Spicy Penne Arrabbiata

$To make a great Spicy Penne Arrabbiata, you need the following: - 300g penne pasta - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat) - 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - Salt, to taste - Fresh basil leaves, to garnish These ingredients bring bold flavors to your dish. The garlic and red pepper flakes offer a punch, while the tomatoes provide a rich base. You can enhance your dish with these optional items: - Grated Parmesan cheese Adding Parmesan gives a creamy finish that balances the spice. It is not necessary, but it adds a nice touch. Choosing fresh ingredients is key to a tasty meal. Here are some tips: - For garlic, look for firm, plump cloves without sprouts. - Select tomatoes that are ripe and fragrant. They should feel heavy for their size. - Choose extra-virgin olive oil with a fresh, fruity smell. A good oil can elevate your sauce. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. They not only taste better but also make your cooking experience more enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Salt helps add flavor to the pasta. Next, add 300g of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package directions. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should have a little bite. Before draining, save about one cup of the pasta water. This water is starchy and helps the sauce stick. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke. Once hot, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir continuously to avoid burning the garlic. If garlic burns, it will taste bitter. After the garlic is fragrant, pour in one can of crushed tomatoes and add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Stir this mixture well. Allow it to simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and add salt as needed. Stir occasionally to help the sauce thicken. Now it’s time to unite the pasta and sauce. Add the drained penne to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss it to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water. This will help coat the pasta evenly. Ensure every piece of penne is covered in that spicy, rich sauce. Once mixed well, let it sit for a minute. This helps the flavors blend. Finally, serve your spicy penne Arrabbiata hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. If you like, you can add some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch. Enjoy your bold and flavorful dish! You can change the heat in your Spicy Penne Arrabbiata easily. Start with one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you love heat, add more! Always taste your sauce before serving. This way, you can find the right spice for you. If it gets too spicy, add a little sugar. Sugar balances the heat and makes the sauce tasty. One big mistake is overcooking the garlic. Cook it just until it smells great. If it turns brown, it will taste bitter. Another mistake is not reserving pasta water. This water helps your sauce stick to the pasta. Finally, don’t skip the salt. It makes all the flavors pop. Always taste your sauce and adjust as needed. While Spicy Penne Arrabbiata is not a cream-based dish, you can make it feel creamy. Use some of the reserved pasta water. This water has starch that helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Stir it in slowly until you reach the texture you like. If you want, you can add a splash of cream for richness. Just remember, a little goes a long way! Pro Tips Adjusting Heat Level: Modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preference for spice. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go to ensure the right balance for your palate. Fresh Tomatoes Option: If you prefer using fresh tomatoes, substitute the crushed tomatoes with about 6-8 ripe tomatoes. Blanch them, peel the skins, chop, and then proceed with the recipe. Cooking Pasta Perfectly: To achieve the perfect al dente texture, avoid overcooking the pasta. It should be firm to the bite, as it will continue cooking slightly once combined with the sauce. Enhancing Flavor: For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce after sautéing the garlic. Let it simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol before adding the tomatoes. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Skip the Parmesan cheese to keep it vegan. Instead, add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also add more vegetables. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These will add color and nutrients to your plate. Want to add some protein? Cooked chicken or shrimp works great. For chicken, use grilled or sautéed pieces. For shrimp, sauté them in the oil before adding garlic. Both options pair well with the spicy sauce. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian protein boost. Not a fan of penne? Use other pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni. They catch the sauce well, adding more flavor to each bite. Gluten-free pasta is also an option if you need it. Just be sure to follow cooking instructions on the package for best results. To store your leftover spicy penne Arrabbiata, cool it to room temperature first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal the container well. This helps lock in the flavors and keep the dish fresh. When reheating, I recommend using a skillet. Heat it over low to medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or some reserved pasta water. This helps bring back the sauce's moisture. Stir gently to warm it through. Avoid high heat, as it can dry out the pasta and sauce. You can freeze spicy penne Arrabbiata for later. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet, adding water if needed to keep it saucy. Arrabbiata means "angry" in Italian. The name reflects the spicy heat from red pepper flakes. This dish packs a punch, making it perfect for heat lovers. The red pepper gives it a bold flavor. You get that nice kick with each bite! Yes, you can make Spicy Penne Arrabbiata ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat them together. This method keeps the pasta from getting soggy. To make it milder for kids, reduce the red pepper flakes. Start with just a pinch and taste as you go. You can also add more tomato sauce to balance the heat. Mixing in some cream can help too. This makes the dish creamy and less spicy. Spicy Penne Arrabbiata is a simple but tasty dish. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to balance spice and enjoy creamy textures. Plus, we explored variations for different diets and how to store leftovers. Now, you can confidently cook this dish at home. Enjoy every bite, and share it with family and friends. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Keep it spicy and keep experimenting!$

A flavorful and spicy pasta dish featuring penne pasta in a rich tomato sauce with garlic and red pepper flakes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

300 g penne pasta
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
400 g crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
to taste salt
as needed fresh basil leaves, to garnish
optional grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically around 10-12 minutes. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
In a spacious skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for approximately 30 seconds, stirring continuously, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the tomato paste, blending the mixture thoroughly. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and season with salt according to your taste. Allow the sauce to cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to combine, adding the reserved pasta water incrementally until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
Once thoroughly mixed, remove the skillet from heat. Allow the dish to sit for a minute to settle. Plate the spicy penne Arrabbiata, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and optionally sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.

Keyword arrabbiata, pasta, spicy