Penne Arrabbiata

Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner the whole family will love? Penne arrabbiata is a spicy Italian classic, made with simple ingredients like garlic, tomatoes, and red chili flakes. It’s bold, comforting, and comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights. Add a sprinkle of parmesan and serve with crusty bread for a meal that’s sure to satisfy!

Penne Arrabbiata

Prep time: 10 min

Cook time: 20 min

Serving: 4

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne pasta

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

• 14 oz diced tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• Salt to taste

• Ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions:

• Add water and salt into the pot and boil it. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

• Prepare the sauce: Add olive oil to the pot and heat it. Add crushed red pepper flakes and minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.

• Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the sauce for 10-15 minutes.

• Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the arrabbiata sauce. Toss well.

• Serve!

Nutrition:

Calories 350, Carbohydrate 60g, Protein 10g, Fat 7g, Fiber 5g

Serving Suggestions:

1. Garlic Bread & Side Salad – Balance the heat with a crisp Caesar or arugula salad and buttery garlic bread for a full Italian-inspired meal.

2. Add Protein – Toss in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even spicy Italian sausage to make it heartier and more filling.

3. Family-Style Pasta Night – Serve in a big bowl with toppings on the side (parmesan, basil, red pepper flakes) so everyone can customize their own plate.

Helpful Tips:

1. Adjust the Heat – Start with a small amount of red pepper flakes, then taste and add more gradually to suit your family’s spice level.

2. Use Quality Tomatoes – Since the sauce is simple, good canned San Marzano tomatoes or fresh ripe ones make a big difference in flavor.

3. Reserve Pasta Water – Save a bit of that starchy pasta water to stir into the sauce—it helps everything cling to the penne beautifully.

If you try this recipe, let me know your thoughts in the comments! Happy cooking! 🍝💛