Name: Penne all’Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Pasta) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 400g / 14oz penne or ziti (or other pasta of choice, short or long); 1 tbsp cooking / kosher salt (for cooking pasta); 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1 red cayenne pepper chilli, finely chopped (with seeds); 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (red pepper flakes); 800g / 28oz canned crushed tomato; 1 1/4 tsp cooking / kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp white sugar (only if needed); Parmesan, finely grated; 2 tsp finely chopped parsley (optional)

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 (only if needed)

Parmesan, finely grated

2 tsp finely chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 10 seconds until fragrant. Then add the chopped cayenne pepper and chili flakes and cook for 1 minute or until the garlic turns light golden.

Step 2: Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with their juice. Add the salt and black pepper. Rinse the tomato cans with a little water and add this to the pot as well to capture all the flavor.

Step 3: Increase the heat to high and stir. When the sauce begins to simmer, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. Check the taste at 10 minutes; if the sauce tastes sour, add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to balance it.

Step 4: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil using 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.

Step 5: Just before draining the pasta, stir the pot vigorously to agitate the starch. Scoop out 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside. Then drain the pasta.

Step 6: Add the drained pasta to the simmering sauce along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss well over medium heat until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce. Add more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 7: Serve the pasta immediately, topped with freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley if using.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the spice by using less chili or removing the seeds to reduce heat.

For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce.

Use fresh tomatoes in season for a fresher taste, but simmer longer to develop flavor.

Gluten-free pasta works well as a substitute for penne or ziti if you prefer.

FAQs

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and chili flakes or remove the seeds from the chili before adding. This will maintain the sauce’s flavor with milder heat.