Penne Arrabbiata

Recipe developed by Diana from Little Sunny Kitchen

Total Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Servings: 4

Penne Arrabbiata is a simple and delicious Italian pasta dish that you can make in just 20 minutes! Penne all’arrabbiata is an Italian dish made with penne pasta and spicy Arrabbiata sauce, then served with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil. “Arrabbiata” translates into “angry,” so Penne Arrabbiata means angry pasta, refering to the spiciness of the chili peppers used to make the sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 (14-ounce can) (400g) whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 clove garlic minced or crushed
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated, plus extra for serving
  • 8 oz (225g) penne pasta
  • 5 fresh basil leaves chiffonaded

Directions

STEP ONE

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat oil, tomato paste, garlic, pepper flakes, paprika, and salt, while stirring occasionally. Cook for 6-7 minutes or until you get a deep red colored sauce.

STEP TWO

Add the tomatoes and bring to a simmer, breaking the tomatoes down with a wooden spoon as they cook. Keep cooking, stirring occasionally until thickened, about 10 minutes.

STEP THREE

In the meantime, cook the penne in salted water according to the package instructions until just “al dente.” Reserve pasta water in case you need to use it later.

STEP FOUR

Drain the cooked pasta, and add it to the tomato sauce. If needed, adjust the consistency by adding reserved pasta water.

STEP FIVE

Add the parmesan or pecorino romano cheese, and stir a few times until it melts.

STEP SIX

Garnish with chopped basil and/or parsley leaves, serve warm with extra parmesan cheese.

Cooking Tips

  • You can make this pasta as spicy as you want by adding additional pepper.
  • Add as much garlic as your heart desires.
  • Some arrabbiata sauces use pureed anchovies in the sauce to add an umami flavor.
  • You can substitute any kind of short pasta--just no long shapes like spaghetti or linguini because the sauce won't stick to the noodle.
  • When storing, pasta arrabbiata can last in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • When reheating, pasta with sauce always dries out when refrigerated overnight. For the best reheating option, add a splash of water to the pasta then microwave, toss well.