Penne all’Arrabbiata is a classic Italian pasta dish that’s all about bold, spicy flavors. The name “Arrabbiata” translates to “angry,” a nod to the fiery heat of the chili peppers used in the sauce. The sauce is a simple yet flavorful combination of tomatoes, garlic, and chili, tossed with al dente penne pasta. It’s a dish that’s easy to make but delivers big on taste, perfect for those who love their pasta with a bit of a kick. Pair it with a glass of red wine for a satisfying meal.

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Penne all’Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Pasta)

A fiery Italian pasta dish made with penne and a spicy tomato sauce.

Prep5

Cook15

Total Time20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Keyword: pasta

Servings: 4

Calories: 340kcal

Ingredients

400 g penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves minced
1 tsp red chili flakes
1 can 400g crushed tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil and parsley for garnish

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden and fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much, as it can become bitter.
Stir in the red chili flakes, adjusting the amount based on your heat preference. Cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the chili to infuse the oil with its spicy flavor.
Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and chili. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and become rich in flavor.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
Stir in the fresh parsley and basil, giving the dish a fresh and aromatic touch.
Transfer the Penne all'Arrabbiata to serving plates and enjoy.