Name: Penne all’arrabbiata
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) penne pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1-2 red chili peppers, chopped (adjust to your spice preference); 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes; Salt to taste; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, Penne all’arrabbiata is the recipe for you. The combination of tomatoes, garlic, and red chili peppers packs a punch that is perfectly balanced with the richness of olive oil. The dish is versatile, easy to make, and comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this dish always hits the spot. Plus, it’s vegan and vegetarian-friendly!

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1-2 red chili peppers, chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
Prepare the sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped chili peppers, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Combine pasta and sauce: Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked penne pasta to the pan with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Add protein: You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage to the dish for extra protein.
Veggie boost: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to add more vegetables.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free penne pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Spicy level: Adjust the amount of chili peppers based on your spice tolerance. You can even add red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a pan with a little bit of olive oil or water over low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

How can I make Penne all’arrabbiata less spicy?

To make the dish less spicy, reduce the amount of chili peppers you use or remove the seeds from the peppers before adding them to the sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply heat the sauce and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Can I freeze Penne all’arrabbiata?

Yes, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. However, it’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta, as the pasta may become mushy when reheated.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

You can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute for fresh garlic if necessary.

Can I make Penne all’arrabbiata without tomatoes?

While traditional Penne all’arrabbiata is made with tomatoes, you can try using a tomato alternative like roasted red peppers for a different take on the sauce.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, while penne is traditional for this dish, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rigatoni or spaghetti.

Can I add cheese to Penne all’arrabbiata?

Yes, if you’re not vegan, you can sprinkle grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top for added richness and flavor.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, the basic recipe is vegan, as it does not contain any animal products. Just make sure to skip the cheese garnish if you want to keep it strictly vegan.

How spicy is Penne all’arrabbiata?

The spice level depends on how many chili peppers you add to the sauce. Generally, it’s quite spicy, but you can adjust the heat to your liking.

Can I add other herbs to the dish?

Yes, you can experiment with adding fresh basil or oregano to the sauce for a different herbal flavor.

Conclusion

Penne all’arrabbiata is a straightforward and satisfying pasta dish that packs plenty of flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a quick dinner or hosting a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress with its spicy kick and rich tomato sauce. The versatility in ingredients and simple preparation makes it a fantastic choice for any occasion.