Name: Penne Arrabbiata
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 300g penne pasta; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 3 tbsp olive oil (natural); 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped; 1-2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste); 400g crushed tomatoes; 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural); 1/4 cup reserved pasta water; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Plant-based Parmesan cheese (optional), for serving

If you are craving a quick and flavorful dinner that packs a punch, look no further than this easy Penne Arrabbiata recipe. Combining a spicy tomato sauce with fragrant garlic and chili flakes, this dish brings vibrant colors and bold flavors to your table in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, Penne Arrabbiata delivers that perfect balance of heat and savoriness that will make every bite unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy Preparation: Ready in just about 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Bold Flavors: The zesty combination of garlic and chili flakes elevates simple ingredients into a fiery sensation.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together effortlessly, ensuring no complicated shopping list.
Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the spice levels to suit your personal taste.
Plant-Based Friendly: Uses fresh ingredients and plant-based products for a wholesome meal everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that build layers of taste, texture, and vibrant color. Each component highlights the rustic Italian soul of Penne Arrabbiata and comes together without fuss.

Penne Pasta: Choose quality penne for perfect sauce-holding ridges that soak up every bit of flavor.
Olive Oil (natural): Adds a fruity richness that forms the base for sautéing garlic and chili.
Fresh Garlic: Offers an aromatic punch that brightens the entire dish.
Crushed Tomatoes: Provides the rich and tangy tomato sauce foundation with a lively red color.
Red Chili Flakes: Sprinkle to taste for the signature spicy kick that defines Arrabbiata.
Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a subtle savory depth and umami complexity.
Fresh Parsley: Gives a fresh, herbaceous contrast and pops of green for visual appeal.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together harmoniously.
Plant-based Parmesan Cheese: Optional, for finishing with a creamy, cheesy note.

Variations for Penne Arrabbiata

This Penne Arrabbiata recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make it your own by experimenting with different additions and tweaks. It adapts beautifully whether you want to keep it simple or add extra boosts of flavor and texture.

Spicy Veggie Boost: Toss in sautéed bell peppers or zucchini for extra bite and color.
Protein Power: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal that still respects the original sauce’s zest.
Herb Variations: Swap parsley for fresh basil or oregano for a different aromatic profile.
Smoky Twist: Add smoked paprika or chipotle chili flakes to deepen the smoky, spicy notes.
Heat Level: Use less or more chili flakes or fresh chili peppers to dial the spice up or down.

Easy Penne Arrabbiata Recipe to Spice Up Dinner

How to Make Penne Arrabbiata

Step 1: Cook the Penne

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining for finishing the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base

Heat olive oil (natural) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and red chili flakes and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes to develop rich flavor and a slightly thickened texture.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked penne into the sauce, mixing well to coat each piece. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and ensure every bite is perfectly saucy.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Remove from heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley. Add a sprinkle of plant-based Parmesan cheese on top if you like, then serve immediately to enjoy that lively, spicy goodness.

Pro Tips for Making Penne Arrabbiata

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and good-quality canned tomatoes make a huge difference in flavor.
Control the Spice: Start with less chili flakes and add more gradually to suit your heat preference.
Reserve Pasta Water: Adding pasta water helps bind the sauce to pasta for a silkier finish.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente penne provides the ideal texture to carry the spicy sauce.
Make It Ahead: The sauce tastes even better the next day as flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Penne Arrabbiata

Garnishes

Add a scattering of freshly chopped parsley for color and a burst of freshness. Top with plant-based Parmesan cheese for that creamy, satisfying finish that complements the spicy sauce.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp mixed green salad lightly dressed with lemon juice and olive oil (natural). Garlic bread made with plant-based butter is another crowd-pleaser that soaks up the extra sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Penne Arrabbiata in warm, shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh herbs on top for an eye-catching presentation. Add a wedge of lemon or a drizzle of olive oil (natural) to bring brightness and a glossy finish to the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your Penne Arrabbiata to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container. Avoid adding plant-based cheese before freezing to maintain texture; instead, sprinkle it fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. This helps retain the flavors and prevents drying out, keeping it vibrant and moist.

FAQs

What makes Penne Arrabbiata different from other pasta sauces?

Penne Arrabbiata is famous for its simple yet fiery tomato sauce that uses garlic, chili flakes, and olive oil (natural) to create a spicy, aromatic flavor that sets it apart from milder pasta sauces.

Can I adjust the spice level in Penne Arrabbiata?

Absolutely! You can reduce or increase the chili flakes or even add fresh chili peppers to tailor the heat according to your preference, making it mild or extra spicy.

Is this recipe suitable for a plant-based diet?

Yes, by using plant-based Parmesan cheese and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, this recipe suits a plant-based lifestyle without sacrificing richness or depth of flavor.

What type of pasta works best for Arrabbiata sauce?

Penne is traditional because its ridged, tubular shape holds the spicy tomato sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is full of flavor.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Definitely! The sauce often tastes better the next day as the flavors marry, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy days.

Final Thoughts

This vibrant Penne Arrabbiata recipe brings a wonderful balance of heat, acidity, and savory notes that brighten up dinner effortlessly. Its simplicity and bold flavor make it a reliable favorite that’s easy to whip up any day of the week. So grab your ingredients and spice up your dinner table tonight with this delicious, comforting dish everyone will love.

Penne Arrabbiata

Author: Samuel
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Plant-Based

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful Penne Arrabbiata recipe featuring a spicy tomato sauce with fragrant garlic and chili flakes. Ready in under 30 minutes, this plant-based pasta dish offers a perfect balance of heat and savoriness, ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners with family and friends.

Instructions

Cook the Penne: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining for finishing the sauce.
Prepare the Sauce Base: Heat olive oil (natural) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and red chili flakes and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes to develop rich flavor and a slightly thickened texture.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked penne into the sauce, mixing well to coat each piece. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and ensure every bite is perfectly saucy.
Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley. Add a sprinkle of plant-based Parmesan cheese on top if you like, then serve immediately to enjoy the lively, spicy goodness.