Tomato & Marinara

Penne Arrabbiata

Name: Penne Arrabbiata
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) penne pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed San Marzano tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

By Greta Yarrow · June 19, 2026 · Tomato & Marinara

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had Penne Arrabbiata at my grandmother's house. The spicy kick from the red pepper flakes, the rich flavor of the tomato sauce, and the perfect al dente texture of the penne pasta all combined to create a dish that I couldn't get enough of.

As I grew older, I began to appreciate the simplicity and elegance of this classic Italian-American recipe. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that is both comforting and sophisticated.

Penne Arrabbiata is a great option for a weeknight dinner, as it can be prepared in under 30 minutes. It's also a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, such as garlic bread or a green salad.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a traditional Penne Arrabbiata dish that is sure to become a staple in your household. With its bold flavors and satisfying texture, this dish is perfect for anyone who loves Italian food.

So, let's get started and explore the world of Penne Arrabbiata. With its rich history, simple ingredients, and delicious flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Penne Arrabbiata is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, such as garlic bread or a green salad.
The spicy kick from the red pepper flakes adds a bold and exciting flavor to the dish.
The use of high-quality ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes and extra-virgin olive oil, adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
The technique of finishing the pasta in the sauce creates a uniform coating that enhances the flavor and texture of the dish.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Penne Arrabbiata is in the balance of flavors and textures. The spicy kick from the red pepper flakes is balanced by the richness of the tomato sauce, while the al dente texture of the penne pasta provides a satisfying bite.

The use of high-quality ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes and extra-virgin olive oil, also plays a crucial role in the success of this dish. These ingredients add depth and complexity to the sauce, making it a perfect complement to the pasta.

Finally, the technique of finishing the pasta in the sauce is essential to creating a dish that is both creamy and well-coated. By adding the pasta to the sauce and tossing it to combine, you create a uniform coating that enhances the flavor and texture of the dish.

Overall, the combination of simple ingredients, traditional techniques, and attention to detail makes Penne Arrabbiata a dish that is both easy to make and delicious to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Penne Arrabbiata, the quality of the ingredients is crucial. Look for high-quality tomatoes, such as San Marzano, and extra-virgin olive oil to add depth and complexity to the sauce. Freshly ground black pepper and red pepper flakes will also add a bold and exciting flavor to the dish.

Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to make Penne Arrabbiata:

1 lb (450g) penne pastaPenne pasta is a tube-shaped pasta that is perfect for holding onto the spicy tomato sauce. Look for high-quality penne pasta that is made from durum wheat semolina.
2 tablespoons olive oilExtra-virgin olive oil is a high-quality oil that adds a rich and fruity flavor to the dish. Use a good-quality olive oil to add depth and complexity to the sauce.
4 garlic cloves, mincedFresh garlic is essential to the flavor of the dish. Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their natural oils and add flavor to the sauce.
1 can (28 oz) crushed San Marzano tomatoesSan Marzano tomatoes are a type of tomato that is grown in the Campania region of Italy. They have a sweeter and less acidic flavor than other tomatoes, making them perfect for sauces.
1 teaspoon dried basilDried basil is a convenient and flavorful way to add the bright, herbaceous flavor of basil to the sauce. Use high-quality dried basil that is fresh and aromatic.
1 teaspoon dried oreganoDried oregano is a pungent and earthy herb that adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Use high-quality dried oregano that is fresh and aromatic.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt is essential to the flavor of the dish. Use a high-quality salt, such as kosher salt or sea salt, to add flavor and texture to the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly groundFreshly ground black pepper is essential to the flavor of the dish. Use a peppermill to grind the pepper finely and add flavor to the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakesRed pepper flakes add a spicy kick to the dish. Use high-quality red pepper flakes that are fresh and aromatic.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese is a nutty and salty cheese that adds flavor and texture to the dish. Use high-quality Parmesan cheese that is fresh and aromatic.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley is a bright and herbaceous herb that adds flavor and texture to the dish. Use high-quality fresh parsley that is fresh and aromatic.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenColander or strainerLarge skillet or sauté panWooden spoon or silicone spatulaInstant-read thermometerPeppermill

How to Make Penne Arrabbiata

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the penne.
2
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is lightly golden and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
3
Add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
4
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, until it has thickened and reduced slightly.
5
Add the reserved pasta water to the sauce and stir to combine. This will help to create a creamy and well-coated sauce.
6
Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss to combine, until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
7
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt and add a rich and creamy texture to the sauce.
8
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. You can also add more red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier sauce.
9
Transfer the Penne Arrabbiata to a serving dish and top with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
10
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
11
Serve the Penne Arrabbiata hot, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes and extra-virgin olive oil, to add depth and complexity to the sauce.
Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta is essential to the texture of the dish.
Let the sauce simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Use freshly ground black pepper to add flavor and texture to the sauce.
Add the reserved pasta water to the sauce to create a creamy and well-coated sauce.
Don't overheat the sauce. This can cause the cheese to separate and the sauce to become too thick.
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serve the Penne Arrabbiata hot, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta. This can make the pasta mushy and unappetizing.
Not using high-quality ingredients. This can result in a sauce that lacks depth and complexity.
Not letting the sauce simmer for long enough. This can result in a sauce that is too thin and lacks flavor.
Overheating the sauce. This can cause the cheese to separate and the sauce to become too thick.
Not adding the reserved pasta water to the sauce. This can result in a sauce that is too thick and lacks flavor.
Not letting the dish rest before serving. This can result in a sauce that is too thin and lacks flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some spice to the dish by adding more red pepper flakes or using hot sauce.
Add some protein to the dish by adding cooked sausage or bacon.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to add flavor and texture to the sauce.
Add some freshness to the dish by adding some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.
Use different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, to change the texture of the dish.
Add some acidity to the dish by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Use different types of tomatoes, such as cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, to add flavor and texture to the sauce.

What to Serve With Penne Arrabbiata

Penne Arrabbiata is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some options include garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Here are some concrete pairing ideas: serve the Penne Arrabbiata with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a well-rounded meal. Alternatively, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, for a healthier option.

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled chicken or shrimp

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Penne Arrabbiata can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until it is hot and steaming.

The dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, simply place the dish in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the fridge and then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

When reheating the dish, make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. You can also add a little bit of water or pasta water to the sauce to thin it out if it becomes too thick.

It's also important to note that the dish will thicken slightly as it cools, so you may need to add a little bit of water or pasta water to the sauce when reheating it. This will help to maintain the creamy and well-coated texture of the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for Penne Arrabbiata?

Penne pasta is a tube-shaped pasta that is perfect for holding onto the spicy tomato sauce. Look for high-quality penne pasta that is made from durum wheat semolina.

Can I use different types of tomatoes for the sauce?

While San Marzano tomatoes are traditional and preferred for their sweet-tart flavor and low acidity, you can use other types of tomatoes as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the sauce may be slightly different.

How spicy is Penne Arrabbiata?

The level of heat in Penne Arrabbiata can be adjusted to your taste by adding more or less red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can start with a small amount of red pepper flakes and add more to taste.

Can I make Penne Arrabbiata ahead of time?

Yes, Penne Arrabbiata can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until it is hot and steaming.

Can I freeze Penne Arrabbiata?

Yes, Penne Arrabbiata can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, simply place the dish in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the fridge and then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making Penne Arrabbiata?

Some common mistakes to avoid include overcooking the pasta, not using high-quality ingredients, not letting the sauce simmer for long enough, overheating the sauce, and not adding the reserved pasta water to the sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating when reheating?

To prevent the sauce from separating when reheating, make sure to stir it occasionally and add a little bit of water or pasta water if necessary. This will help to maintain the creamy and well-coated texture of the sauce.

Can I add other ingredients to the sauce to change the flavor?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the sauce to change the flavor. Some options include cooked sausage or bacon, chopped fresh herbs, or grated cheese.

The Full Recipe

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