If you’re the kind of person who loves bold flavors, a little heat, and the type of pasta dish that speaks for itself then Penne Arrabbiata is calling your name. This spicy Italian classic is far more than just pasta with red sauce. It’s a celebration of simplicity and fire, where humble ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and crushed tomatoes come alive with the fiery punch of red chili flakes.
This penne arrabbiata recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re craving something yummy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s naturally vegan, easily customizable, and guaranteed to wake up your taste buds. Whether you're new to spicy dishes or already a chili lover, Penne Arrabbiata is veg a must-try recipe that proves how a few simple ingredients can create a dish with soul, warmth, and unforgettable flavor.
The word arrabbiata means “angry” in Italian, and it’s easy to see why. The sauce is bold, loud, and unapologetically spicy. Yet, it’s incredibly easy to make. In under 30 minutes, you can have a comforting bowl of pasta that tastes like it’s straight from a Roman trattoria.
This Roman-born dish is known for its simplicity. It's made with handful of pantry staples. Yet, it manages to capture the essence of traditional Italian cuisine: fresh, bold, and always delicious.
I remember I was on a trip with my family in Florence, I visited a family-run restaurant and asked them about the most "local" dish on the menu. She instantly asked me if I would like to eat something SPICY? then try Penne Arrabbiata. I wasn’t prepared for the burst of flavor that followed garlic sizzling in olive oil, the bright acidity of tomatoes, and the slow-building heat of crushed chilies. It was fiery, yes, but also full of comfort. I asked for the recipe, scribbled notes on a napkin, and brought that fiery little secret home with me. Now, whenever I make it, I’m back in that warm, rustic kitchen in Florence one bowl of pasta, one beautiful memory.
Looking for side dish to pair with this recipe? Try Easy buttered peas recipe!
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Ingredients For Penne Arrabbiata
Penne Pasta
Perfectly ridged tubes that trap the sauce beautifully. Penne is ideal for thick, bold sauces like Arrabbiata, giving you flavor in every bite.
Tomatoes
The base of the sauce. I would recommend you to go for Italian tomatoes for that rich, slightly sweet tomato flavor that balances the chili heat.
Red Chili Flakes
The heart of the heat. These tiny flakes pack a punch, bringing the “angry” personality to the dish.
Garlic
A generous amount of garlic adds depth, warmth, and a touch of sweetness once sautéed.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions For Penne Arrabbiata
- Step 1: Boil water in a big pot, add 1 teaspoon salt then penne pasta boil for 7-8 min. reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain the pasta.
- In a pot add water add 5 whole tomatoes bring it to boil Peel the tomato skin.
- Step 3: Blend the tomatoes to make a puree.
- Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet. Add 3 cloves garlic (minced). Add red pepper flakes. Add the tomatoes purée and stir Add tomato paste.
- Add pasta into the arrabbiata sauce.
Hint: Let the sauce simmer slowly. The longer it cooks (without burning), the more intense and developed the flavors become.
Substitutions
Penne Arrabbiata with sausuage recipe can be customized to suit your diet needs. There are many ways to make a customized version of this spicy pasta.
Pasta Substitutes
- No Penne? No problem! While penne is the classic choice for this dish because its ridges hold the sauce well, you can swap it with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, fusilli, or even farfalle.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, quinoa, or legumes. Just make sure to slightly undercook it before tossing it into the sauce to avoid mushiness.
Tomato Base Swaps
- No Crushed Tomatoes? Substitute with tomato passata, canned whole peeled tomatoes (crushed by hand or in a blender), or even a high-quality jarred marinara for convenience. Fresh tomatoes can be used in summer—just make sure to cook them down properly for a rich sauce.
Chili Options
- Out of Red Chili Flakes? Use fresh red chili (finely chopped) or a pinch of cayenne pepper as an alternative. You could also use chili oil to sauté the garlic for a slow-building heat.
- Milder Option: Tone it down with smoked paprika or sweet chili sauce for a gentler heat with added depth.
Garlic Alternatives
- No Fresh Garlic? Use garlic powder or garlic-infused olive oil. While nothing beats the flavor of fresh garlic, these alternatives can still lend the dish a warm, aromatic base.
Variations
Add Protein: Toss in grilled shrimp, pan-seared chicken, or sautéed tofu for extra fullness.
Creamy Arrabbiata: Stir in a splash of cream or cashew cream for a rich twist.
Arrabbiata Baked Pasta: Mix pasta and sauce, sprinkle cheese, and bake for a cozy dinner bake.
Reason to Adore Penne Arrabbiata Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with pantry staples.
- Spicy and Comforting – Just the right heat to warm you up on any day.
- Customizable Heat – Mild or mouth-burning? It’s all in your hands.
- Naturally Vegan – Skip the cheese and it’s a 100% plant-based delight.
- Authentically Italian – True to its Roman roots, simple yet unforgettable.
Serving Suggestion
Serve your Penne Arrabbiata meat with warm, crusty garlic bread or with Grilled chicken salad. Top with grated cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for that restaurant-style touch.
Storage
- Fridge: Store left over penne arrabbiata spicy in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the sauce separately (without pasta) for up to 1 month. Thaw, reheat, and toss with fresh pasta when ready.
Top tip
Always keep a cup of pasta water before draining. Add a splash to the sauce—it helps the sauce cling to the pasta and adds silkiness.
FAQs
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free penne or pasta shape. The sauce is naturally gluten-free.
It can be! You control the heat. Start with less chili and adjust to your liking.
Absolutely! Just keep the sauce and pasta separate and mix before serving.
Penne pasta tossed in a spicy tomato sauce with garlic, olive oil, and red chili flakes.
A spicy sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and red chili flakes.
Cook penne, sauté garlic and chili flakes in olive oil, add tomatoes, simmer, then toss with the pasta.
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Pairing
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