Arrabiata Sauce Spaghetti Bake

This hearty Arrabiata Sauce Spaghetti Bake transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, spicy pasta dish that's become my go-to for family dinners. The roasted cherry tomatoes and whole garlic create a sauce with incredible depth that coats each strand of spaghetti perfectly.

I started making this during a particularly cold winter when I craved something warming and satisfying. What began as a kitchen experiment quickly became my family's most requested meal, especially when we have friends over who appreciate a bit of heat in their pasta.

Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes: the star of the show that burst in the oven releasing their sweet juicy flavor
• Whole garlic bulb: roasting transforms it into mellow sweet cloves that infuse the sauce
• Fresh basil: adds brightness and aromatic freshness to balance the spice
• Crushed red pepper flakes: adjust to your heat preference for that signature arrabiata kick
• Heavy cream: just enough to create a silky luxurious texture without heaviness
• Parmesan cheese: use freshly grated for the best melting quality and flavor
• Barilla spaghetti: holds up well to the chunky sauce and baking process
• Shallot: provides a milder more complex flavor than regular onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the aromatics:

Peeling just the outer layers of the garlic bulb while keeping cloves intact allows them to roast perfectly. The garlic becomes sweet and tender rather than burnt and bitter.

Create the roasting mixture:

Combine all sauce ingredients in a baking dish spreading them evenly with the garlic bulb placed prominently in the center. This arrangement ensures every component roasts at the right pace.

Season and roast:

Generous olive oil coating helps everything roast evenly while developing caramelization. The 40 minute roasting time is crucial for developing the complex flavors as tomatoes burst and release their juices.

Cook the pasta:

Timing is important here cook the spaghetti just until al dente about 2 minutes less than package directions since it will continue cooking when mixed with the hot sauce.

Blend the sauce:

Allowing the roasted mixture to cool slightly prevents steam buildup in your blender. The addition of cream at this stage creates a silky smooth sauce with a beautiful orange hue.

Combine and finish:

The reserved pasta water is your secret weapon adding just enough to achieve the perfect sauce consistency that clings to every strand of spaghetti.

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The crushed red pepper flakes are truly the heart of this arrabiata sauce. I discovered through many test batches that adding them before roasting rather than after allows their heat to mellow and distribute more evenly throughout the sauce. My Italian grandmother would probably raise an eyebrow at this technique but even she had to admit the results were spectacular when I served it at our last family gathering.

Make It Ahead

This pasta bake shines as a make ahead meal. Prepare the sauce and cook the pasta up to two days in advance keeping them separate in the refrigerator. When ready to serve combine and bake for 20 minutes at 350°F until bubbling. The flavors actually intensify with time making this perfect for busy weeknight planning.

Adjusting The Heat

The beauty of homemade arrabiata is controlling exactly how spicy you want it. For mild palates use just 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. For true spice lovers increase to 4 teaspoons or add a diced fresh chili to the roasting pan. Remember that the cream mellows the heat considerably so the sauce can handle more spice than you might think.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta bake calls for something fresh and crisp alongside it. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil provides the perfect contrast to the rich creamy pasta. For an authentic Italian experience serve with crusty ciabatta bread to sop up every last bit of sauce. A chilled glass of Chianti completes the meal beautifully cutting through the richness with its acidity.

Common Queries

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and combine with fresh pasta when ready to serve.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, coconut cream, or a dairy-free alternative if needed.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on the amount of crushed red pepper flakes you use. Adjust it to match your preferred heat level.

→ Can I add protein to the dish?

Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sausage to elevate the dish with extra protein.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti noodles are recommended, but you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or other pasta shapes based on preference.