
Fresh Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe with Ravioli
Introduction
Make a fresh Arrabbiata sauce from scratch using ripe tomatoes, garlic, butter, basil and a touch of red pepper. Vito’s Aunt Angie inspired this simple family recipe, creating a homemade Italian sauce that pairs beautifully with fresh ravioli.
Watch the Recipe Video
How to Make Fresh Ravioli with Tomato Sauce Recipe | Homemade Recipe | Vito’s Italian Cucina
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Pasta / Main Course
- Difficulty: Easy / Medium
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Estimated)
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover pasta/main course in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. However, if it does not contain a delicate cream or fresh cheese sauce, it can be frozen for up to 1–2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What Is Arrabbiata Sauce
Arrabbiata is a classic Italian tomato sauce made with tomatoes, garlic and red pepper for a little heat. The name refers to the spicy character of the sauce. This fresh version uses blanched tomatoes and basil for a bright, homemade flavor.
Ingredients for Fresh Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe with Ravioli
- 15 to 20 Roma tomatoes boiled / blanched
- 1 1/2 cups cups white onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 3/4 stick butter, melted
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 to 2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup cup fresh basil chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper optional
- 3 to 4 tbsp tbsp sugar or sugar substitute
- 1 to 2 packages fresh ravioli
- 2 to 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese
How to Make Fresh Arrabbiata Sauce
Prepare the Tomatoes
Boil salted water and score the tomatoes. Blanch until the skins begin to loosen, then transfer them to ice water. Peel the tomatoes and blend until smooth.
Cook the Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan and sauté the garlic with salt and pepper. Add the blended tomatoes and simmer. Add basil, red pepper and sugar or sugar substitute according to taste.
Cook the Ravioli
Boil the ravioli according to the package instructions, usually for about 4–5 minutes. Drain and toss with the homemade Arrabbiata sauce.
Finish with Parmesan
Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan and additional basil if desired.
Aunt Angie’s Family Recipe
This recipe is more than just a pasta sauce. Vito remembers watching Aunt Angie prepare food by hand and learning from her passion for cooking and family. Keep this personal story on the page because it gives the recipe a unique angle that generic Arrabbiata recipes cannot offer.
Fresh Arrabbiata Sauce Taste
The sauce is fresh, savory and lightly spicy, with sweet tomatoes balanced by garlic, basil and red pepper. Butter adds richness, while Parmesan gives the finished ravioli a salty, cheesy finish.
Tips for Making Arrabbiata Sauce
- Use ripe Roma tomatoes for a fresh tomato flavor.
- Remove the tomato skins after blanching.
- Add red pepper gradually because the heat can build quickly.
- Adjust sugar according to the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Fresh basil is best added toward the end of cooking.
- Make extra sauce and refrigerate it for another pasta meal.
What to Serve with Arrabbiata Sauce
This sauce can be used with more than ravioli. Try it with:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arrabbiata sauce spicy?
Yes. Traditional Arrabbiata sauce gets its heat from red pepper. You can reduce or increase the amount based on your preference.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes. Fresh tomatoes provide a bright flavor, but good-quality canned Italian tomatoes can also work when fresh tomatoes are unavailable.
Can I make Arrabbiata sauce ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the sauce in advance, refrigerate it and reheat it before serving with pasta or ravioli.
What pasta goes best with Arrabbiata sauce?
Arrabbiata works well with ravioli, spaghetti, penne, rigatoni and other pasta shapes that hold tomato sauce.