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A delicious bowl of Spicy Tomato Penne Arrabbiata topped with fresh herbs.

Penne all'Arrabbiata

A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish with a spicy kick, Penne all'Arrabbiata is perfect for a weeknight dinner or cozy gathering with family and friends.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Seasoning
  • 400 g 400g penne or ziti Opt for these short pasta shapes to hold onto the rich sauce beautifully.
  • 1 tbsp 1 tbsp cooking/kosher salt Enhances the pasta’s flavor while it cooks.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 4 tbsp 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Adds richness and depth to your sauce.
  • 3 cloves 3 garlic cloves Finely minced for an aromatic base.
  • 1 each 1 red cayenne pepper chili Finely chopped (seeds intact for added heat).
  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp chili flakes Boosts the heat and enhances the flavor.
  • 800 g 800g canned crushed tomatoes Forms the heart of the sauce.
  • 1 1/4 tsp 1 1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt Balances the flavors in the sauce.
  • 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp black pepper Freshly cracked for more flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp white sugar Optional to balance the acidity of sour tomatoes.
  • to taste Parmesan Finely grated for a creamy and nutty finish.
  • 2 tsp 2 tsp finely chopped parsley Optional for a fresh and colorful touch.

Method
 

Sauté
  1. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add minced garlic and stir for about 10 seconds.
  2. Add finely chopped cayenne pepper and chili flakes; cook for about one minute until garlic is light golden.
Simmer
  1. Add canned crushed tomatoes, 1 1/4 tsp cooking salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the pot.
  2. Turn heat to high, stir, and simmer for about 15 minutes, tasting at the 10-minute mark.
  3. Add optional white sugar if the sauce is too sour.
Cook Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add 1 tbsp cooking salt.
  2. Add penne (or ziti) and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  3. Scoop out about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
Toss
  1. Drain the pasta and add directly into the pot with the tomato sauce.
  2. Add 1/2 cup of reserved pasta cooking water and toss gently until well coated.
Serve
  1. Divide Penne all'Arrabbiata between warm bowls.
  2. Top with finely grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, then serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust spice levels according to taste. Consider adding cooked protein for a heartier dish. Fresh herbs can enhance flavor.