, over roasted veggies, or simply use as a dip for veggies. I already have ideas on how to enjoy this spicy sauce.
How to Store Arrabbiata Sauce
This sauce stores really well! Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
This flavorful Arrabbiata sauce can also be stored in the freezer for longer periods of time. Simply transfer to a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then place on the stove.
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Homemade Arrabbiata sauce
Making arrabbiata sauce is easier than you think! Forget the store-bought jar and whip up this homemade Arrabbiata Sauce recipe instead.
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 portions 1X
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cook
- Kitchen: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
- 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 Garlic cloves, chopped
- 5 large vine tomatoes, diced (approx 2 Lb)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (less if you don’t want it to be so spicy)
- 1 tbsp Italian spice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3/4 tsp salt or more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- In a large saucepan, add olive oil and onions and cook over medium-high heat until onions are translucent, 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes and increase the heat to medium-high until the mixture begins to boil.
- Add red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the basil.
- Continue to simmer until desired consistency is reached. Or if you prefer a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.
- Top your favorite pasta or pizza with it.
Keywords: Homemade Arrabbiata Sauce, Arrabbiata Sauce, Pasta Sauce
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