When I need a versatile sauce that’s packed with bold flavors and comes together in no time, this Giada De Laurentiis Spicy Tomato Sauce is always a winner. It’s rich with the sweetness of tomatoes, balanced by the briny kick of olives and capers, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, making it a perfect spin on a classic arrabiata sauce.

Whether I’m tossing it with pasta, spooning it over grilled chicken, or simply serving it with crusty bread, this sauce works for just about any meal. It’s quick, easy, and a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or when I want to elevate a simple dinner.

Other Giada sauces that i love making are Giada Classic Basil Pesto and Giada Bechamel Sauce, you may want to give them a try too.

Why This Recipe Works

This spicy tomato sauce is my secret kitchen hero. It’s quick to make but packed with rich, layered flavors—from the sweetness of sautéed onions to the bold kick of garlic, olives, and red pepper flakes. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something special without the fuss.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. Toss it with pasta, spoon it over grilled chicken, or use it as a dip for crusty bread. It’s the kind of sauce that feels gourmet, but you can whip it up anytime, making it a must-have in my kitchen.

Recipe Ingredients

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A generous base of olive oil is key here, adding a rich, fruity depth to the sauce. Heating it slowly will help bring out all the flavors from the aromatics.
• Onion: A small minced onion provides sweetness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Cook it until it’s soft and slightly caramelized for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add a bold, savory kick. Mince them finely and cook just until fragrant—garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it!
• Black Olives: Coarsely chopped, pitted black olives bring a briny, salty punch to the sauce. You can swap them out for green olives if you prefer a slightly different flavor.
• Capers: Rinse the capers to remove excess salt, then add them to the mix for a pop of tangy, lemony flavor. They’re small but mighty in transforming the sauce.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A generous pinch gives the sauce a nice heat, but feel free to adjust to your preferred spice level. You can always add more later if you want it spicier.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Hand-crushed tomatoes add texture and freshness. You can use canned whole tomatoes if you prefer, but crushing them by hand keeps the sauce rustic and chunky.
• Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt enhances all the flavors, and you can always adjust at the end to taste.

Note: The rest of the ingredients and full instructions can be found in the recipe card below!

Step-by-Step Directions

Step One – Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s just about to shimmer. Add the minced onion and garlic, stirring frequently for about 3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

Step Two – Lower the heat to medium and toss in the chopped olives, capers, sea salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir for about a minute to let the flavors meld together.

Step Three – Pour in the hand-crushed tomatoes and bring everything to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt if needed. (You can make this sauce a day ahead—just refrigerate and reheat when ready to use!)

How to serve

• Serve this sauce over al dente spaghetti, topped with Parmesan and fresh basil. It’s like a cozy Italian night at home!
• Pair it with a Caesar salad and garlic bread, or roast some veggies like zucchini and bell peppers for a Mediterranean twist.
• For a heartier option, try it over creamy polenta or grilled chicken. And don’t forget the crusty Italian bread to soak up all the sauce!

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada De Laurentiis Arugula Pesto
• Giada Italian Sausage and Egg Bake
• Giada Pasta With Chicken Ragu