Spicy Penne Arrabbiata

$To make a delicious Spicy Penne Arrabbiata, you will need: - 300g penne pasta - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - Salt, to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) You can easily swap some ingredients. If you don’t have penne, try rigatoni or farfalle. For garlic, shallots can work too. If you want less heat, use less red pepper flakes or leave them out. You can also use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Just chop them up and use about 800g. Olive oil is key, but you can use vegetable oil if needed. Fresh ingredients bring bright flavors. Fresh garlic adds a strong taste. However, canned tomatoes are convenient and tasty. If you use canned tomatoes, look for those with no added sugar or salt. They have a rich flavor that matches fresh ones. Always check the labels to get the best quality. If you can, use fresh basil for garnish. It enhances the dish's aroma and taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Use enough water to give the penne room to cook well. Once the water boils, add 300g of penne pasta. Cook it for about 10-12 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. After cooking, save 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the rest of the water and set the pasta aside. This water will help later on. Next, grab a large skillet. Heat 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir these for about 30 seconds. This step is key; you want the garlic to smell good, but not burn. Then, pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Mix them well. Bring this to a gentle simmer. Add salt to taste. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes. This time helps the flavors blend and the sauce to thicken nicely. Now it's time to bring it all together. Add the drained penne to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything so the pasta gets coated well. If the sauce looks too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water. Do this a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency. It’s important that the pasta is covered evenly with sauce. Once mixed, let it sit for a minute. Then, plate your spicy penne Arrabbiata. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves. Optionally, you can top it with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. To make your Spicy Penne Arrabbiata just right, start with one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you like it mild, use less. For more heat, add more flakes. Taste the sauce before you mix in the pasta. You can always adjust it later. Remember, you can also add crushed red peppers or hot sauce for extra kick. Fresh herbs can bring your dish to life. I love adding fresh basil to my spicy penne. Chop it up and sprinkle it on top before serving. You can also use parsley for a fresh taste. If you want to be bold, try adding some oregano. These herbs will add a lovely aroma and flavor to the sauce. To avoid mushy pasta, cook it until it is al dente. Follow the package instructions closely. Remember to save a cup of pasta water before draining. This water helps the sauce stick to the pasta. If you think the pasta looks too dry, add a bit of the reserved water. Toss everything well to ensure even coating. Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. You can always add more spice later if desired. Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and canned tomatoes for the best flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice for authenticity. Perfect Pasta Cooking: To achieve perfectly cooked pasta, always salt your boiling water generously. This enhances the flavor of the pasta itself. Make it Creamy: For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese just before serving. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your spicy penne Arrabbiata for a hearty meal. Chicken is a great choice. Simply cook diced chicken in the skillet before adding garlic and red pepper flakes. Shrimp is another tasty option. Sauté the shrimp until they are pink and cooked through. For a plant-based option, use tofu. Cube the tofu and sauté it until golden. Then, add it to the sauce with the pasta. Each protein adds a unique flavor and texture. If you want a vegetarian twist, there are many ways to adapt this dish. You can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Sauté them in the olive oil with the garlic. They will soak up the spicy sauce well. Another idea is to use lentils or chickpeas. These will add protein and fiber, making the dish filling. Just mix them into the sauce after it simmers. This way, you keep the dish rich and satisfying. If you need a gluten-free option, don’t worry! Many pasta brands make gluten-free penne. Look for those made from rice, corn, or quinoa. They cook well and taste great in this dish. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. You can also use spiralized vegetables like zucchini or sweet potatoes. They make a fun, light alternative. Just sauté them until tender before adding the sauce. This way, you enjoy a healthy, gluten-free version of spicy penne Arrabbiata. You can store leftover Spicy Penne Arrabbiata in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing. This helps keep the flavors intact. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, put it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheating Spicy Penne Arrabbiata is easy. You can use the stove or the microwave. If you use the stove, add a splash of water or olive oil in a pan. Heat it over low until warm, stirring gently. If using the microwave, cover the dish with a lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it heat evenly. Enjoy your tasty pasta! Penne Arrabbiata comes from Italy. The name means "angry penne" in Italian. It gets its name from the spicy red pepper flakes. This dish hails from the Lazio region, especially Rome. Chefs created it to showcase simple ingredients. The focus is on pasta, garlic, and tomatoes. It’s a classic example of Italian cooking done right. Many people enjoy it for its bold flavors and quick prep time. Yes, you can make this dish vegan. Simply skip the Parmesan cheese when serving. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor instead. Check the tomato paste to ensure it has no animal products. The main ingredients are already plant-based, so it's easy to adapt. This way, you keep the dish flavorful and satisfying without dairy. To make the sauce less spicy, reduce the red pepper flakes. Start with half a teaspoon instead of a full teaspoon. You can also add more crushed tomatoes to balance the heat. Another trick is to include a bit of sugar. Sugar can help tone down the spice. Taste as you go to find the right balance for you. This blog post covered everything you need for Penne Arrabbiata. You learned about the key ingredients and how to swap them out. I explained how to cook the pasta and make a spicy sauce. You also got tips to adjust spice levels and enhance flavor with herbs. In the end, enjoy experimenting with variations and storing your dish. Cooking should be fun, so get creative! Share your results and keep trying new ideas.$

A flavorful and spicy pasta dish made with penne, garlic, and crushed tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

300 g penne pasta
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
400 g crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
to taste Salt
for garnish Fresh basil leaves
for serving Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Season with salt to taste and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Add the drained penne to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated.
Remove from heat and let it rest for a minute. Plate the spicy penne Arrabbiata and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Optionally, serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.

Keyword arrabbiata, pasta, spicy