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Delicious Penne Arrabbiata Recipe Easy Spicy Pasta with Bold Fiery Flavor

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A quick and easy spicy penne pasta with a bold, zesty arrabbiata sauce made from garlic, crushed red chili flakes, and San Marzano tomatoes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne pasta (use a quality brand like Barilla for best texture)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon pinch of sugar

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water (about 10 g) and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, usually 11 to 13 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and just starting to turn golden (be careful not to burn it).
  3. Sprinkle in the crushed red chili flakes. Stir to combine and let them toast in the oil for about 30 seconds.
  4. Add the canned whole peeled tomatoes. Use your spoon to break them up in the pan, creating a chunky sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it, reserving about ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water. Add the pasta directly into the sauce pan and toss to coat.
  7. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually to help the sauce cling to the penne.
  8. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
  9. Serve immediately, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Use low and slow heat when cooking garlic to avoid bitterness. Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level. Reserve pasta water to help sauce cling to pasta. Use good-quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano for best flavor. For gluten-free, substitute pasta with brown rice or chickpea pasta. Cheese is optional and can be replaced with vegan alternatives.

Nutrition

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