Spicy Smoked Sausage Arrabbiata

Spicy Smoked Sausage Arrabbiata is a hearty dish that promises a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. The star of the dish is smoked sausage, sliced into succulent rounds, which brings a smoky depth and savory notes to the dish. The sausage is complemented by a bold arrabbiata sauce, a traditional Italian sauce known for its spicy kick from red pepper flakes, creating a harmonious balance of heat.

The foundation of the arrabbiata sauce is crushed San Marzano tomatoes, simmered to perfection, rendering a thick and luscious texture with a natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spiciness. The sauce is infused with the aromatic flavors of sautéed onion, garlic, and freshly chopped basil, oregano, and parsley, adding an extra layer of complexity to the dish. The heat from the red pepper flakes awakens the senses, making each bite more tantalizing than the last.

What are San Marzano tomatoes?

True San Marzano tomatoes are grown in the fertile volcanic soil around Mount Vesuvius in the Campania region of Italy. The combination of the region’s climate and the soil’s mineral content contributes to the tomato’s unique taste.

San Marzano tomatoes have thicker flesh and fewer seeds, making them ideal for cooking, particularly for making sauces. The reduced water content leads to a more concentrated flavor. These tomatoes have a distinct and well-balanced flavor profile. They are known for their sweetness, low acidity, and less watery consistency compared to other tomato varieties, which contributes to richer and thicker sauces.

San Marzano tomatoes have been awarded the “Denominazione di Origine Protetta” (DOP) status, which certifies their authenticity and origin. This certification ensures that the tomatoes are grown and processed in specific areas around Naples following strict standards.

This fiery concoction is generously tossed with al dente cooked rigatoni (or penne) pasta, which absorbs the vibrant flavors of the sauce, creating a delightful interplay between the firm bite of the pasta and the rich, chunky texture of the sauce and sausage. The dish is served with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, adding a salty, umami finish.

Each bite of Spicy Smoked Sausage Arrabbiata is a celebration of bold, rustic flavors. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that should appeal to those who enjoy a good kick of spice and a melody of harmonious flavors. Whether enjoyed on a cozy weeknight or served to guests at a gathering, this dish is sure to be a crowd favorite.

Spicy Smoked Sausage Arrabbiata

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: MainsCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

Spicy Smoked Sausage Arrabbiata is a hearty dish that features al dente pasta enveloped in a robust and spicy arrabbiata sauce made from San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and red chili peppers.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces pasta (rigatoni or penne)

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced thinly

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

• 1 28-ounce can San Marzano tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon basil, freshly chopped

• 1 tablespoon parsley, freshly chopped

• 1 tablespoon oregano, freshly chopped

• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

• salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Large potBuy now
• Cooking spoonBuy now
• Chef’s knifeBuy now
• Cheese graterBuy now
• ColanderBuy now

Directions

• Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
• Sauté Sausage and Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for an additional 1 minute.
  
  Add additional extra virgin olive oil after browning the sausage, if need be.
• Prepare the Arrabbiata Sauce: Stir in the San Marzano tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Season the sauce with basil, parsley, oregano, salt and ground black pepper to taste. Let it simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta and browned sausage slices back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency. Generously serve with grated parmesan cheese.