Penne all’Arrabbiata Recipe: A Spicy Italian Classic
This delicious, bold pasta dish is a staple in Roman cuisine, renowned for its simple yet punchy flavors. Penne all’Arrabbiata is the perfect balance of spicy, garlicky goodness, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy bold, vibrant flavors. With just a few pantry staples, you can recreate this Italian classic in your own kitchen, ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Penne Rigate | 320g |
| Canned Peeled Tomatoes | 380g |
| Garlic Clove | 1 |
| Dried Red Chili Pepper | 3 |
| Fresh Parsley | to taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | to taste |
| Salt | to taste |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Value (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 560mg |
Note: Nutritional values can vary based on exact portion sizes and ingredients used.
Instructions
1. Preparing the Tomatoes:
Begin by draining the canned peeled tomatoes. Transfer them into a bowl and crush them with a fork or your hands to break them down into a chunky sauce. This simple step helps to release the tomato’s natural sweetness and juices.
2. Infusing the Oil with Flavor:
In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in enough extra virgin olive oil to cover the bottom. Heat over medium-low heat. Once the oil is hot, add the whole garlic clove (unpeeled). Let it sauté gently, stirring occasionally until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
3. Adding Heat with Chili Peppers:
Break the dried chili peppers into small pieces, then add them to the saucepan with the garlic. Allow the peppers to infuse their heat into the oil for about 30 seconds. The oil should start to take on a slightly red hue from the chili flakes, which will give the sauce its signature spiciness.
4. Incorporating the Tomatoes:
Now, add the crushed tomatoes to the saucepan. Stir everything together to combine, and season with salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan and let the sauce cook for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
5. Cooking the Pasta:
Meanwhile, fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the penne rigate and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
6. Combining Pasta and Sauce:
When the pasta is ready, reserve a cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta. Immediately transfer the drained penne into the pan with the arrabbiata sauce. Toss the pasta and sauce together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
7. Final Touches:
Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle fresh, finely chopped parsley over the pasta. Give everything one final stir to ensure the parsley is evenly distributed, adding a touch of freshness to the spicy sauce.
8. Serving:
Serve the Penne all’Arrabbiata immediately while it’s hot, accompanied by a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired. For an extra kick, you can sprinkle some additional chili flakes or a bit of grated Parmesan cheese, though this is optional as the dish is already wonderfully flavorful on its own.
Pro Tips for Perfect Penne all’Arrabbiata
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Customize the Heat: The beauty of this dish lies in its bold heat, but you can adjust the level of spiciness based on your preference. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the number of chili peppers, or omit them entirely. For those who enjoy extra heat, feel free to add more chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.
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Tomato Quality: Using high-quality canned tomatoes makes a noticeable difference in the flavor of your sauce. Opt for whole peeled tomatoes with a rich, sweet taste for the best results. San Marzano tomatoes are an excellent choice.
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Al Dente Perfection: Be sure to cook the pasta just until it’s al dente—firm to the bite. Overcooking the pasta will result in a mushy texture, so follow the package instructions closely.
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Make It Vegan: This dish is naturally vegan, as it contains no dairy or meat. It’s a perfect option for those following plant-based diets.
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Pairing Suggestions: Serve this dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A light green salad with lemon dressing also complements the dish beautifully.
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Meal Prep: If you’re preparing this dish in advance, store the sauce and cooked pasta separately. Reheat them together, adding a bit of pasta water to revive the sauce.
Conclusion
Penne all’Arrabbiata is a timeless Italian dish that exemplifies the beauty of simplicity—fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and easy preparation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group of friends, this dish will surely satisfy your cravings for something spicy, savory, and utterly delicious. Enjoy the perfect balance of heat, garlic, and fresh tomatoes in every bite!
