Penne Arrabbiata Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Penne Arrabbiata, the ultimate Italian comfort dish that proves fiery flavor can be fabulously simple! This zesty pasta brings together perfectly al dente penne in a bold, garlicky tomato sauce blooming with red pepper flakes and fresh herbs. Whether you’re simmering up a cozy weeknight dinner or whipping out a crowd-pleaser for friends, Penne Arrabbiata turns humble pantry staples into a plate of pure excitement, capturing the spirit of Italian cooking—fast, fresh, and focused on flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This classic Penne Arrabbiata recipe truly shines because of its few, well-chosen ingredients. Each plays a supporting role in building the irresistible tang, heat, and brightness that makes this dish unforgettable. Don’t skip or skimp—these ingredients are the magic!
- Penne pasta: Its tubular shape is perfect for collecting every spicy drop of sauce.
- Olive oil: A fruity and essential base that delivers luscious flavor and infuses the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Thinly sliced so every bite pops with that signature garlicky aroma.
- Red pepper flakes: The pulse of Penne Arrabbiata! Adjust for a gentle warmth or bold heat.
- Crushed tomatoes: Choose a good-quality, 28-ounce can—these are the heart of the sauce, bringing sweet-tart richness.
- Salt: Just enough to bring every flavor into perfect balance.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle depth and a final aromatic kick.
- Fresh parsley or basil: Chopped and tossed in at the end for an explosion of color and herby freshness.
- Grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan (optional): For a savory, salty flourish to finish each serving (skip for vegan!).
How to Make Penne Arrabbiata
Step 1: Boil and Drain the Penne
Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until just al dente, following your package directions closely (usually around 10-12 minutes). Right before you drain, scoop out about ½ cup of that glorious pasta water—it’s liquid gold for the sauce! Drain the pasta and set it aside while you start on the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
While the pasta is bubbling away, reach for your biggest skillet and set it over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil, then add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté gently for 1-2 minutes; you’re aiming for light golden garlic that smells incredible (keep a close eye—it can go from perfect to burnt very fast!).
Step 3: Simmer the Spicy Tomato Sauce
With the kitchen fragrant, it’s time to build the soul of Penne Arrabbiata: the sauce. Pour your crushed tomatoes right into the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and bring it all to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and melds seamlessly with those garlicky flavors.
Step 4: Marry Pasta and Sauce
Now comes the magic moment: add the drained penne straight into the skillet with the bubbling Arrabbiata sauce. Splash in a little reserved pasta water to help the sauce hug every piece. Toss everything well—you want the pasta perfectly coated, glossy, and vibrant!
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Remove your skillet from the heat, then sprinkle in the chopped fresh parsley or basil. Give it a quick toss to wake up the whole dish with a pop of green color and garden-fresh aroma. Dish up immediately, and for anyone who loves a little extra oomph, offer freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan on top.
How to Serve Penne Arrabbiata
Garnishes
The best way to crown a bowl of Penne Arrabbiata is with a flurry of chopped fresh herbs and a shower of tangy Pecorino Romano or Parmesan. A crack of black pepper or a drizzle of fruity olive oil adds extra restaurant-worthy flair—go ahead, make it feel special!
Side Dishes
Keep it classic by pairing your Penne Arrabbiata with crusty Italian bread (for plenty of sauce scooping), a simple green salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette, or roasted veggies for a colorful, balanced meal. If you’re feeling extra, a glass of bold red wine makes a stellar companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve Penne Arrabbiata family-style in a large, rustic platter with extra herbs and cheese on the side. Or, go elegant with individual pasta bowls garnished with herb sprigs and edible flowers. Even layering leftovers into a baked pasta casserole brings new life to this spicy favorite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Penne Arrabbiata are a dream! Let the pasta cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep its punchy flavor and satisfying bite for up to 3 days—perfect for fast lunches or a spicy midnight snack.
Freezing
Want to make Penne Arrabbiata ahead of time? The sauce freezes best on its own: just cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and stash for up to 2 months. When you crave pasta, simply thaw, reheat, and toss with freshly cooked penne.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a splash of water over the pasta, cover loosely, and microwave in one-minute intervals until steamy—or rewarm gently in a skillet, adding a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Toss to freshen up, then finish with a hit of fresh herbs and cheese.
FAQs
How spicy is traditional Penne Arrabbiata?
Classic Penne Arrabbiata is known for its lively kick, but the beauty is in the customization: use between ½ to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, starting with less if you’re spice-shy and adding more for a bolder punch. Taste as you go and make it your own!
Can I use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta?
Absolutely! Penne Arrabbiata welcomes all shapes and types of penne. Use your favorite gluten-free or whole-grain variety and follow package instructions for best results; just make sure to cook until al dente for the ideal texture.
Is Penne Arrabbiata vegan?
Yes, the core recipe is vegan provided you skip the optional cheese topping. The sauce is naturally plant-based and bursting with flavor—perfect for anyone looking for a hearty, dairy-free pasta dinner.
How do I add protein to this dish?
You can make Penne Arrabbiata heartier by tossing in sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or crisped pancetta. For a plant-based option, stir in some white beans or toss with roasted chickpeas for added substance.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
No worries! While fresh parsley or basil adds lovely color and aroma, you can substitute with a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs in the sauce. Just add them during the simmer step to bring out their fragrance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a fast, flavor-packed dinner that brings real Italian zing to your table, Penne Arrabbiata is your ticket. Give it a try, experiment with the spice, and watch it become your forever favorite go-to pasta!
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Penne Arrabbiata Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Italian pasta dish with a spicy kick, Penne Arrabbiata is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is quick and easy to make. Perfect for a cozy night in or a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook penne until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Make the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Combine: Add drained pasta and a splash of reserved water to the skillet. Toss well. Stir in fresh herbs.
- Serve: Top with grated cheese if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes for spice level
- Enhance with sautéed shrimp or pancetta for variation
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
