Penne Arrabbiata - beautifully plated pasta dish

Penne Arrabbiata

Fiery tomato sauce with garlic and red chili — arrabbiata means 'angry' and this pasta lives up to its name with bold, spicy flavour.

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

20 min

Servings

4

Calories

395

Ingredients

  • 400 g pasta (your choice of shape)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (796ml) San Marzano crushed tomatoes
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Base

    While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Build the Sauce

    Add the main sauce ingredients to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavours meld together, about 3-5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Combine

    Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss vigorously, adding pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency that coats every strand.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Plate immediately and garnish with fresh herbs and freshly grated cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Chef's Notes

I always finish cooking my pasta in the sauce for the last 60 seconds — it absorbs flavour and the starch helps bind everything together.

Chef Luca Bianchi

Nutrition Facts

395

cal

12g

Protein

12g

Fat

61g

Carbs

8g

Fiber

701mg

Sodium

Tips & Tricks

  • Always salt your pasta water generously — it should taste like the sea.
  • Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. It's liquid gold for emulsifying sauces.
  • Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package says if finishing it in the sauce.

Reviews (4)

Jennifer K.★★★★★

This is now our go-to weeknight dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes and tastes like it took hours. My kids ask for seconds every time.

André G.★★★★★

Comme au restaurant! La sauce est onctueuse et les pâtes parfaitement al dente. Bravo pour cette recette.

Chantal D.★★★★★

Facile à préparer et tellement bon! Même mes enfants difficiles ont vidé leur assiette. Je recommande fortement.

Pierre T.★★★★★

Excellente recette! J'ai suivi les instructions à la lettre et le résultat était parfait. Ma femme a adoré.