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Penne Arrabbiata Sauce: A Spicy Italian Classic You Can Make at Home

  • Author: Dottie
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

Penne Arrabbiata is a classic Italian dish featuring al dente penne pasta in a spicy, garlicky tomato sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering bold flavors with minimal effort. Garnish with fresh basil and optional Parmesan for a delicious finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 400g penne pasta
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add 1-2 tablespoons of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
  2. Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions (11-13 minutes) until al dente.
  3. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
  4. Drain the pasta in a colander without rinsing.
  5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
  6. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.
  7. Stir in red pepper flakes and sauté for another 30 seconds.
  8. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.
  9. Add salt and black pepper to taste, starting with about 1 teaspoon of salt.
  10. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  11. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  12. Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
  13. Toss the pasta in the sauce until well coated, adding more reserved pasta water if needed.
  14. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
  15. Serve the penne arrabbiata in bowls or on plates.
  16. Top with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
  17. Dig in and savor your homemade penne arrabbiata!

Notes

  • Use high-quality olive oil and canned tomatoes for the best flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are recommended.
  • Start with less red pepper flakes if unsure about the heat, and add more to taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

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Find it online: https://recipes2make.com/penne-arrabbiata-sauce/