Pioneer Woman’s Creamy Arrabbiata Pasta is a spicy twist on the classic Italian arrabbiata sauce, made even richer and smoother with a touch of cream. This sauce, known for its bold flavors from crushed red pepper and garlic, is traditionally served with pasta for a meal that’s both comforting and flavorful. With a creamy finish, this version is perfect for those who love spice but also crave a luxurious, velvety texture.
What is Pioneer Woman Creamy Arrabbiata Pasta?
Arrabbiata sauce, meaning “angry” in Italian, is a spicy tomato-based sauce made with garlic, crushed red pepper, and olive oil. Pioneer Woman’s creamy version adds a touch of heavy cream to balance out the heat, creating a silky, indulgent sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta. This dish is easy to prepare and delivers a wonderful balance of heat and richness.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Spicy and Creamy: The bold spiciness of arrabbiata sauce is beautifully mellowed by the cream, creating a balanced and flavorful dish.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.
- Quick to Make: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: Adjust the heat to your preference and experiment with different types of pasta.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman’s Creamy Arrabbiata Pasta
- 1 pound (450g) of pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti works well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Equipment
- Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Skillet: For cooking the sauce.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: These are used to measure ingredients accurately.
Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman’s Creamy Arrabbiata Pasta
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make it Creamy: After the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to become creamy.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped basil for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately.
What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman’s Creamy Arrabbiata Pasta
This bold and creamy pasta pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Garlic Bread: A side of crusty garlic bread complements the spicy, creamy sauce.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.
- Grilled Vegetables: Serve with grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a complete meal.
- Chicken or Shrimp: Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this a heartier dish.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman’s Creamy Arrabbiata Pasta
To ensure your pasta turns out perfectly, follow these tips:
- Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Start with less, and add more if needed.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a depth of flavor that enhances the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and creates a silky texture.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with fresh basil or parsley adds a refreshing note to balance the richness of the sauce.
Variations of Pioneer Woman’s Creamy Arrabbiata Pasta
Feel free to experiment with this recipe by trying different variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and texture.
- Protein Additions: Stir in cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
- Extra Creamy: For an even creamier sauce, increase the amount of heavy cream or stir in a spoonful of cream cheese.
- Cheesy Arrabbiata: Add extra Parmesan or stir in some mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Storing Pioneer Woman’s Creamy Arrabbiata Pasta: Best Practices
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:
- Refrigerate: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
How do I make arrabbiata sauce less spicy?
To make the arrabbiata sauce less spicy, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the recipe. You can start with a smaller amount and adjust to your heat tolerance. If the sauce is already too spicy, adding more cream or a touch of sugar can help mellow out the heat.
Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes for this recipe?
Yes, canned tomato sauce can be used in place of crushed tomatoes. However, the texture will be smoother, and you may need to adjust the seasoning and simmer time to achieve the desired consistency.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, cook the pasta, and combine. Add a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
What is the best type of pasta for creamy arrabbiata sauce?
Penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta with ridges works best for creamy arrabbiata sauce, as these types help hold the sauce well. However, spaghetti or fettuccine can also be used for a more classic presentation.
Final Words
Pioneer Woman’s Creamy Arrabbiata Pasta is a deliciously spicy and creamy dish that’s sure to become a favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its bold flavors and luxurious texture, this pasta is a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and impressive. Serve it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal. Enjoy!
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Pioneer Woman Creamy Arrabbiata Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Arrabbiata sauce, meaning “angry” in Italian, is a spicy tomato-based sauce made with garlic, crushed red pepper, and olive oil. Pioneer Woman’s creamy version adds a touch of heavy cream to balance out the heat, creating a silky, indulgent sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta. This dish is easy to prepare and delivers a wonderful balance of heat and richness.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) of pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti works well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make it Creamy: After the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to become creamy.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped basil for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately.
