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Simple Penne all'Arrabbiata Recipe with spicy garlic tomato sauce

Penne all'Arrabbiata

A quick and spicy Italian pasta dish made with simple ingredients that delivers bold flavors perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 ounces Penne pasta Any short pasta works
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Use one you enjoy the taste of
  • 4 cloves Garlic, sliced or minced Fresh is best
  • 1 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes Adjust to taste based on preferred spice level
  • 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes or passata Choose a good brand for best flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/4 cup Parsley, chopped Optional for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil water in a big pot and salt it generously.
  2. Cook penne until al dente, then save about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Cooking
  1. While the pasta cooks, warm olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced garlic and let it soften for about 30 to 60 seconds, avoiding browning.
  3. Add crushed red pepper flakes and stir for 10 seconds.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, add a pinch of salt, and let it simmer for 8 to 12 minutes until thicker.
  5. Add drained penne straight into the pan and toss well.
  6. Splash in a little reserved pasta water until the sauce turns glossy and clings to the pasta.
  7. Finish with chopped parsley and a little extra olive oil. Taste and adjust salt and chili.

Notes

Make the sauce up to 4 days in advance for improved flavor. The sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. If tomatoes taste too acidic, add a pinch of sugar.