Penne all’Arrabbiata

If you are looking for a dish that will satisfy the big appetites in your family, this penne all’arrabbiata recipe is it. It’s a tasty and satisfying meal that’s not that hard to make, but which will still impress those lucky enough to try some.

This is a tasty pasta meal with a savory filling with a kick that pairs beautifully with white fish, chicken or other lighter entrees. You’ll want to make it again and again and your family will thank you. It’s a traditional Italian dish that welcomes your own spin. But first, let’s follow the recipe and get cooking so you can eat! (Mangia!)

Penne all’Arrabbiata Ingredients

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• Penne pasta: You’ll cook 1 pound of penne pasta according to the instructions on the package.
• Olive oil: Be generous with the olive oil for this recipe; it is both used as a cooking medium and to add flavor to the dish.
• Onion: Use a 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion. A yellow onion or a white onion both work well for this recipe.
• Garlic cloves: The recipe calls for three minced garlic cloves. Frozen garlic cubes bought from the store are just fine.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: You can go heavy on the red pepper flakes for some serious spice, or you can dial things back as needed.
• Tomato paste: Tomato paste is potent stuff, flavor-wise. Measure the tablespoons with care.
• Crushed tomatoes: Use one 28-ounce can or two 14-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes; either way, add the liquid with the tomatoes.
• Sugar: The sugar helps other ingredients to shine, acting much the same way as the salt you’ll also be adding.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly-grated Parmesan is the best for this recipe, but use preshredded if need be.
• Chopped fresh parsley: The parsley is optional but highly recommended for color and brightness.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the pasta and reserve some water

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Cook the pasta according to package’s directions and reserve 1 cup of the pasta water when done. Drain the remaining pasta water and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the onion and garlic

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In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for three to four minutes. Then add the garlic, tomato paste and red pepper flakes and cook for one to two minutes more.

Step 3: Add the remaining ingredients

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Then, stir in the crushed tomatoes, reserved pasta water, salt, sugar and pepper. Reduce the heat, uncover and simmer everything until the sauce has thickened. This takes about 25 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Step 4: Add the pasta and cheese

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Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss it well to coat the noodles. Sprinkle on the Parmesan and parsley, if desired.

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Penne all’Arrabbiata Variations

• Use fresh tomatoes: You can swap chopped fresh tomatoes for the can of crushed tomatoes, just make sure to conserve as much of their liquid as possible.
• Skip the red pepper: Leave the red pepper flakes out entirely, but consider adding a dash of paprika if you do.
• Use a different noodle: Arrabbiata sauce is perfect with penne pasta, but of course it’s also a treat with so many other noodle types.

How to Store Penne all’Arrabbiata

If you have leftover penne all’arrabbiata, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It’s a surprisingly tasty dish to eat cold, but you can also reheat it in a pan with a healthy dose of olive oil.

Can you freeze penne all’arrabbiata?

You can freeze leftovers for two to three months, but the texture of the penne arrabbiata will not be ideal. It’s best eaten fresh or kept in the fridge for just a few days.

Penne all’Arrabbiata Tips

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Can I cook the pasta simultaneously with the sauce?

Absolutely, in fact you should—the pasta cooking is only a separate step for clarity. If you begin to boil the water right as you start the sauce, the pasta will likely be ready in about the same time as the sauce.

How do I keep the pasta from drying out and getting gummy?

After you drain the pasta, toss it in a bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil. Make sure the noodles all get at least a light coating. This will prevent it from getting stuck together and having that gummy texture.

What should I serve with penne all’arrabbiata?

As this is a robust and flavorful dish, the ideal pairing is a light, crisp salad, like a classic house salad or wedge salad, and a light meat, like chicken or fish.