The first bite of Penne Arrabbiata is like a spicy hug for your taste buds, with the heat of garlic and red pepper flakes dancing joyfully in a sea of rich tomato sauce. Imagine twirling those perfectly al dente penne on your fork, each piece coated with a velvety sauce that’s both comforting and exhilarating. This dish doesn’t just fill your stomach; it ignites your senses, making every moment spent at the dining table a celebration of flavors.
Picture this: a cozy evening with friends, laughter echoing off the walls, and the aroma of garlic wafting through the air. That’s when I first made Penne Arrabbiata, hoping to impress everyone with my culinary prowess but mostly just trying not to set off the smoke alarm. It became an instant favorite! Now, it’s my go-to dish for any occasion because who doesn’t love a little spice in their life? You’re in for a treat as we dive into this flavor-packed recipe that promises to bring some excitement to your dinner plate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Penne Arrabbiata recipe is easy to whip up even after a long day
- The bold flavors from the garlic and chili make it irresistibly delicious
- The vibrant red sauce adds stunning visual appeal to any meal
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat
Ingredients for Penne Arrabbiata
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Penne Pasta: Opt for quality penne that holds onto the sauce beautifully; about 12 ounces will do.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its robust flavor that enhances the dish.
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Garlic: Fresh cloves are key; two or three minced cloves will give you that aromatic punch.
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Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance; start with one teaspoon for a mild kick.
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Canned Whole Tomatoes: Choose high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for their sweetness and richness.
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Fresh Basil: A handful of fresh basil leaves added at the end gives a fragrant finish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Penne Arrabbiata
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and add in your penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 11-13 minutes. Reserve about one cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, throw in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté them until fragrant—about one minute—making sure not to burn the garlic unless you want smoky-flavored regret.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes
Pour in those glorious canned whole tomatoes (juice included) into your skillet. Break them apart gently with your spoon while stirring everything together. Let it simmer away for about ten minutes while you contemplate if you’ve ever tried eating spaghetti with chopsticks.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your drained penne directly into the skillet along with some reserved pasta water—start with half a cup and adjust as needed for desired sauce consistency. Toss everything together until well coated.
Step 5: Finish with Basil
Tear fresh basil leaves by hand (no scissors allowed!) and toss them into your pasta mix right before serving. The fresh herbiness will elevate your dish dramatically—no one needs to know how easy it was!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer your Penne Arrabbiata onto plates or bowls, sprinkle with extra red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous, and get ready for compliments from family or friends!
This dish not only fills bellies but also warms hearts—after all, nothing says “I care” quite like homemade pasta smothered in spicy tomato goodness. Enjoy every fiery bite!
You Must Know
- This spicy Penne Arrabbiata recipe offers more than just heat; it delivers comfort in a bowl
- The vibrant colors and aromatic spices bring life to any dinner table, making it perfect for a cozy night in or an exciting dinner party
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your water and cooking the penne al dente while sautéing garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil. Once your pasta is ready, toss it with the sauce, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips for pasta recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to spice things up! You can swap out the penne for spaghetti or add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition. Experiment with different herbs or cheese to make it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil to revive that saucy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Penne Arrabbiata, remember that fresh ingredients matter—opt for ripe tomatoes over canned
- Always taste as you go; adjustments lead to perfection
- Lastly, don’t skip the finishing sprinkle of Parmesan—it elevates the dish like magic!
Sometimes I think my friends come over just for this Penne Arrabbiata. Their smiles say it all, especially when they ask for seconds and thirds—it’s honestly one of my favorite moments in the kitchen!
FAQs :
What is Penne Arrabbiata?
Penne Arrabbiata is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its simplicity and bold flavors. It combines penne pasta with a spicy tomato sauce made from garlic, red chili flakes, and olive oil. The term “arrabbiata” translates to “angry” in Italian, referring to the heat from the chili peppers. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also highly satisfying, making it a popular choice for both home cooks and restaurant menus.
How can I make Penne Arrabbiata spicier?
To enhance the spice level of your Penne Arrabbiata, consider adding more red chili flakes or using fresh chili peppers in your sauce. You can also experiment with different types of dried peppers that offer varying levels of heat. Balancing the spice with additional ingredients like fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon can create a deliciously fiery dish without overwhelming your palate.
Can I add vegetables to my Penne Arrabbiata?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables to your Penne Arrabbiata can boost its nutritional value and add more flavor. Consider incorporating ingredients like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra color and texture. Sauté these vegetables with garlic before adding them to the sauce for a well-rounded dish that maintains the essence of this classic recipe. For more inspiration, check out this more main dish recipes recipe.
Is Penne Arrabbiata suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Penne Arrabbiata is an excellent option for meal prep. The flavors develop even further when stored, making it perfect for leftovers. Cook the pasta al dente to ensure it holds up well when reheating. Store the sauce separately if possible; combine them just before serving for the best texture and taste. Enjoy this quick meal throughout the week!
Conclusion for Penne Arrabbiata :
Penne Arrabbiata is a deliciously spicy Italian pasta dish that brings together simple ingredients to create rich flavors. By adjusting spice levels and incorporating vegetables, you can customize this classic recipe to suit your taste preferences. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish never disappoints. Enjoy making and sharing your own version of Penne Arrabbiata!
Penne Arrabbiata
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Penne Arrabbiata is a vibrant Italian pasta dish that delivers a delightful kick of spice with every bite. This quick and easy recipe combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with a rich, garlicky tomato sauce infused with red pepper flakes. Ideal for cozy dinners or impressing guests, this dish brings bold flavors and comfort together in one bowl. Get ready to savor each fiery mouthful!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 28 ounces canned whole San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook penne according to package instructions until al dente (11-13 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour in canned tomatoes (juice included), breaking them apart while stirring. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add drained penne to the skillet with half a cup of reserved pasta water. Toss until well coated.
- Finish with Basil: Tear fresh basil leaves by hand and mix them in just before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate your Penne Arrabbiata, adding extra red pepper flakes if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 310g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
