Penne Arrabbiata Recipe

I absolutely love this penne arrabbiata recipe because it’s a straightforward, fiery dish that comes together with pantry staples, yet feels like a gourmet meal. The rich, spicy tomato sauce with its garlicky aroma and the umami hit from the Parmesan makes it irresistibly comforting and perfect for a cozy night in.

As someone who enjoys powerful tastes, I relish making a fast and furious Penne Arrabbiata. This dish showcases 12 oz of tantalizingly tender penne pasta slathered in a sumptuous sauce of 3 thinly sliced cloves of garlic, fresh crushed tomatoes, and a hit of heat from red pepper flakes.

Topped with a dusting of Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, the dish is nothing short of a triumph.

Ingredients

Penne Pasta:
Carbohydrates are the richest and most concentrated energy source.

They provide the energy base for the dish.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil:
Delivers nutritious fats, boosts taste, and helps absorb vitamins.

Garlic:
Contributes a strong, spicy flavor and provides antioxidants and possible heart health advantages.

Red Pepper Flakes:
Adds warmth and heat, enhancing metabolism and flavor intensity.

Whole Peeled Tomatoes:
Provide a sweet and tart flavor, loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants such as lycopene.

Parmesan Cheese:
Contributes delicious, umami flavors, plus protein and calcium.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta. Cook it according to the instructions on the package. When the pasta is al dente, save 1 cup of the water it was cooked in. Then, drain the pasta.

2. In a sizable frying pan, warm the olive oil over moderate heat. Toss in the slivered garlic and sauté until it becomes aromatic, roughly 1 minute, taking care not to allow it to scorch.

3. Add the red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds so that the oil absorbs the flavor.

4. Add the crushed tomatoes, mixing well with the garlic and the pepper flakes. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

5. Pour the medium-simmer sauce into a saucepan, set over medium heat, and let it bubble away for 10-15 minutes. It should thicken a little and taste more like a sauce and less like a bunch of things thrown together.

6. In the skillet, add the penne that has been cooked and toss it gently to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

7. Prepare the pasta with the sauce, cooking them together over low heat for 1-2 minutes. This will let the pasta absorb some of the sauce.

8. Take the skillet off the burner and scatter fresh, finely grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Toss everything together one more time, for good measure, and serve.

9. Should you choose to use it, add chopped fresh parsley or basil for a burst of freshness and color.

10. Penne arrabbiata can be served piping hot, with extra Parmesan and herbs adorning the surface, if you so wish. But the time to enjoy this dish is anytime you please.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Strainer or colander
3. Measuring cups
4. Frying pan
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Cheese grater
9. Ladle or measuring cup for reserved pasta water

FAQ

• What is the origin of Penne Arrabbiata?Penne Arrabbiata is a zesty Italian pasta dish from the Lazio region, where “arrabbiata” translates to “angry” in Italian, signifying its penchant for spice.
• Can I use a different type of pasta?Certainly! While this dish is classically prepared with penne, it can easily be made with rigatoni or any short pasta you enjoy.
• How can I adjust the spiciness?You can boost or lessen the quantity of red pepper flakes to match your unique flavor preferences. If you’re unsure about the heat level, start small. Once you’ve mixed everything up, you can always add more to your instant kimchi as needed.
• Is it necessary to crush the tomatoes by hand?For this recipe, it is very desirable to have a slightly chunky texture, which is the result of crushing the tomatoes by hand. However, if you really want a smooth sauce, you can go ahead and use an immersion blender.
• Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?This dish is already vegetarian. To take it a step further and make it vegan, please remove the Parmesan cheese or use a substitute that doesn’t contain any animal products.
• How do I store leftovers?Any remaining food should be kept in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for no longer than 3 days. To reheat, return to the stovetop, adding a splash of water to achieve the desired saucy consistency.
• What can I serve with Penne Arrabbiata?Accompany it with a crusty bread and side salad to make it a meal, or add some grilled chicken to the top for protein.

Substitutions and Variations

Avocado oil or standard olive oil can be used in place of extra-virgin olive oil.
Instead of using red pepper flakes, use fresh chili peppers, finely chopped, or substitute cayenne pepper for a different heat level.
If you can’t find whole peeled tomatoes, use diced canned tomatoes or tomato puree (use a little less to keep the thickness right).
For a different cheese flavor, substitute Pecorino Romano for Parmesan.
You can use fresh oregano or cilantro to put a unique twist on the dish in place of parsley.

Pro Tips

1. Tomato Quality Use high-quality canned tomatoes, such as San Marzano, for a richer and more flavorful sauce. The natural sweetness and lower acidity levels will enhance the dish.

2. Garlic Sautéing When sautéing the garlic, make sure to move it constantly and watch it closely. For a deeper flavor, aim for a light golden-brown color, but do not allow it to burn, as burnt garlic will add a bitter taste to the sauce.

3. Red Pepper Flakes Adjustment To control the spice level, start with half the amount of red pepper flakes and adjust to your preference. You can always add more later if you want extra heat.

4. Pasta Water The reserved pasta water is starchy and acts as a natural binder, helping the sauce cling to the pasta. Add it slowly and whisk it into the sauce until you’ve achieved the perfect silky consistency.

5. Cheese and Herbs Add the Parmesan gradually, saving some to sprinkle on top just before serving. Similarly, if using fresh herbs, add them at the very end to maintain their fresh flavor and vibrant color, enhancing the final dish.