A simple tomato pasta sauce, garlicky arrabbiata sauce is spicy and delicious. It's a breeze to make with canned tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes.
Heat olive oil in a deep sauté pan (or a large saucepan) over medium heat. Add onion, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes or until translucent.
Add garlic and red pepper flakes and continue to cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes or until fragrant.
Add tomatoes, breaking them up with your hands as you add them (you can also give them a rough chop with kitchen shears right in the can).
Stir, increasing heat to medium high, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to simmer uncovered, mashing up the tomatoes a bit more as the sauce cooks, for 30 to 40 minutes or until thickened.
Stir in basil, butter, and balsamic vinegar until butter is melted.
Serve with cooked pasta of your choice.
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Notes
Nutrition information is for sauce only (1 cup serving).
Penne is often served with this sauce but it can be served on any pasta you prefer. You’ll need a 16 oz. box.
Arrabbiata sauce can be served on pizza, spaghetti squash, chicken, or any dish where you would use a marinara sauce.