Fiery, flavorful, and irresistibly simple, Pasta Arrabbiata is the quintessential Italian comfort food. This classic recipe features perfectly al dente penne pasta coated in a robust, spicy tomato sauce made with sautΓ©ed garlic, crushed red chili flakes, and olive oil for a bold and aromatic punch. Ready in just 30 minutes, itβs a quick and easy dinner option that doesnβt skimp on flavor. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an optional grating of Parmesan cheese, this vegan-friendly recipe (without the cheese) strikes the perfect balance of heat, acidity, and freshness. Whether you're craving a cozy weeknight meal or planning an Italian-inspired feast, Pasta Arrabbiata is a must-try dish that delivers restaurant-quality results at home.
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Finely chop the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. SautΓ© for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
4. Add the red chili flakes to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds to release their aroma.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
6. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors combine and the sauce slightly thickens.
7. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Finely chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the pasta. Give it a final toss.
9. Serve the Pasta Arrabbiata hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.
Calories |
2122 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 64.2 g | 82% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.5 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 3161 mg | 137% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 317.9 g | 116% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.6 g | 74% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.8 g | ||
| Protein | 73.4 g | 147% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 649 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 18.0 mg | 100% | |
| Potassium | 1789 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.