Arrabiata Sauce Spaghetti Bake

This Arrabiata Sauce Spaghetti Bake puts a bold and creamy twist on traditional baked pasta. Made with a fiery blend of roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes, this dish gets its velvety finish from a splash of cream and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s spicy, comforting, and satisfying—everything you want in a weeknight dinner that comes together with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Spicy and flavorful – Crushed red pepper brings heat balanced by sweet roasted tomatoes.

• Creamy finish – A touch of cream gives this dish a luscious, velvety texture.

• Oven-roasted sauce – Intensifies the flavor of the garlic and tomatoes.

• Easy to make – Simple steps with minimal active prep.

• One baking dish for the sauce – Less cleanup, more convenience.

• Customizable spice level – Adjust red pepper flakes to your taste.

• Great for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.

• Family-friendly – Serve with salad and bread for a balanced meal.

• Vegetarian – No meat needed, yet still hearty and satisfying.

• Perfect for gatherings – Easy to double and serve for a crowd.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 whole garlic bulb

• 32 ounces cherry tomatoes

• 1 medium shallot, diced

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• ½ cup loosely packed fresh basil

• 3 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 1 pound Barilla spaghetti noodles

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Prepare the garlic:
   Peel away the outer layers of the whole garlic bulb, keeping the cloves intact.

3. Roast the sauce ingredients:
   In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, diced shallot, oregano, thyme, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes.
   Nestle the whole garlic bulb in the center.
   Drizzle everything with olive oil, and season generously with salt and black pepper.

4. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until tomatoes burst and garlic becomes soft and golden.

5. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti:
   Prepare pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
   Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.

6. Blend the sauce:
   Let the roasted tomato mixture cool slightly, then transfer to a high-speed blender along with the heavy cream.
   Squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of their skins and into the blender.
   Blend until smooth and creamy.

7. Combine with pasta:
   In a large pot or bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti, blended sauce, Parmesan cheese, and a bit of the reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
   Toss until fully coated.

8. Serve warm with extra Parmesan or basil, if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Make it extra spicy: Add more crushed red pepper or a fresh chili before roasting.

• Add protein: Stir in cooked grilled chicken, or white beans.

• Cheesy upgrade: Bake with a layer of mozzarella on top until bubbly.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles.

• Vegan option: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use vegan Parmesan.

• Roasted veggie boost: Add zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms to the baking dish.

• Herb twist: Use rosemary or parsley in place of thyme or basil.

• Pasta swap: Try rigatoni, penne, or fusilli for a different texture.

• Panko topping: Sprinkle with seasoned breadcrumbs and bake for 10 minutes to finish.

• Lemon zest: Add a little zest after mixing for a fresh finish.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Is arrabiata sauce always spicy?

Yes, it’s known for its heat. However, you can adjust the spice by reducing or increasing the red pepper flakes.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

You can substitute with canned whole or diced tomatoes in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as sweet or roasted.

What’s the purpose of roasting the garlic whole?

Roasting mellows the garlic, bringing out a sweet, nutty flavor that blends beautifully into the sauce.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely. Any pasta shape works—penne, rigatoni, linguine, or even gluten-free options.

Do I have to blend the sauce?

Blending gives a smooth, creamy consistency. If you prefer a chunky sauce, mash the tomatoes and garlic with a fork or potato masher.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce and pasta separately. Combine and reheat when ready to serve.

Is this kid-friendly?

If your kids are sensitive to spice, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.

What sides pair well with this dish?

A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make perfect companions.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your blender and pot are large enough to handle the extra volume.

What cheese alternatives can I use?

Pecorino Romano, asiago, or even a plant-based Parmesan substitute work well.

Conclusion

This Arrabiata Sauce Spaghetti Bake is a bold, comforting meal that’s equal parts spicy, creamy, and crave-worthy. With roasted garlic and tomatoes as the base, this one-pan sauce delivers restaurant-level flavor with very little effort. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinner or impress guests with a hearty vegetarian dish, this recipe is a winner you’ll make again and again.

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