Spaghetti Arrabiata
Spaghetti Arrabiata is a classic Italian dish is a quick and satisfying meal that’s downright delicious, packed with bold, spicy flavours, a touch of sweetness and plenty of depth. It features copious amounts of garlic, red chilli flakes for a fiery kick and high-quality chopped tomatoes, all balanced with the sweetness of onions and the freshness of basil.
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Equipment
- 1 large saucepan for cooking the spaghetti
- 1 large frying pan or saucepan for cooking the sauce
Ingredients
- 350 grams (12 oz) spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons virgin olive oil - plus an extra glug for the spaghetti
- 1 medium red onion - finely chopped
- 4 fat cloves of garlic (or more) - chopped
- 400 grams (14oz) good quality tinned tomatoes - chopped
- 3 tablespoons basil leaves - chopped, heaped spoons
- 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes - or to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½-1 teaspoon salt - or to taste
- freshly ground black pepper - to taste
- grated parmesan for finishing
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti al dente according to the package instructions. Use plenty of water for cooking and generously salt the water. You'll need roughly just under a tablespoon for this amount of pasta.350 grams (12 oz) spaghetti
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it with cold water. Then, put the pasta back into the pan and toss it with a splash of oil to prevent it from sticking together.
- Check the seasoning and add more salt if needed, as rinsing the pasta might have washed some of it away.
- Add the olive oil to a large frying pan and heat.2 tablespoons virgin olive oil
- Gently sauté the chopped onions and garlic over medium-low heat until the onions are soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. If the onions start to brown too quickly, turn the heat down slightly.1 medium red onion, 4 fat cloves of garlic (or more)
- Next, add the choped tomatoes, chopped basil, chilli flakes, sugar and salt and pepper to the fried onions.400 grams (14oz) good quality tinned tomatoes, 3 tablespoons basil leaves, 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes, 1 teaspoon sugar, ½-1 teaspoon salt, freshly ground black pepper
- Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly. This can take up to 5 minutes, depending on the surface area of your pan.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss it in the spicy tomato sauce. Continue tossing over low heat for about 4 minutes, until the pasta is heated through.
- Generously top with fresh Parmesan cheese, add a few extra grinds of black pepper and top with more fresh basil leaves. Spoon into bowls and serve.grated parmesan for finishing
Notes
Top Tips
Use high-quality ingredients
Using top-notch tomatoes and olive oil makes all the difference in Spaghetti Arrabiata. With so few ingredients, you want each one to shine and be the best it can be. Quality ingredients ensure a richer, more flavourful sauce.Don't overcook the pasta
To check if your spaghetti is cooked al dente, consider the following factors:- Texture - Al dente pasta should have a firm, slightly chewy texture. It shouldn't be soft or mushy.
- Visual clues - When you break a strand of al dente spaghetti in half, it should have a white, starchy core. If the pasta is uniformly translucent, it's overcooked. If it's opaque or hard in the centre, it's undercooked.
The thickness of the sauce
To see if your sauce is thick enough, keep an eye on the sides of the pan. At first, there'll be a lot of bubbling around the edges. As it cooks down, the bubbles will get smaller and less frequent, and the liquid will reduce. You should also be able to draw a clear line thro
**Nutritional data disclaimer**
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is calculated by a third party and we cannot guarantee the accuracy. We try our best to give you the most accurate information, but we do not take responsibility for errors that may be present. Also, the nutritional value of the recipe may change depending on the exact brands and products used. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalised advice on your dietary needs.
Nutrition
Calories: 426kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 20mg | Potassium: 497mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1038IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 2mg
