Name: Penne all’Arrabbiata Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 400g / 14oz penne or ziti, or other pasta of choice (short or long); 1 tbsp cooking or kosher salt (for cooking pasta); 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1 red cayenne pepper chili, finely chopped (with seeds); 1/2 tsp chili flakes (red pepper flakes); 800g / 28oz canned crushed tomato; 1 1/4 tsp cooking or kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp white sugar (optional, only if needed); Parmesan, finely grated; 2 tsp finely chopped parsley (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 11 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a pasta dish that balances fiery heat with rich, comforting tomato goodness, then this Penne all’Arrabbiata Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. It’s a stunning Italian classic that brings together simple, vibrant ingredients like garlic, chili, and crushed tomatoes to create a sauce that’s both bold and utterly addictive. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or sharing it with friends, Penne all’Arrabbiata is a celebration of flavor that’s quick, fresh, and irresistibly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled table with several ingredients for cooking. In the center, there is a clear glass bowl filled with uncooked yellow penne pasta. To the left, two open cans of red tomato sauce are placed close together, and above them is a small glass bowl with yellow olive oil. Near the top center, there is a small white bowl with red chili flakes. On the right side, a bright red chili pepper lies near two cloves of garlic with white skins. Below the garlic, there is a bunch of fresh green parsley with leafy textures. The whole setup is on a clean white marbled surface, photographed with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Penne all’Arrabbiata Recipe is a beautiful example of how just a handful of straightforward ingredients can transform into a delightfully spicy and savory dish. Each component plays a crucial role, from the aromatic garlic enhancing depth, to the chili adding that signature fiery kick, making your meal vibrant in taste and texture.

400g/14oz penne or ziti: Choose your favorite short pasta to hold onto the spicy sauce perfectly.
1 tbsp cooking/kosher salt: Essential for seasoning pasta water and enhancing overall flavor.
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and serves as the base to gently cook the aromatics.
3 garlic cloves, finely minced: Imparts a fragrant, savory backbone to the sauce.
1 red cayenne pepper chilli, finely chopped (with seeds): Provides the bold, spicy character that defines Arrabbiata.
1/2 tsp chili flakes (red pepper flakes): Intensifies the heat with a balanced kick.
800g/28 oz canned crushed tomato: Forms the chunky, vibrant sauce that’s hearty and comforting.
1 1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt: Seasons the sauce effectively during simmering.
1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds subtle earthiness and complexity.
1/2 tsp white sugar (only if needed): A small touch to balance any acidity from the tomatoes.
Parmesan, finely grated: For that salty, nutty finish when serving.
2 tsp finely chopped parsley (optional): Adds fresh color and a mild herbal note.

How to Make Penne all’Arrabbiata Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Chillies

Start by warming the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely minced garlic and stir it quickly for about 10 seconds until it releases its aroma. Next, toss in the chopped red cayenne pepper and chili flakes, letting them cook together for a minute or so. You’ll notice the garlic turning a delicate light golden color – this is the flavor foundation for your robust sauce.

Step 2: Introduce Tomatoes and Season

Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes along with the liquid from the cans to capture every bit of flavor. Add in the salt and black pepper, stirring everything to combine. The tomatoes provide the luscious, tangy body of the sauce, while the seasoning brings out their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Crank the heat up to high briefly until the sauce begins to bubble, then immediately reduce it to medium to let it gently simmer. Stir occasionally and taste the sauce at around 10 minutes; if it tastes too acidic, this is where you’d stir in the optional half teaspoon of white sugar. Continue simmering for about 15 minutes total, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken just right.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil using the tablespoon of salt. Throw in the penne and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente – tender but with a hint of bite. This timing ensures your pasta and sauce finish together seamlessly.

Step 5: Reserve Pasta Water and Drain

Right before draining your pasta, give the pot a big stir to agitate the starch. This starchy water is magic for helping the sauce cling to your penne. Scoop out about one cup of this cooking water and set it aside before draining the pasta carefully.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Return the drained pasta to the pot or directly into the simmering sauce. Add half a cup of the reserved pasta water and toss everything well over the heat. This step is key to coat every piece of penne with that glossy, spicy sauce. Add more pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick or dry.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Dish out generous portions onto plates or bowls while still warm. Top with a dusting of finely grated parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like, which brings brightness and a lovely visual pop to the dish.

How to Serve Penne all’Arrabbiata Recipe

A white bowl filled with penne pasta fully covered in a bright red tomato sauce, showing a thick and slightly chunky texture with small bits of tomatoes. The pasta is well coated, with some pieces partially sticking out, revealing the smooth and ridged texture of the penne. The dish is garnished with finely chopped green herbs and light red chili flakes scattered on top. A silver spoon with an ornate handle is placed inside the bowl, on the right side, slightly buried in the pasta. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface with no other objects nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your Penne all’Arrabbiata Recipe with freshly grated parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty depth. A few scattered chili flakes can amp up the heat if you’re feeling bold. Don’t forget a scatter of chopped parsley for a fresh, herbal lift that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil for contrast. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover spicy sauce, while a chilled glass of white wine or Italian red rounds out the meal memorably.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Penne all’Arrabbiata Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a twist of fresh cracked black pepper. You can also sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs mixed with herbs over the top for unexpected crunch and texture that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries – Penne all’Arrabbiata keeps very well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen with time, making it a great option for easy next-day meals.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta to maintain texture. Store the sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and cook fresh pasta to combine at serving time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring in a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave it covered but stir halfway through to ensure even heating and prevent dryness.

FAQs

What does “Arrabbiata” mean?

“Arrabbiata” translates to “angry” in Italian, referring to the heat and spice of the chili peppers that give the sauce its fiery personality.

Can I adjust the spiciness level?

Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and chili flakes to make a milder sauce, or increase them if you love your pasta with serious kick.

Is Penne the only pasta choice for this recipe?

While penne is traditional because its shape holds the sauce so well, you can use other pastas like ziti, rigatoni, or even spaghetti; just choose one that captures the sauce nicely.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply omit the parmesan or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without dairy.

Why should I save pasta cooking water?

Pasta water contains starch that helps the sauce cling better to your pasta and can loosen the sauce if it gets too thick, resulting in a silkier, more cohesive dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Penne all’Arrabbiata Recipe that keeps me coming back for more – it’s comforting, fiery, and utterly satisfying. Its simplicity is its strength, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week. I warmly encourage you to try making it yourself and watch how these humble ingredients come together with big, bold flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate.