If you are craving a dish that brings a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and comforting flavors, then this Penne Arrabbiata Recipe is bound to become a new favorite. This classic Italian pasta is vibrant, simple to prepare, and packs a delightful punch of heat, thanks to the red pepper flakes that infuse every bite with just the right amount of fiery zest. The combination of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil creates a rich and satisfying sauce that clings beautifully to the al dente penne pasta, making every forkful an absolute joy. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this Penne Arrabbiata Recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that elevates everyday ingredients into an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Penne Arrabbiata Recipe shines because of its straightforward but powerful ingredients. Each item contributes to the dish’s bold flavor, silky texture, or vibrant appearance, keeping the cooking process delightfully uncomplicated.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the spicy, chunky sauce in every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the garlic and spices.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that aromatic base and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adjust this to your preferred spice level to control the heat.
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, providing vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional): Cuts through the acidity if you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh, green notes and a pop of color.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Offers a savory, salty finish that complements the sauce beautifully.
How to Make Penne Arrabbiata Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, following the package instructions closely. Make sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, as this starchy water will help loosen and marry the sauce with the pasta perfectly later on.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing them for 1 to 2 minutes until they release a gorgeous fragrant aroma but before the garlic turns golden brown. This step is crucial because it infuses the oil with a spicy, garlicky base that elevates the entire dish.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then season with salt, black pepper, and sugar if you’re using it. Let the sauce simmer gently over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow all the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. This slow simmer perfectly concentrates the tomato flavor and balances the heat from the pepper flakes.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked penne directly into the skillet with the arrabbiata sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding the reserved pasta water a splash at a time if the sauce feels too thick. This technique helps the sauce cling lovingly to the pasta, creating a luscious, silky coating that’s irresistible.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by stirring in the fresh chopped parsley, which adds brightness and a lovely fresh aroma. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a rich and creamy layer of flavor that rounds out the bold spices. Now, your Penne Arrabbiata Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Penne Arrabbiata Recipe
Garnishes
To turn this comforting dish into something truly special, top it with a handful of freshly chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds that perfect salty, nutty contrast to the fiery sauce. If you like extra heat, a few more red pepper flakes on top will keep your taste buds singing.
Side Dishes
This Penne Arrabbiata Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, lightly dressed green salads or simple roasted vegetables. Don’t forget a side of crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the saucy goodness — it’s practically essential for the full experience!
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the pasta in warm, deep bowls and drizzle a vibrant basil-infused olive oil over the top for an aromatic touch. Adding a few toasted pine nuts or a handful of fresh arugula can introduce textural complexity and an unexpected peppery bite. Presentation is all about making the bold colors of the tomato and parsley really pop, so keep the garnishes fresh and plentiful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Penne Arrabbiata Recipe keeps nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy days when you still want something homemade and tasty.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta by placing it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. To preserve the freshest flavors and best texture, freeze the pasta and sauce separately when possible, then combine and reheat fully before serving.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving works too — just cover the dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, to keep that perfect saucy consistency.
FAQs
Can I adjust the spice level in this penne arrabbiata recipe?
Absolutely! The red pepper flakes are easy to dial up or down depending on your heat preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less and add more gradually as you cook.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative, and all other ingredients are plant-based. This keeps the dish fully vegan without compromising on flavor.
What can I add to make this Penne Arrabbiata Recipe heartier?
Adding cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or sautéed mushrooms are fantastic ways to add protein and make the dish more filling while complementing the spicy tomato sauce.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
You can, but you’ll need quite a few ripe tomatoes. Blanch and peel them first, then crush by hand or blend. Keep in mind this might require longer simmering to achieve the right sauce consistency and depth of flavor.
What type of pasta works best with Arrabbiata sauce?
Penne is the classic choice because its tube shape holds the sauce well, but other short, ridged pastas like rigatoni or ziti also pair beautifully with this spicy, chunky sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing a vibrant, flavorful Penne Arrabbiata Recipe that brings warmth and excitement to the table. Its bold combination of spice, garlic, and rich tomato sauce makes for an incredibly satisfying meal any night of the week. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch it become one of your go-to dishes that you’ll want to make again and again. You’ll be glad you did!
Print
Penne Arrabbiata Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Penne Arrabbiata is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its spicy and tangy tomato sauce. Made with simple ingredients like garlic, crushed tomatoes, and red pepper flakes, it delivers a flavorful kick that’s both comforting and easy to prepare. This vegetarian recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be customized with additional proteins if desired.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté garlic and spices: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and optional sugar into the skillet. Simmer the sauce for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish the pasta with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
- You can add cooked shrimp or chicken to make this a non-vegetarian dish.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
