Penne all’Arrabbiata
This classic Italian Penne all'Arrabbiata is known for its bold flavors, featuring a spicy tomato sauce that’s both simple to prepare and utterly delicious.
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 285kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic smashed but whole
- 1 red chili finely chopped (with or without seeds)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 15 ounce can chopped or crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch of baking soda
- 6 ounces penne
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt for cooking pasta
- Parmigiano Reggiano finely grated
- 1 teaspoon parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the olive oil. Once hot, add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
- Add the chopped chili pepper and red pepper flakes. Saute for 30 seconds.
- Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt and pepper. Rinse the tomato cans with a small amount of water and add that into the pot.
- Cook until the tomato sauce comes to a boil, then turn the heat down to medium and simmer for 15 minutes. Add a pinch of baking soda and stir. This will reduce the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt. Pour in the pasta and cook to al dente. Reserve some of the pasta water and drain the rest.
- Continue cooking the tomato sauce until it has reduced and thickened.
- Add pasta into the sauce along with 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Toss well until the pasta is coated with the pasta sauce.
- Add the Parmigiano Reggiano and parsley to the skillet. Stir to incorporate.
Video
Notes
- Since this dish relies heavily on the flavor of its few ingredients, opt for high-quality canned tomatoes, good olive oil, and fresh garlic. San Marzano tomatoes are particularly recommended for their rich and sweet flavor.
- The heat in Penne all'Arrabbiata comes from red chili flakes or fresh chili peppers. If you're sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount and gradually increase to suit your taste. You can always add more heat, but it's hard to take it away!
- To achieve the perfect texture, cook the penne until it’s al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. This not only enhances the eating experience but also allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce without becoming mushy.
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 2685mg | Potassium: 766mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 836IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 3mg