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.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 200g penne pasta
Sauce
- 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
Finishing
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Additions
- 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
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.
Notes
- Use high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for a richer sauce flavor.
- Sauté garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- Adjust red chili flakes gradually to match your preferred spice level.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
- Add fresh herbs only at the end to preserve their bright flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Penne Arrabbiata, spicy pasta, vegetarian pasta, quick pasta recipe, vegan pasta
