Spicy Pasta Arrabbiata

Spicy Pasta Arrabbiata

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 5 cloves garlic, finely minced

  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) tomato sauce

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon cane sugar (or white/brown sugar)

  • 1–2 tablespoons Sri Lankan-style vegan chilli paste (adjust to your spice preference)

  • Sea salt, to taste

  • 1 box (16 oz) penne pasta (or any short pasta such as ziti, cavatappi, or rigatoni)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta.
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. Make the sauce base.
    While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic turns golden and fragrant - about 1–2 minutes.

  3. Add the chilli paste.
    Stir in the Sri Lankan-style vegan chilli paste and cook for about 1 minute. This helps release the deep, smoky aroma and enhances the spice.

  4. Add tomato sauce and seasoning.
    Pour in the tomato sauce, then mix in the remaining red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and sugar. Stir until everything is well combined.

  5. Simmer the sauce.
    Lower the heat to medium-low. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 20 minutes with the lid slightly ajar. Stir occasionally, and season with sea salt to taste.

  6. Combine pasta and sauce.
    Add the drained pasta into the saucepan (or pour the sauce into the pasta pot). Toss well until the pasta is evenly coated with the spicy tomato sauce.

  7. Serve and enjoy.
    Serve the pasta hot. For extra spice, add a small spoonful of chilli paste on top before serving.

Notes & Tips:

  • The Sri Lankan-style chilli paste adds a bold, spicy, and slightly smoky depth — start with less and add more if you like it hotter.

  • Don’t let the garlic burn; it can make the sauce taste bitter.
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