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Penne all’Arrabbiata

Penne all’Arrabbiata is a fiery Italian pasta dish featuring al dente penne coated in a spicy tomato sauce. The sauce is made by sautéeing garlic in olive oil, then simmering chopped ripe tomatoes with chili flakes, resulting in a chunky, flavorful topping. The final dish has a vibrant, slightly oily appearance with a bold, spicy finish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 470
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces penne pasta uncooked
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups ripe tomatoes chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes adjust to taste
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for sautéeing
  • to taste salt

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Cooking spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the penne and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water, and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering, and then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and light golden, listening for a gentle sizzle.
  3. Add the chopped ripe tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down slightly and the mixture becomes fragrant and bubbling.
  4. Sprinkle in the chili flakes and season with salt to taste; stir well, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Combine the cooked pasta with the spicy tomato sauce, tossing gently to coat the noodles evenly. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  6. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the pasta to absorb some of the sauce's heat and richness. Then, serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or additional chili flakes if desired.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the chili flakes to match your spice preference. Using high-quality canned tomatoes can deepen the sauce's flavor. Serve with grated Parmesan or fresh basil for extra flavor if desired.