Are you ready to ignite your taste buds with a fiery twist on a classic Italian dish? Penne all Arrabbiata is the perfect blend of al dente pasta, spicy tomato sauce, and aromatic garlic that will have you craving more with every bite! This quick and easy recipe, taking just 30 minutes from prep to plate, is a must-try for anyone who loves a little heat in their meals. Whether you're cooking for a cozy dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this dish is sure to steal the spotlight. Dive into our recipe and discover how to create a sensational bowl of Penne all Arrabbiata that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 800g canned tomatoes
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red chili flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Pour the canned tomatoes into the skillet, crushing them with a wooden spoon. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season the sauce with salt to taste, adjusting the spice level by adding more or less red chili flakes as preferred.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the tomato sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated evenly.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh torn basil leaves before serving hot.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While penne is traditional, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli for a fun twist on texture.
- Adjust the Heat: If you're sensitive to spice, start with half the amount of red chili flakes and gradually add more to taste as the sauce simmers.
- Use Quality Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes for a richer flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are a fantastic choice!
- Don’t Skip the Salt: Salting the pasta water is crucial; it enhances the flavor of the pasta and ensures it’s not bland.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Keep a cup of pasta water before draining. It’s a great way to adjust the sauce’s consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Fresh Basil is Key: For a burst of freshness, use fresh basil leaves instead of dried. Tear them by hand to release more flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it right after mixing the pasta with the sauce for the best experience.
- Pair with Wine: A glass of red wine, like Chianti, complements the spicy tomato sauce beautifully and elevates your dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 62g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
