Penne Arrabbiata is a fiery Italian pasta dish made with a garlic-infused tomato sauce and red chili flakes, perfect for spice lovers. “Arrabbiata” literally means “angry” in Italian — referring to the spicy heat of this simple yet bold sauce!
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
- 200g penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4–5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp (or more) red chili flakes
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes or canned tomato puree
- Salt – to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
👨🍳 Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
🔹 Step 2: Make the Spicy Tomato Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chili flakes and stir for a few seconds.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt.
- Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
🔹 Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Add cooked penne to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped basil/parsley and optional Parmesan.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- Pair with a glass of red wine for a full Italian meal.
💡 Tips & Variations
- For extra spice, add fresh chopped red chilies.
- Add olives, capers, or sautéed mushrooms for variation.
- Make it vegan by skipping cheese — the flavors are bold enough on their own!
