Spaghetti Arrabbiata Bake Recipe | Spicy, Cheesy, and Comforting Italian Dish

Spaghetti Arrabbiata Bake takes the classic spicy Italian pasta dish, arrabbiata, and elevates it into a comforting, cheesy baked version. With the right combination of spicy chili, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or a weeknight treat. It’s easy to make and the flavors only get better as it bakes in the oven.

Why You’ll Love Spaghetti Arrabbiata Bake

Here’s why this dish is a winner:

• Comforting and hearty: Baked pasta dishes are always crowd-pleasers, and this one is no exception.
• Spicy and flavorful: The arrabbiata sauce brings just the right amount of heat and depth.
• Easy to make: It’s as simple as boiling the pasta, making the sauce, and layering everything for the bake.
• Cheesy goodness: The melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese add a rich, gooey layer to the spicy pasta.
• Perfect for leftovers: Like most baked pasta dishes, it reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.

Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight meal or looking to serve something hearty at a family gathering, Spaghetti Arrabbiata Bake is sure to impress.

Spaghetti Arrabbiata Bake Recipe

This recipe is simple to prepare, and the bake gets bubbling hot and golden, making it irresistible from the first bite.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

• 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on your heat preference)
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the spaghetti

1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the arrabbiata sauce

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Add the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to release the flavors.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add the sugar (if using), and stir to combine.
4. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Assemble the bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches), combine the cooked spaghetti with the arrabbiata sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta with the sauce.
3. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
4. Gently toss the pasta to mix in the cheese, and then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once the bake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and extra freshness.
3. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Arrabbiata Bake

• Adjust the spice level: If you want a milder dish, use less red pepper flakes. You can also add some cream to the sauce to tone down the heat.
• Use quality cheese: The mozzarella and Parmesan cheese make this dish extra creamy and flavorful, so don’t skimp on the quality.
• Mix in veggies: You can add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Add protein: If you want to make this dish heartier, mix in some cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef with the pasta.
• Make it ahead: This dish is perfect for making ahead. Simply assemble everything, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven for an extra 10-15 minutes.

Flavor Variations

This recipe is super versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas for different flavor combinations:

Spicy Sausage Arrabbiata Bake

• Add crumbled spicy Italian sausage to the sauce for an extra kick of flavor. The sausage will complement the heat from the red pepper flakes.

Veggie-Loaded Arrabbiata Bake

• Add sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for a veggie-packed version of this dish. The vegetables will soak up the sauce and add a nice texture.

Cheesy Extra-Loaded Bake

• Double the cheese for a gooey, extra-cheesy experience. You can also add a sprinkle of mozzarella or ricotta on top before baking for a creamier dish.

Chicken Arrabbiata Bake

• Add cooked, shredded chicken to the sauce for a protein-packed version of this bake. It pairs wonderfully with the spicy, tangy tomato sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This Spaghetti Arrabbiata Bake is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few sides:

• Garlic bread: A classic side to scoop up the sauce.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the bake.
• Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded meal.

How to Store and Reheat

• Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the entire dish or individual portions for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil. You can also microwave individual portions, though the oven will help maintain the crispy top.

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FAQs

1. Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes! While spaghetti is traditional, any pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works well for this bake.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit any meat, or add more vegetables to the sauce for a hearty vegetarian version.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or include some chopped fresh chili peppers to boost the heat.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. Just be sure to check your cheese for gluten if you are highly sensitive.

5. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

While homemade arrabbiata sauce is best, you can use store-bought marinara sauce and add extra red pepper flakes for spice.

6. How do I prevent the top from getting too dry?

Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking to keep moisture in, then uncover it towards the end to get a golden, crispy top.

7. Can I add meat to this dish?

Yes! Crumbled sausage, ground beef, or even grilled chicken would be great additions to the sauce.

8. How long will this dish keep in the fridge?

This dish will keep for 3–4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.

9. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this bake freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing, and it can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

10. Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, you can use provolone, gouda, or even cheddar for a different cheesy flavor. Mozzarella, however, melts perfectly and creates that gooey, stretchy texture.