Arrabbiata Sauce - Smokey and Spicy Classically Italian

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.

Let us know what you think.

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.

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