Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Introduction:
The Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a bold and flavorful dish that brings the heat of red chili, the richness of sun-dried tomatoes, and the fresh burst of basil together in a beautifully simple Italian recipe. The traditional Arrabbiata sauce—an essential part of Italian cuisine—is spiced up with sun-dried tomatoes and served over your choice of pasta for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe combines quick preparation with incredible depth of flavor.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti or Penne Pasta | 300 grams |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Fresh Tomatoes | 500 grams |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder (or to taste) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes (soaked in oil) | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh Basil Leaves (roughly torn) | 2 sprigs |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~400 kcal |
| Protein | ~7 grams |
| Carbohydrates | ~60 grams |
| Fat | ~14 grams |
| Fiber | ~5 grams |
| Sugars | ~5 grams |
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
Begin by blanching the fresh tomatoes. To do this, place them in a pot of boiling water for 5 to 8 minutes, until the skin begins to split. Once done, remove them from the hot water and let them cool. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and roughly blend the tomatoes into a puree. Set aside for later.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In a large saucepan, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta of your choice—spaghetti or penne—according to the package instructions. The goal is to cook the pasta al dente, so it remains firm when tossed in the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cold water to halt the cooking process. Drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Arrabbiata Sauce
In a wok or large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. The garlic should only lightly brown.
Once the garlic is ready, add the prepared tomato puree, dried oregano, red chili powder, and salt to the pan. Stir well to combine, and then bring the mixture to a boil. Once the sauce starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken and the flavors will intensify.
Step 4: Final Touches
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more red chili powder. Once the sauce has reached your desired flavor, add the sun-dried tomatoes and cooked pasta. Toss everything together on high heat until the pasta is well coated with the spicy, aromatic sauce.
Step 5: Serve
Turn off the heat and stir in the roughly torn fresh basil leaves. This will add a fresh, aromatic layer to the dish. Serve the Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes hot, perhaps alongside a refreshing Summer Lettuce Salad and a glass of wine for a delightful weeknight dinner.
Tips for Success
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of red chili powder or opt for a mild paprika instead.
- Pasta Variations: While spaghetti is the classic choice for Arrabbiata, penne or rigatoni can work beautifully as well, as the chunky sauce clings nicely to ridged pasta shapes.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Make sure to use sun-dried tomatoes that are packed in oil. The oil adds extra flavor and ensures they rehydrate well when added to the sauce.
- Basil Freshness: Add the basil at the very end of cooking to maintain its bright color and fresh taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only a few ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe is quick to prepare yet full of flavor.
- Vibrant and Bold Flavors: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, chili powder, and fresh basil creates a rich, spicy, and satisfying sauce that elevates the pasta to a whole new level.
- Vegetarian Delight: This dish is 100% vegetarian, making it perfect for meat-free meals without sacrificing taste or heartiness.
Pair this Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta with a crisp, light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing Summer Lettuce Salad to complete the meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for guests, this dish is sure to impress with its authentic Italian flavors and vibrant colors.
