Name: Penne Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Pasta) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin); 1 cup (~100g) penne; 1-2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 red chili pepper (sliced or 1 tsp crushed red pepper); 2 (~200g) tomatoes; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp grounded black pepper; 1/4 cup pasta water; 10 fresh basil leaves; 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (to garnish)

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Get ready to make your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly: Penne Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Pasta) is one of those classic Italian comfort dishes that’s bursting with bold flavor, zippy heat, and a beautiful simplicity you’ll crave again and again. Fiery chilis, juicy tomatoes, and silky olive oil come together on perfectly cooked penne for a sauce that clings to every bite. This is a meal guaranteed to perk up your taste buds, and it’s ready in a flash, making it both a lifesaver on busy nights and impressive enough for sharing at your next dinner party.

Penne Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Pasta) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long list of ingredients to create the magic of Penne Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Pasta). Each component brings something essential — whether it’s a wave of heat, sweet depth, or luscious texture — so try to use the freshest items you can find for restaurant-worthy results!

Olive oil (extra virgin): Adds richness and lets all those aromatic flavors bloom, so reach for the good stuff here.
Penne pasta: Its hollow shape holds onto the spicy sauce beautifully for the perfect bite every time.
Garlic (minced): Fragrant and essential, garlic gives the sauce a flavorful backbone that can’t be skipped!
Red chili pepper (or crushed red pepper): The star of the show for that signature spicy kick — adjust the amount for your personal heat preference.
Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes create a bright, tangy base that makes the sauce sing with natural sweetness.
Tomato paste: This intensifies the tomato flavor and ensures your sauce is beautifully thick and clingy.
Salt: Makes all the other flavors pop — be generous, but taste as you go!
Grounded black pepper: For warmth and a little extra complexity that pairs perfectly with the chili.
Pasta water: The pasta cooking water is liquid gold; its starch helps bind sauce to pasta like a pro.
Fresh basil leaves: Basil brings a fresh, aromatic finish and a pop of green color that brightens up the plate.
Parmesan cheese (to garnish): Salty, nutty Parmesan is the classic finishing touch that takes this pasta straight to Italy.

How to Make Penne Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Pasta)

Step 1: Prepare and Peel the Tomatoes

Start with the tomatoes: Use a sharp knife to make a little cross on the bottom of each one. This simple trick lets you peel them effortlessly after a quick dip in boiling water (about 2–3 minutes, just until the skins start to loosen). Then, transfer them to a cold water bath to stop the cooking, peel off the skins, and give them a rough chop so they’ll melt right into your sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil

In a big skillet, gently heat your olive oil over medium. Add the minced garlic and stir just until it becomes fragrant and pale gold — keep a close watch, as garlic can turn bitter if it gets too brown. This step lays the foundation for your rich, deeply flavored sauce.

Step 3: Add Chili Pepper

Now, toss in the sliced red chili or crushed red pepper and sauté for about a minute. This is where the magic begins: The chili releases its spicy oils into the warm olive oil, infusing the whole dish with that craving-worthy heat that defines Penne Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Pasta).

Step 4: Simmer the Tomatoes

Stir in your peeled, chopped tomatoes and let them simmer gently on medium-low heat. Give them 6–8 minutes to soften and break down — you’ll know they’re ready when they start to look saucy and concentrated, and their color deepens to a beautiful red.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce comes together, cook the penne in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Don’t rush it, and don’t overcook — that tender bit of chew is essential! When it’s done, reserve 1/4 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining (do not rinse the pasta, you want every bit of starch for perfect saucy pasta).

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Now, for the best part: Add tomato paste, your reserved pasta water, salt, black pepper, and most of the chopped basil straight into the tomato sauce. Sauté for about 2 more minutes to let all the flavors mingle, then toss in your hot, just-drained penne. Toss the whole pan well, making sure every piece of pasta is coated in that vibrant, fragrant sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go.

Step 7: The Final Touch

Pile your Penne Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Pasta) onto plates and go wild with freshly grated Parmesan and extra basil leaves. That’s it — grab a fork and savor every spicy, garlicky bite!

How to Serve Penne Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Pasta)

Garnishes

Keep it classic with a flurry of freshly grated Parmesan and torn basil scattered right before serving. For an extra punch, add a light dusting of crushed red pepper on top, or even a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. These garnishes add layers of flavor, aroma, and a burst of color that makes your plate pop.

Side Dishes

Penne Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Pasta) shines alongside a crisp green salad tossed with lemon or balsamic vinaigrette, or with a generous slab of good rustic bread to mop up every drop of that spicy, tangy sauce. A simple bowl of marinated olives is also a delicious, unfussy partner.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Try serving the pasta in individual bowls topped with a big swipe of creamy ricotta, or nestle it onto a platter and let everyone dig in family-style. For a showstopper, pile the pasta high on a wooden board and top generously with Parmesan shavings and basil — it’s perfect for a crowd and guaranteed to start a conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Penne Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Pasta) cool to room temperature, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making your next meal extra special!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce by itself for up to 2 months. If you’ve already tossed it with pasta, freezing is still possible, although the texture may soften a bit. Just be sure to use a freezer-safe container and let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To revive your pasta, toss it in a skillet with a splash of water or extra tomato sauce over medium heat, stirring until warmed through. A quick microwave zap works too, but finishing on the stovetop keeps the texture closest to freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make Penne Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Pasta) less spicy?

Absolutely! You control the heat. Either halve the chili or use just a pinch of crushed red pepper, tasting as you go. You’ll still get the bold flavors without the extra fire.

What kind of tomatoes work best?

Choose the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find. Roma or plum tomatoes are classic for their low water content and deep flavor, but any garden-fresh variety will give great results.

Can I use dried basil if I don’t have fresh?

Fresh basil gives the brightest, most aromatic finish, but a small sprinkle of dried basil can work in a pinch. Add dried basil to the sauce as it’s simmering to let the flavors meld.

Is Parmesan cheese necessary for serving?

Traditionalists might say yes, but Penne Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Pasta) is just as delicious without cheese, especially if you’re keeping things vegan or dairy-free. For a plant-based option, try a dusting of nutritional yeast or your favorite dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

What other pasta shapes can I use besides penne?

While penne is the star here for its sauce-hugging abilities, rigatoni, ziti, or even fusilli all work well with chunky, spicy tomato sauces like this one. Go with whatever you have on hand!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a new favorite weeknight dinner, Penne Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Pasta) is as feel-good as it gets: fast, fiery, and full of love in each bite. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a repeat request at your table — try it tonight and see just how much joy a simple plate of pasta can bring!

Penne Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Pasta) Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Penne Arrabbiata recipe is a spicy and flavorful twist on traditional tomato pasta. With a kick of red chili pepper and fresh basil, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds.

Instructions

Prepare Tomatoes: Make a cross on the bottom of each tomato and blanch in boiling water. Peel, chop, and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan, add minced garlic, and cook over medium heat.
Cook Chili: Sauté the red chili in the oil for about a minute.
Add Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and simmer for 6-8 minutes.
Cook Pasta: Cook penne in salted water until al dente, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
Combine: Drain pasta, add to the tomato sauce with tomato paste, seasonings, and basil. Toss well.
Finish: Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve hot.