Arrabbiata may mean angry in Italian but you can't be angry when you feast on a piquant marinara sauce that tastes this good. The spicy, smokey, rich homemade tomato sauce wakes up your taste buds and the memory of your first taste of Sugo all'arrabbiata stays with you. Hot pepper flakes and smoked paprika gives the pasta sauce that distinctive zing while the sweet San Marzano tomatoes smooths out the flavor.
Next time try this authentic bolognese sauce recipe.
For this recipe you will need: olive oil, onion, garlic, tomato paste, basil pesto, brown sugar, dry red wine, crushed red pepper flakes, San Marzano Italian tomatoes, bay leaves, smoked paprika.
How we discovered Arrabbiata Sauce
We were staying at the Hotel Stella D'Italia in San Mamete-Valsolda, Italy. The hotel was in the Lombardy region on Lake Lugano, where the water was beautiful and crystal clear. All around us were mountains yet there were palm trees scattered here and there.
Breakfast All'Aperto at Hotel Stella d'Italia in San Mamete-Valsolda Italy
We hiked everywhere. The roads were narrow and the curves were a challenge to even the most daring and experienced of drivers.
The food at the hotel was delicious, but the evening meals were a little on the formal side. That wasn't what we wanted. Frankly, it isn't our style.
We wanted to find a place where the locals ate. We loved mingling with them and we knew this was the only way we could get the traditional food.
Off on foot we went.
San Mamete-Valsolda Italy on Lake Lugano
Higher and higher we climbed. The small villages seemed glued to the side of the mountain.
From where we stood, we could see several small buildings. One looked like an Italian restaurant. We climbed down. Once we got up close, we decided that it looked like an interesting place to have our dinner.
Mamma's Sugo All'Arrabbiata recipe
No one was around. We weren't even sure they were open.
But, we decided to take a chance. We sat down on a set of chairs next to one of the cloth-covered tables. We were curious wait to see what happens.
No sooner did we sit down, when a waiter came over with menus.
Penne Arrabbiata in San Mamete-Valdosta, Italy
This is a total aside. But , in Italy, whenever we ate out, one of us ordered a salad and the other ordered an entree. Oh, and naturally a carafe of either the red or white house wine. This worked out perfectly for us.
So, we knew we'd be eating a salad but we weren't sure of the entree.
I asked the waiter, in Italian, what would he suggest? He told us that the Penne All'Arrabbiata was very good and everyone liked it. In fact, he said, the sauce was made just that morning. Although, he warned us that the sugo was spicy.
Spicy? Us afraid of spicy? Never!!
The Secret to Arrabbiata Sauce
It was an easy decision -- penne with the arrabbiata sauce.
We were not disappointed! The memory of the Penne All'Arrabbiata is forever preserved in our memory.
So, when we really like something, what do we do? Well, I believe like most food lovers, we try to pick out the ingredients.
That's what we were doing when the waiter came back to see how we liked the dish. We raved about it and asked if the chef would like to share the recipe.
Arrabbiata Sauce with penne and a sprinkle of basil on top..
He shook his head no. He couldn't do that.
You see, not only was he the chef, but he was also the owner of the restaurant. He'd made the sauce and it was his mamma's secret recipe.
We weren't about to give up. We then started a game, guess the secret ingredient and get him to admit it.
He waited for me to guess, and after several tries I said it's peperoncini affumicati { smoked chilies}.
The smile that split his face said it all.
Arrabbiata Sauce -- All Our Way
Duplicating Arrabbiata Sauce
When we got back home we were on a mission -- to duplicate that wonderful spicy tomato sauce.
It took us several attempts but we believe we nailed it.
There are many versions of this sugo all'arrabbiata some include
- pancetta {an Italian bacon}
- Genoa salami, which is a pork and beef sausage seasoned with white peppercorns
- anchovies
FAQ's
Is the correct spelling arrabiata or arrabbiata? The correct spelling is arrabbiata. There are 2 "r's" and 2 "b's". Both spellings will take you to the classic Italian sauce with a spicy kick.
What does arrabbiata mean? The Italian word means angry which refers to the spiciness of the sauce.
Where does arrabbiata recipe come from? The recipe originated in southern Italy where the peperoncini grow rampant. But the first time we tastes it was in northern Italy.
What is the difference between arrabbiata and marinara? Marinara is a quick traditional sauce for pasta made with tomatoes, garlic, and basil, whereas the arrabbiata is spicier with a hefty dose of crushed red pepper.
Penne with All Our Way Arrabbiata Sauce
Penne is the usual pasta served with Arrabbiata. We agree! The pasta seems to absorb the delicious sauce.
When we coated our cooked al dente penne with the arrabbiata sauce, we didn't think it needed anything else. It had just the right amount of spice and smokiness.
But you'll want to make sure you get up every drop of sauce. Why don't you serve our delicious Garlic Bread to go along with this classic Italian sauce. Another sauce I'm sure you'll like our San Marzano Tomato Sauce recipe. It's a quick and easy version of a Marinara sauce. And If you're craving for an easy sauce with meat, try our quick classic spaghetti meat sauce.
Love pasta with bold flavors? This Pasta alla Norma recipe delivers with sautéed eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and a handful of ricotta salata. This one is a classic you'll want to put on repeat.
Let us know what you think.
Here are some more pasta dishes and sauces you may enjoy...
Italian Sausage Pasta A One-Pot Dish
Roasted Grape Tomatoes and Garlic Pasta
Cherry Tomatoes Make a Quick Sauce
Puttanesca Sauce Like Nonna Made
These recipes are all family tested - we know you'll love them.
Tutti a tavola è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
YOU MAY NEED...
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We use a LOT of Smoked Paprika Spice. We sprinkle on dishes for color and also for taste. This is just the type of spice that gives our delicious Arrabbiata Sauce that special flavor.
Arrabbiata Sauce - Spicy Smokey Classically Italian
Learn how to make the Italian classic spicy arrabbiata sauce recipe. This sauce starts with extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh garlic, San Marzano tomatoes , red chili flakes, and smokey paprika to really kick up the flavor. This sauce has a unique taste that you're going to love! Make it penne arrabbiata and see how that al dente pasta soaks up the delicious spicy tomato sauce.
Another recipe to spice up your weeknight routine is the fiery kick of this Classic Italian Shrimp Fra Diavolo recipe. Let the flavors transport you to a seaside paradise.
If you like this recipe, please consider giving it a 5-star rating.
📖 Recipe
Arrabbiata Sauce- Spicy and Smokey Classically Italian
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 7 cloves garlic
- 1- 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 2 Tablespoons basil pesto
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ cup dry red wine
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2- 28 ounce cans of San Marzano tomatoes crushed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Saute the onion and garlic until soft for about 5 minutes being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the tomato paste, basil pesto, brown sugar, red wine,crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper and combine.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, and smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 30 minutes.
- Season to taste with salt and additional pepper and remove bay leaves before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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Anna Bifolchi-Belli
I was not prepared for this recipe to be so delicious! The addition of pesto and paprika really helps this sauce be next level fantastic! So glad I found this...and you!
Marisa Franca
Ciao Anna! Thank you so much for your kind words. And I'm glad you found us, too! Let's cook up a lot of delicious dishes together! Let me know what you're making! Have a Happy Holiday season!!
rosemary merrill
Regarding your post on 11/5....2 of the Italian sauces are for the same recipe......
Ksenia
The use of smoked paprika just takes this recipe to a whole new level of flavor! I love a good Arrabbiata sauce, and look forward to whipping this up on a weeknight.
FOODHEAL
Your articles are always a journey of discovering Italy. This Italian sauce sounds so good, and of course, something with smoked paprika, red wine, and basil MUST be so delicious. I'll keep this recipe and try it as soon as the tomatoes are in the market here.
Veronika Sykorova
Recreating recipes from restaurants we really enjoyed is always fun! I can't wait to try this sauce!
Tammy
This sauce sounds amazing! I love spicy dishes and this one is such a comforting recipe. You can't beat homemade sauce ever!!! I cannot wait to try this with the smoked paprika...love that addition.
Veronika
I love good and simple pasta recipe! It's perfectly comforting and everyone enjoys it. Saving this recipe!
Marta
So arrabbiata is my go-to dish whenever we go out to eat at Italian restaurants and I never knew it meant "angry". I'm never angry when I eat it, but your recipe made me the happiest by far. I think that touch of brown sugar set it over the top.
NATALIA
I’m always on the lookout for sauce recipes, I love to try new ones. I have never made this arrabbiata sauce but looks absolutely delicious and so flavorful, I bet it will be my new favorite. I will definitely be trying it. Thank you!
Ginny
This recipe was right up our alley. It is so simple with classic ingredients and the flavors were spot on.
Gloria
According to my husband, the spicer the better. I know he would LOVE this pasta sauce. Homemade is always the best. Love the sound of this classic Italian recipe.
Eva
I have an uncle who loooves penne all'arrabbiata, it's the only thing he always orders when we have lunch at a restaurant. As a kid I did not tolerate spicy foods so I always looked down on him for his choice of food. Then I grew up and moved out of Italy and not having my uncle around - nor any choice of osteria that could serve us this kind of dish - arrabbiata somehow got out of my life. But now that you reminded me of it and my spice tolerance has improved, I should really give it another chance. I especially love your use of smoked peppers! This might be a turning point in my life. Maybe next time I'm in Italy with my uncle I could surprise him ordering his favourite food... for myself!
Dana
Arrabbiata sauce is so fantastic and so underused, I find. I love that this recipe incorporates basil pesto! Is there a brand of San Marzano tomatoes you recommend? I've read that some aren't legitimate and I never know which brand to trust.
Debra
I've always thought my arrabbiata sauce was missing something...now I know what! Thanks for your determination to figure it out. Smokey paprika!! Makes total sense too.
Trish Bozeman
It sounds like a dream! Love the heat from the smoked chiles in there and I'm so impressed that you guessed! Gotta make this ASAP.
Sean@Diversivore
Kudos to you for persevering and figuring out the secret ingredient! I do a lot of Mexican cooking and I've used smoked chilies in all kinds of ways, but I've never really explored their possibilities in other cuisines. Frankly I didn't even know there were smoked peppers in the Italian repertoire. But it makes SO much sense in a recipe like this, and I absolutely love the way that smoke, spice, and tomato work together. Fantastic recipe!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Sean. That smoked paprika really gives the sauce that added kick! We love it.
Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life
I love a good smoked paprika so I know this pasta would be an instant favorite! Can't wait to give it a try in the coming weeks.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Claire! We love our smoked paprika and we go through a lot of it. The sauce is super delish!! xoxo
Tracy
Wow how beautiful! Thank you for giving us the insider's guide! These kind of places are my favorite when I travel. The spicier the better in my book!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Tracy! We always try to go where the locals frequent. And you are a person after our hearts - love spice. xoxo
Jennifer Tammy
OMG you just saved me a loooot of money. I buy the super pricey $7 jar of arrabbiata so I'm excited to try something homemade out!
Marisa Franca
You'll love making your own arrabbiata sauce - you can even can or freeze it, Jennifer. Have a wonderful day!!
Analida Braeger
I know what recipe I'm using the next day I make pasta sauce, I am a lover of all things spicy and this sauce i a comfort food for me 🙂 Thanks for sharing !
Saima
Really enjoyed reading your anecdote about how you got the restaurant owner to reveal part of the ingredients in his arrabbiata sauce! I love arrabbiata with penne but was too lazy to actually look up a recipe for it online. Now that it's been given to me on a platter I'm going to grab it! Thanks for this blog post!
Heather
Every Sunday I love making some sort of Italian red sauce sort of dish. But I have yet to make arrabiata sauce..can't wait to try!
Jenni LeBaron
I also appreciate finding the local eateries in town when on vacation rather than just staying at the hotel. It sounds like you made the right choice because we get to learn about this gorgeous dish now! I love that it is full of plenty of spice from the red pepper flakes and plenty of umami from the gorgeous tomato sauce. YUM!
Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen
I love that the chef wouldn't share his secret ingredient with you but you managed to guess it! This looks so full of flavor, will be trying this soon!
Daniela
My favorite Italian pasta sauce! I love anything spicy, so this has been my go-to sauce for years now. I love that you managed to guess the chef's secrete recipe. I will definitely give this version a try!
Kylie | Midwest Foodie
I've always heard of this sauce but thought it was too fancy for me to try making it at home. After reading your post I feel like I could confidently make this in my own kitchen - and I'm certain that my family will love it! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Elaine Benoit
I really enjoyed reading this post, Marissa. I'm devising and scheming for when I can make your delicious sauce. My hubby can't do spicy foods so, I'll have to make it for a dinner party and make a side sauce for him. I can't wait to try your recipe!
giancarlo cenciarini
Un vero colpo di genio questa sua arrabbiata.Should start selling in jars,if Paul newman did it ,Franca can do it.I would call it arrabbiata pesto. Congratulations. Franca for President.At least in cooking show in television.With your intelligence and charm would honor italians all over the world. Best luck Franca and grazie mille for a wonderfull masterpiece of a sauce.,I just made with many shortcuts,but still eccellente.
Liz Shaw
Looks delicious! Love cooking with Smoked Paprika! Just picked up my San Marzano tomatoes. Can't wait to make it. Pinned
Marisa Franca
Hi, Liz! We're never without our smoked paprika! Really makes a difference. xoxo
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli
This sauce is a bit different from the sugo all'Arrabbiata we make in Rome, but nonetheless, it looks incredibly flavorful and the perfect complement to the penne. A delicious pasta dish that is our go-to weeknight 'fast food' meal.
Colleen
We love spicy everything so I know we'll love this pasta sauce. Can't wait to make it this week!
Lindsey Pine
Your trip to Italy looks like it was amazing! Arrabiata sauce is one of my favorite pasta sauces so I will definitely be making this!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Lindsey! I know you'll love it. xoxo
Gloria
This is my kind of pasta sauce. We like things on the spicy side...especially when it involves sauces. I know hubby would love this any night of the week. So much better than anything you can get in the store.
Sylvia
This sauce sounds delicious! And my mouth is watering just looking at your photos! Thanks for linking up at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty 38
Jovina Coughlin
Love this sauce and your secret.
Susie
Hi MARISA, This recipe sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it......I also enjoyed the story and pictures of you and Honey’s Italy trip......Good memories????.
Cheese Curd In Paradise
This was the first pasta sauce I tried when I went to Italy and it did not disappoint. It was so good, and I loved the spice. This makes me want to go back again!
April
Incredible sauce that will work so great with so many of my favorite summer recipes. It is smokey, spicy and I am sure so flavorful! Can't wait to try 🙂
Sonal
I love arabiatta sauce..that smoky spicy flavor is what is my favorite. Thank you for sharing the chef’s secret 🙂
Danielle
I learnt a bit of Italian today - thanks to your post! 🙂 And I can't wait to make this sauce at home now - yum!
Marisa Franca
Hi Danielle! You'll love the sauce.
Heidy L. McCallum
What a wonderfully flavorful sauce on perfectly cooked pasta! Once you mentioned spicey, you had my full attention--- I could totally go for a plate of this. I know it's on 9: 13 but I could seriously eat this right now. I think I might have to go shopping and make this for dinner tonight.
Marisa Franca
Thank you for your sweet comment, Heidy! I wish I could send you a plate of penne all'arrabbiata.xoxo
Denise
This looks sensational! I like your idea of splitting a salad and main dish. I'll have to keep that in mind next time we travel to Italy (which is no time soon but I can dream can't I!). I love spicy too as does my hubby so we'll have to give this a try. He made a collection smoked ground peppers this summer so maybe we can try them with this dish somehow.
Arlene Mobley
Marisa
I love all of your easy Italian recipes. Homemade sauce is so much better than anything you can buy in a jar.
Rosemary
Hi Marisa, looks delicious. I love spicy too, we go through bottle of hot pepper flakes in house. Beautiful view, glad you had such a great time.
Marisa Franca
I think we do everything spicy -- we even have a recipe for our own spicy sauce.