Name: Penne Arrabbiata
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 200g penne pasta; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste); 400g crushed tomatoes (canned, good quality); 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural); Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Smoked turkey bacon, crisped and chopped; Roasted bell peppers or zucchini; Sliced jalapeños; A splash of grape juice (natural); Fresh basil or oregano instead of parsley; Smoked turkey slices

If you’re searching for a quick and flavorful pasta dish that packs a punch, this Penne Arrabbiata recipe is exactly what you need. Combining spicy tomato sauce, garlic, and fresh herbs, it’s a vibrant, satisfying dinner that’s simple to whip up any night of the week. This Penne Arrabbiata delivers bold flavors with every bite, perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals without complicated prep or ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Bold flavors: The spicy tomato sauce and garlic create a deliciously vibrant taste profile that excites your palate.
Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh herbs, making it accessible and budget-friendly.
Vegetarian-friendly: Easily adaptable to plant-based diets without compromising on flavor.
Comfort food with a twist: A traditional favorite with just enough heat to spice up your routine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Penne Arrabbiata shines with a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a key role in building texture, depth, and that irresistible spicy kick. Using fresh garlic, quality tomatoes, and aromatic herbs enhances this dish’s flavor and makes it genuinely delicious.

Penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold the sauce and offer a satisfying bite.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic smoothly.
Fresh garlic cloves: Essential for that aromatic base and bold flavor.
Crushed tomatoes: A vibrant and tangy foundation for the sauce’s bright flavor.
Red chili flakes: Provides the signature heat that defines Penne Arrabbiata.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note and a pop of color.
Salt and pepper: Fundamental seasoning to balance the dish perfectly.
Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Enhances umami and depth in the sauce.

Variations for Penne Arrabbiata

Feel free to customize this Penne Arrabbiata easily based on what you have in your kitchen or your taste preferences. The recipe is forgiving and adapts well to a variety of dietary needs and creative additions.

Smoked turkey bacon addition: Crisp up some smoked turkey bacon to sprinkle for an extra smoky crunch.
Roasted vegetables: Mix in roasted bell peppers or zucchini for more texture and flavor.
Spicy vegan twist: Add sliced jalapeños and a splash of grape juice for extra zing without compromising the plant-based profile.
Herb variations: Swap parsley for fresh basil or oregano to alter the herbaceous note.
Smoked turkey slices: Toss in for a hearty protein boost that pairs beautifully with spicy sauce.

Easy Penne Arrabbiata Recipe to Spice Up Dinner

How to Make Penne Arrabbiata

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually around 10 to 12 minutes, then drain while reserving a little pasta water to help loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Tomato Sauce

While the pasta cooks, heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in red chili flakes, adjusting the amount depending on your heat preference.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then season with salt, pepper, and a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken slightly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained penne to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat every piece with the zesty sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and vibrant green color. Serve hot and enjoy the spicy goodness immediately.

Pro Tips for Making Penne Arrabbiata

Use good quality canned tomatoes: They make all the difference in the sauce’s richness and depth.
Don’t overcook garlic: Sauté just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
Adjust chili flakes gradually: To match your heat tolerance, start with less and add more as needed.
Reserve pasta water: It’s starchy and perfect for loosening thick sauces and making them cling better.
Fresh herbs last: Add them at the end to maintain brightness in flavor and color.

How to Serve Penne Arrabbiata

Garnishes

Top your Penne Arrabbiata with freshly chopped parsley or basil, a sprinkle of crushed red chili flakes if you want more heat, and some toasted pine nuts for an additional crunchy surprise.

Side Dishes

An arugula salad with a light lemon and olive oil dressing complements the spicy pasta perfectly, helping to balance the richness with a refreshing bite. Garlic bread made with plant-based butter is also a crowd-pleaser to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Penne Arrabbiata in colorful bowls or on a rustic wooden platter surrounded by fresh herb sprigs to elevate the dining experience. For a family-style dinner, place the pasta in a large serving dish and let everyone serve themselves with a ladle of sauce on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Penne Arrabbiata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will deepen, making for an even more satisfying meal the next day.

Freezing

This pasta freezes well. Place cooled Penne Arrabbiata in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or grape juice to refresh the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring often to ensure even heating.

FAQs

What is Penne Arrabbiata?

Penne Arrabbiata is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its spicy tomato sauce flavored with garlic and red chili flakes, served with penne pasta.

Can I make Penne Arrabbiata gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute regular penne with your favorite gluten-free pasta, and follow the recipe as usual.

How spicy is Penne Arrabbiata?

The heat level depends on your chili flakes amount; it can be mild or quite spicy, tailored to your preference.

Can I add protein to Penne Arrabbiata?

Yes, smoked turkey bacon or smoked turkey slices make excellent protein additions that complement the spicy sauce well.

Is Penne Arrabbiata suitable for vegans?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan-friendly when you use plant-based olive oil and fresh ingredients without any cheese toppings.

Final Thoughts

This Penne Arrabbiata is one of those magical recipes that brings excitement and warmth to your dinner table without demanding hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, friends, or family, it’s a reliable, delicious choice to spice up your mealtime. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every fiery, saucy bite!

Penne Arrabbiata

Author: Eric
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta is used)

Print Recipe

Description

This Penne Arrabbiata recipe is a quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring spicy tomato sauce, fresh garlic, and herbs. Ready in 30 minutes, it offers bold heat and vibrant taste with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that are perfect for busy weeknights and plant-based diets.

Instructions

Cook the Penne Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Cook until al dente, usually around 10 to 12 minutes, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water for later use.
Prepare the Spicy Tomato Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in red chili flakes, adjusting the amount to your preferred heat level.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then season with salt, pepper, and a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the spicy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a fresh herbal burst and vibrant color. Serve the pasta hot and enjoy immediately.