Spicy Calabrian Chile Red Sauce with Rigatoni
For the spicy pasta sauce lover. This arrabbiata pasta sauce brings the heat thanks to Calabrian chiles but also has a sweet, mellow vibe the whole family will love. Spoon this spicy Calabrian chile pasta sauce over al dente rigatoni for an easy weeknight dinner that warms from within.
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta I use Barilla or DeCecco
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves peeled and smashed
- 2-3 diced Calabrian chiles or 2-3 teaspoons of dried crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 oz tomato paste or ½ can
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 28 oz can of San Marzano tomatoes more info on San Marzano tomatoes
- fresh basil leaves
- freshly grated Romano cheese
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni or penne pasta in highly salted, rapidly boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.1 lb rigatoni pasta
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add garlic cloves. Lower heat, if needed, so as not to burn the garlic. (That will change the taste of the dish so watch it carefully!) Cook for about 1 minute.2 Tablespoons olive oil, 6 garlic cloves
- Add the chiles (or dried crushed red pepper), the tomato paste and salt. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.2-3 diced Calabrian chiles or 2-3 teaspoons of dried crushed red pepper flakes, 3 oz tomato paste, 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Pour in the can of tomatoes and break them up in the skillet with the back of a wooden spoon. The chunkiness and texture is up to you! Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes. Check the seasoning and adjust as needed.1 28 oz can of San Marzano tomatoes
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss in ¼ cup of pasta water, tossing to coat all the pasta. Check for seasoning and toss with freshly torn basil. Sprinkle with freshly grated Romano cheese.fresh basil leaves, freshly grated Romano cheese
Notes
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight, covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Stove. Reheat leftovers in a saucepan on the stove until warmed through. Microwave. Place in a microwave safe bowl or dish and loosely cover with plastic wrap. Heat in 30 second increments, stirring in between, until heated to your preference.
Freezing
You can freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat according to suggested tips above.
