Description
Penne all’Arrabbiata is a spicy and bold pasta dish made with penne tossed in a zesty tomato sauce with garlic, red pepper flakes, and a touch of olive oil. This fiery favorite brings heat and flavor, offering a satisfying and savory experience.
Ingredients
For the Penne all’Arrabbiata:
- 1 pound (16 oz) penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 cans (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes (or 4 cups of fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta in a colander. Set the pasta aside, but make sure to keep the reserved pasta water for later.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as this can create a bitter taste.
Next, add the red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir them into the garlic for a few seconds to allow the heat from the oil to release the flavors of the chili flakes.
Add the diced tomatoes (either canned or fresh) to the pan, along with the salt, black pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine and allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly, and the flavors will come together beautifully.
Once the sauce has simmered and thickened, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, making sure each piece is evenly coated. If the sauce appears too thick, add a little reserved pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.
Let the pasta and sauce cook together for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors meld together. You can add more red pepper flakes at this point if you want to increase the heat level.
Divide the pasta among four plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. You can also add fresh basil leaves for an additional burst of flavor and color.
Nutrition
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Fat: 16-18g
- Carbohydrates: 55-60g
- Protein: 8-10g