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Classic Penne Arrabbiata

Indulge in the fiery flavors of authentic Penne Arrabbiata, a simple yet satisfying Italian pasta dish. This recipe features perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a spicy tomato sauce, infused with garlic, chili flakes, and fresh parsley. A quick and easy meal that's bursting with flavor.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Servings
4
Ingredients
  • 350 g Penne Pasta
  • 400 g Canned Chopped Tomatoes
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1/2 - 1 tsp Dried Chili Flakes
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • for serving Parmesan Cheese (optional)

Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by finely chopping the garlic and fresh parsley. Set aside. Measure out the chili flakes. Ensure you have all your ingredients readily available before you start cooking. Have water boiling for your pasta.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually around 10-12 minutes). Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Make the Arrabbiata Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the chili flakes and cook for another 10 seconds.

Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes and bring the sauce to a simmer. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.

Combine and Serve

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the arrabbiata sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese (optional).

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: 150kcal
Protein: 5g
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

Adjust the amount of chili flakes to control the spiciness level. For a richer sauce, add a tablespoon of tomato paste. This recipe is naturally vegetarian.

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FAQ

  • What does 'Arrabbiata' mean?

    'Arrabbiata' means 'angry' in Italian, referring to the spicy nature of the sauce.
  • Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

    Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Peel and chop about 500g of ripe tomatoes and simmer them in the sauce for a longer time (about 20-25 minutes) to reduce their acidity.
  • How can I make it less spicy?

    Reduce the amount of chili flakes or remove the seeds from the chili flakes before adding them to the sauce.