Italian Arrabbiata Sauce (sugo all'arrabbiata) (2024)

This rich and hearty arrabbiata sauce will add the perfect amount of dimension and spice to your favorite Italian recipes. The sauce is made up of garlic, tomatoes, and red pepper flakes that are simmered to perfection and then topped with fresh herbs!

Compliment your favorite Italian dishes with this spicy tomato sauce! This rich arrabbiata sauce (also known as “sugo all’arrabbiata” in Italian) originated in Italy near the city of Rome. The main ingredients to this sauce are garlic, tomatoes, and red pepper flakes for spice.

The word “arrabbiata” in Italian actually means “angry” – this refers to the spiciness you get from the red pepper!

If you don’t do well with spice, you can adjust the flavor to your liking. I personally don’t enjoy spicy foods, but I love the slight zing to this sauce. It’s perfectly balanced with sweet tomatoes and fresh herbs!

The Difference Between Arrabbiata and Marinara

I am a lover of both marinara and arrabbiata! But they are both slightly different.

These two sauces are both prepared with garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. But marinara is sweeter in flavor versus arrabbiata which is meant to be spicier in flavor by using red pepper flakes in the sauce.

Ingredients You Need

You’ll need just a handful of pantry ingredients to make this recipe happen. Here’s the full list: canned San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil, garlic cloves, red pepper flakes, salt & pepper, tomato paste, fresh basil, and fresh oregano.

Why We Recommend San Marzano Tomatoes

San Marzano tomatoes first originated in Naples, Italy. They are not just a staple in my family’s recipes, but are considered to be the best tomatoes in the world to use in sauces!

These tomatoes are set apart from others because of their rich, sweet flavor and lower acidity. They are also known to have a thicker consistency compared to other canned plum tomatoes.

Be sure to use DOP-certified tomatoes – usually visible on the front or the back of the can. This is a protective seal that guarantees authenticity.

How to Make Arrabbiata Sauce – Step by Step

• Sauté the minced garlic in oil for 30 seconds, stir constantly to avoid burning.

• Then add tomatoes with the juices, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce on LOW heat for 3 or more hours – stir often.
• When the sauce is finished stir in chopped basil and oregano.Then serve with your favorite Italian dish!

How to Thicken Sauce

There are two key steps to thickening your sauce – both are included in this recipe.
Simmer: Letting your sauce simmer for several hours will not only develop the most flavor but will naturally thicken the sauce. I recommend a low simmer for 3+ hours.
Tomato paste: Use a high-quality tomato paste to thicken tomato sauce while simmering. I use regular Italian tomato paste or Sun-dried Tomato Paste for another layer of flavor.

Tips for Success

• Use quality tomatoes: for authentic flavor, rich taste, and lower acidity use canned San Marzano tomatoes. You can use the brand of your choice as long as it says “Product of Italy” on the back to ensure its authenticity. I recommend Cento.
• Use quality tomato paste: Elevate your tomato sauce by using Sun-Dried Tomato Paste vs. regular paste.
• Adjust the level of spice: I only use around 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes in this recipe for a subtle level of spice. If you prefer more spice by all means you can up the amount of pepper flakes.
• Add herbs at very end: Cooking tomato sauce with herbs can result in an unpleasant bitter flavor. Always add herbs at the very end for fresh herb flavor! This rule goes for both dried and fresh herbs.

How to Store & Freeze Tomato Sauce

Store & keep fresh:Let sauce cool to room temperature then store in an airtight container or glass jars. Chill in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

How to freeze:First, let the sauce cool to room temperature – then store in an airtight container or ziplock freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

What to Serve with This Sauce

This spicy sauce goes perfectly with so many Italian dishes! From vegetable dishes like baked eggplant rollatini, zucchini lasagna, to baked pasta like baked rigatoni with roasted vegetables, roasted vegetable lasagna, to tender chicken parmigiana. Either way you decide to serve it up, I’m certain you will enjoy it!