Delicious Penne Arrabbiata Recipe Easy Spicy Tomato Sauce Tutorial
A quick and easy penne arrabbiata with a spicy tomato sauce that balances heat and tomato sweetness perfectly, ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 tsp red chili flakes, adjust to taste
- 28 oz (800 g) canned whole peeled tomatoes
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt (15 g per 4 liters). Cook the penne according to package instructions, usually 11-13 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add 4 large minced garlic cloves. Sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of red chili flakes. Stir for about 30 seconds to release their aroma. Adjust the amount depending on desired spiciness.
- Pour in the canned whole peeled tomatoes. Use a spoon or spatula to gently break the tomatoes apart, leaving some chunks for texture. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Once pasta is al dente, reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water. Drain the penne and add it directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Turn off the heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Optionally drizzle extra olive oil on top.
Notes
Avoid burning garlic by sautéing on medium-low heat. Adjust chili flakes to control spice level. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Add fresh herbs off heat to preserve flavor and color. For vegan version, omit Parmesan or use plant-based cheese. Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 ½ cups per s
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 12
Keywords: penne arrabbiata, spicy tomato sauce, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian pasta, garlic, chili flakes, comfort food