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Finished penne arrabbiata dish in a white ceramic bowl topped with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper

Penne Arrabbiata

Penne Arrabbiata is a classic Roman pasta dish made with al dente penne tossed in a bold garlic tomato sauce with chili flakes. This authentic Italian recipe delivers rich, spicy flavor using just a few simple ingredients in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2 servings
Calories 485 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 400 g penne pasta

Arrabbiata Sauce

  • 3 garlic cloves minced or thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp chili flakes adjust to taste
  • 400 g crushed tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • salt to taste
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  • Heat extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Add garlic and sauté for about 45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  • Add chili flakes and cook for 15 seconds to release their aroma.
  • Pour in crushed tomatoes, stir well, and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
  • Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  • Add salt to taste and a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and San Marzano tomatoes for the best authentic flavor. Avoid overcooking the sauce to preserve its fresh tomato taste.
Keyword Arrabbiata, Spicy Pasta, Tomato Pasta