Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful pasta dish that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Ina Garten-inspired Pasta Arrabiata is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It’s a delicious, healthy meal that's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. This recipe delivers a taste of Italy with its bright, spicy tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet sensational dish!
Ingredients:
This recipe easily serves 4-6 people. You can easily adjust quantities based on your needs.
- 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini work best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This pasta arrabiata recipe is incredibly straightforward. Even a beginner cook can confidently whip up this dish!
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – it should be lightly golden, not brown.
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Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil to the saucepan. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes. This is a great time to multitask and ensure your pasta is perfectly cooked.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, add it to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Tips for the Best Pasta Arrabiata:
- Don't overcook the garlic: Burned garlic will make your sauce bitter. Keep a close eye on it while it's sautéing.
- Use good quality crushed tomatoes: The flavor of your sauce heavily depends on the quality of your tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are a fantastic choice.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Seasoning is key! Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as needed to suit your preference.
- Add some heat: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the red pepper flakes.
- Fresh herbs make all the difference: Fresh basil adds a vibrant freshness that dried basil can’t replicate.
Variations:
- Meat Lovers Arrabiata: Brown some Italian sausage or ground beef before adding the garlic for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian Arrabiata: Add some sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Creamy Arrabiata: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This is an approximation and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This Ina Garten-inspired Pasta Arrabiata is a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight dinner that’s perfect for busy families. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced cooks. Enjoy this tasty and healthy meal!