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Spaghetti with Arrabbiata Sauce (works every time!)

Save cash and time with this cheap but nutritious Italian spaghetti dish that tastes great every single time.

I’ve tested this recipe umpteen times you so don’t have to – follow the simple steps and you’ll get perfect results each time you make it (and I guarantee you’ll be making it again and again!).

A plate of pasta arrabbiata on a blue surface. A board & a pan full of the sauce are in the corner | Hurry The Food Up

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This spaghetti arrabiata is a favourite of mine. I first tried it during hard times with little money – it’s really filling and delicious. It’s based around aubergine/eggplant/brinjal which is so filling because of all the fiber.

The ingredients for the dish are laid out including spaghetti, tomato, aubergine, tomato juice, oil | Hurry The Food Up
Aubergines and onion in a frying pan with a wooden spatula for stirring them, being fried up for sauce | Hurry The Food Up

Simple ingredients

I love my food speedy, so I always try and figure out ways to cut down the cooking time but keep the taste. I use a shop-bought tomato juice/sauce as it saves a lot of time rather than making my own.

This spaghetti arrabbiata is actually vegan, though you could also add cheese (like parmesan or cheddar) if you’re not vegan.

I also added a handful of chopped almonds to the topping for extra flavour and a nice crunch in the consistency.

The yeast flakes give a cheesy taste and add extra protein, but as I mentioned, you could also add cheese instead.

Here are some other great money-saving recipes.

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The aubergine & tomato arrabbiata sauce simmers in a frying pan, a spatula in the mix for stirring | Hurry The Food Up

How to make spaghetti arrabiata – my best tips

Preparing this dish is pretty simple, but I have a few tips to ensure that it comes out as delicious as possible.

For example, I can’t stress enough how important it is not to skip the last cooking stage. That last 5 minutes of simmering really releases the flavour!

I also wouldn’t recommend skipping the sugar, unless absolutely necessary – a hint of sweetness lessens the acidity of the tomato and gives a fuller flavour to the dish.

Furthermore, to control the level of spice, you have a couple of options:

Least spicy: throw a chilli pepper in the sauce while cooking and remove at the end.

Middle spicy: deseed the chilli pepper and chop the rest into pieces. Add it to the sauce.

Most spicy: Chop the chilli pepper, seeds and all, and add it to the sauce.

My favourite is the most spicy version, but the kids won’t eat it so I usually go for the first!

A birds eye view of a plate of spaghetti and arrabbiata sauce & a frying pan full of the extra sauce | Hurry The Food Up
Spaghetti with Arrabbiata Sauce
4.78 from 9 votes
This cheap and easy spaghetti arrabbiata is a game-changer – loads of taste, make it as spicy as you like–and save money at the same time!
Cuisine:Italian, Vegan, Vegetarian
Diet: dairy-free, egg-free, vegan
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Servings:2 servings
Calories:522kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta as per packet instructions.
    5 oz wholegrain pasta
  • Wash and cut the aubergine and tomatoes into small pieces.
    1 small aubergine, 2 medium tomato
  • Heat up a pan with olive oil on a medium heat. Add the aubergine, and mix in the salt and paprika.
    Salt to taste, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika powder
  • Dice the onion and garlic.
    1 medium onion, 2 clove garlic
  • After a couple of minutes, add the onions and fry until soft. When they are, add the garlic and fry for another 30 seconds or so.
    Aubergines and onion in a frying pan with a wooden spatula for stirring them, being fried up for sauce| Hurry The Food Up
  • Add the tomato paste, tomato juice, the tomato pieces, nutritional yeast and the sugar.
    2 tbsp nutritional yeast, ¼ tsp sugar, 2 cups tomato juice, 2 tsp tomato paste
  • Chop the chili pepper and throw that in there too.
    1 red chili pepper
  • Let it cook (bubbling) for another five minutes (don't skip this!)
    The aubergine & tomato arrabbiata sauce simmers in a frying pan, a spatula in the mix for stirring | Hurry The Food Up
  • Crush the almonds.
    1 tbsp almonds
  • Serve the pasta with the sauce, adding salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with the crushed almonds.

NOTES

  • Kat’s pro tip: Don’t skip the final cooking stage, it really brings out the flavours. The same goes for the little amount of sugar, unless absolutely necessary to skip.
  • Make-ahead? Yes, you can make ahead of time, but I’d reheat and have it warm.
  • Freezable? Yes, it’s freezer friendly.
 
Here are some more satisfying recipes that you may enjoy:
Simple and delicious Red Pesto Pasta
The nutritious powerhouse Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Incredibly Quick and Creamy Avocado Pasta
Surprisingly easy The Veggie King Microwave Baked Potato
Best dinner ever Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers in Mediterranean Tomato Sauce

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Spaghetti with Arrabbiata Sauce
Amount per Serving
Calories
522
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
13
g
20
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
7
g
Sodium
 
379
mg
16
%
Potassium
 
1808
mg
52
%
Carbohydrates
 
87
g
29
%
Fiber
 
19
g
79
%
Sugar
 
27
g
30
%
Protein
 
20
g
40
%
Vitamin A
 
2970
IU
59
%
Vitamin C
 
105
mg
127
%
Calcium
 
97
mg
10
%
Iron
 
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Comments
4.78 from 9 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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5 comments
  1. Looks great and keen to try. 20g of protein is quite high – is this mostly from the almonds? Not complaining, love a protein packed vegetarian dish!

    1. Hi Soo! It was a little high, thanks for poitning that out. I just ran it through the analyser again and it’s actually 15g, the pasta was registering wrong. I changed it to wholegrain pasta so it’s less calorie-heavy now as well. The protein comes from everywhere actually, mostly from the nuts but a surprising amount from the pasta and tomato, and tomato juice as well. There’s protein everywhere 😀 enjoy the recipe, I love this one!

  2. Amazing blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you suggest starting with a free platform like
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    1. Hi! Thank you, we’re glad you like it 🙂

      Sure thing – we have a guide on how to start a blog. It should cover everything you need to know!

      https://hurrythefoodup.com/how-to-start-a-food-blog/

  3. WOW! What a MEAL! Very nice! Seems like it’s nice and filling!