pasta

vegetarian

boiled

everyday

main course

tender

Italian

all seasons

Hot

recipe photorecipe photo

Penne Arrabbiata

Difficulty

easy

Time

30m

Price Category

cheap

Calories

Medium

Penne Arrabbiata is a classic Italian pasta dish, named for its spicy tomato sauce – 'arrabbiata' means 'angry' in Italian. This simple yet incredibly flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or whenever you crave something truly comforting. The combination of ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fiery chili flakes creates an unforgettable taste experience. Prepare this authentic Italian recipe yourself and bring the Mediterranean flavors into your home!

ingredients

4 Servings

Steps

1

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 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup (240 ml) of the pasta cooking water.

2

Sauté Aromatics

While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

3

Simmer Sauce

Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

4

Combine & Serve

Drain the pasta and add it directly to the tomato sauce in the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Extra Tips

If you like even more intense flavors, add a pinch of sugar to the sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Instead of fresh parsley, you can use fresh basil for serving, which adds another classic Italian flavor profile.

Don't forget to reserve a little pasta cooking water; if the sauce is too thick, you can use it to loosen it up.

Nutrition

Per 100gPer Serving
250g / 8.8 oz
Calories180 kcal450 kcal
Protein6g15g
Fat5g12g
Carbohydrate28g70g
Fiber3g8g
Sugar4g10g