Penne allArrabbiata classic spicy (Printable Version)

Penne pasta bathed in a vibrant tomato sauce with garlic and chili for a bold, spicy twist.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz penne rigate

→ Sauce

02 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
03 - 4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
04 - 1 to 2 tsp red chili flakes, adjusted to taste
05 - 28 oz peeled whole tomatoes, crushed
06 - 1 tsp sea salt
07 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Finishing

08 - 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
09 - Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red chili flakes; sauté gently for about 1 minute until fragrant without browning the garlic.
03 - Add crushed tomatoes, sea salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
04 - Add the drained penne to the sauce and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and ensure even coating.
05 - Remove from heat, stir in chopped parsley, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than you'd believe, which means weeknight dinners stop feeling like an obligation.
  • The heat builds slowly and leaves you wanting just one more bite, every single time.
  • It tastes expensive and special even though your ingredient list fits on one hand.
02 -
  • Don't let the garlic brown—it will taste acrid and bitter, and no amount of chili can save it, so keep your heat at medium and stay close.
  • Pasta water is a secret weapon; that starch is what helps the sauce cling to each piece instead of sliding off, so always reserve it before draining.
03 -
  • If you can find San Marzano tomatoes specifically, they have a sweetness that plays beautifully against the heat—it's worth seeking out.
  • The sauce actually improves if you let it cool slightly and make it again the next day; time lets the flavors settle and deepen in ways that feel almost magical.
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