Quick & Spicy Penne Arrabbiata
Hey there, friend! If you’re craving something bold, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes, you’ve come to the right place.
This Penne Arrabbiata is my go-to when I need a little kick of flavor to brighten up a busy weeknight.
With its fiery tomato sauce, garlicky goodness, and al dente penne, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug with a spicy twist.
Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout. Let’s get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!
How to Make It
Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Step 1: Cook the Penne
Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—tender but still with a slight bite. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander, but don’t rinse it! The starch on the pasta helps the sauce cling better. Set the drained penne aside while you work on the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, and cook until the garlic turns golden and fragrant—about 1-2 minutes. The chili flakes will infuse the oil with a subtle heat, creating the base of your arrabbiata sauce.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, then let the sauce simmer over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the sauce. Using a wooden spoon or tongs, toss the pasta until every piece is evenly coated in the spicy tomato sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water and toss again. Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately while it’s hot and fragrant!
Pro Tips
- Adjust the Heat: Love it spicy? Add extra chili flakes. Prefer it mild? Reduce the amount or omit them entirely.
- Fresh Herbs: Swap parsley for fresh basil for a sweeter, more aromatic finish.
- Pasta Water Magic: Save a cup of pasta water before draining. It’s perfect for thinning the sauce if needed.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Add a splash of water or olive oil when reheating to revive the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Quick & Spicy Penne Arrabbiata
Description
A fiery, flavorful pasta dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something bold and comforting!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red chili flakes, stirring until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
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Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 10g20%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- For a smoother sauce, blend the crushed tomatoes before adding them to the skillet.
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, if needed.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.
