Penne all’Arrabbiata is the ultimate spicy pasta dish that captures the bold and passionate spirit of Italian cuisine. “Arrabbiata” literally means “angry” in Italian, referring to the dish’s signature heat from chili peppers. This simple yet explosive recipe transforms basic ingredients into a mouth-watering meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for spice lovers and those seeking an authentic taste of Roman-style cooking.
Ingredients
- Pasta:
- 400g (14oz) penne or ziti pasta
- 1 tbsp kosher salt (for pasta water)
- Arrabbiata Sauce:
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 red cayenne pepper, finely chopped (with seeds)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp white sugar (optional)
- Serving:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp finely chopped parsley (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Arrabbiata Sauce
- Aromatic Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 10 seconds until fragrant.
- Spice It Up: Introduce chopped cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until garlic turns light golden, releasing their intense flavors.
- Tomato Magic: Pour in crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Rinse tomato cans with water and add to the pot to capture every bit of flavor.
- Simmer and Develop: Increase heat to high, stir, then reduce to medium heat. Simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld. Taste at 10 minutes and add sugar if the sauce seems too acidic.
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water.
- Cook Pasta: Add penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Pasta Water Trick: Before draining, stir the pasta to release starch and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Bringing It All Together
- Combine: Add drained pasta directly into the sauce. Pour in 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water.
- Toss and Coat: Mix thoroughly over the stove, ensuring pasta is completely coated with the spicy sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve Immediately: Divide into bowls. Top with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Italian (Roman)
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
Pro Tips for Perfect Penne all’Arrabbiata
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor
- Adjust chili levels to suit your spice tolerance
- Save pasta water – it’s liquid gold for creating perfect sauce consistency
- Fresh Parmesan makes a world of difference in the final dish
Enjoy this spicy, authentic Italian pasta that brings the heat and flavor of Rome directly to your table!