Spicy Penne Arrabbiata Recipe

If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s full of punchy flavor and a little kick to keep you on your toes, you’ve got to try my Spicy Penne Arrabbiata Recipe. This classic Italian favorite combines simple ingredients that come together to create something incredibly satisfying—spicy, tangy, and oh-so-scrumptious. When I first tried making this at home, I was amazed at how quickly it came together and how everyone begged for seconds. Stick around because I’m sharing all my tips to help you nail this dish every single time!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients really vibe well together to create that classic Arrabbiata heat and freshness. Keep an eye out for good-quality canned tomatoes—they make a world of difference—and fresh basil that smells irresistible.

• Penne Rigate: The ridges hold onto the spicy sauce beautifully, so don’t substitute for smooth pasta if you can help it.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin if possible for a richer flavor that complements the garlic perfectly.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves are essential here—avoid pre-minced to get that authentic punch.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust based on your heat preference; I usually err on the spicy side.
• Whole Peeled Tomatoes: I love using canned for convenience, but fresh tomatoes work if you have them on hand.
• Tomato Paste: Adds intensity and depth to the sauce—don’t skip it.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds a lovely aromatic freshness at the end, so toss them in right before serving.
• Parmesan or Pecorino Cheese: A generous grating on top ties the whole dish together with creamy, salty goodness.
• Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped for a bright, herbaceous finish.

Variations

I love how flexible this Spicy Penne Arrabbiata Recipe is—you can make it just how you like it. Over the years, I’ve tried adding different proteins and veggies, and they all work beautifully. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

• Add Meat or Seafood: I sometimes toss in shrimp or Italian sausage for an extra hearty meal.
• Vegetable Boost: Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms tossed in the sauce make it veggie-packed and super tasty.
• Arrabbiata Spaghetti: Switching to spaghetti noodles changes the texture but keeps all the bold flavor—the perfect choice if you don’t have penne on hand.
• Mild Version: If you want less heat, go easy on the red pepper flakes and add a splash of cream for a smoother sauce.

How to Make Spicy Penne Arrabbiata Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your penne rigate. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente—meaning it should still have a little bite. Once ready, drain the pasta but don’t rinse it; you want to keep that starch to help the sauce cling perfectly.

Step 2: Infuse the Olive Oil with Garlic and Chili

While your pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously and let the garlic get fragrant but not browned — about 30 seconds. That’s where the magic starts! I once left the garlic too long and it turned bitter, so watch this step closely.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add in your canned whole peeled tomatoes, breaking them up roughly with the back of a wooden spoon right in the pan. Then stir in the tomato paste to deepen the flavor. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat and let it cook, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens just right. Remove from heat and sprinkle in the chopped fresh basil to keep its bright flavor intact.

Step 4: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Return the drained pasta to the skillet with your spicy sauce (or combine them in a large bowl if your skillet isn’t big enough). Toss everything well to coat every piece in that vibrant sauce. Give it a taste and add extra red pepper flakes or salt and pepper if you want more heat or seasoning. Trust me, adjusting at the end makes a big difference!

Step 5: Serve with Cheese and Parsley

Dish the penne onto plates and don’t be shy with the freshly grated parmesan or pecorino on top. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful garnish. I find that this little finishing touch lifts the entire dish.

How to Serve Spicy Penne Arrabbiata Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about freshly grated cheese—parmesan or pecorino both work wonderfully. And parsley adds that fresh pop of green and subtle pepperiness. Sometimes I like to toss on a few extra basil leaves for an herbal burst that’s like summer sunshine on your plate.

Side Dishes

This dish shines with some crunchy garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. For my family gatherings, I also serve roasted vegetables on the side—eggplant and zucchini especially pair nicely with the spicy tomato sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

I once served this Spicy Penne Arrabbiata in individual mini cast iron skillets at a dinner party—it felt rustic and cozy, plus the cast iron helped keep it warm longer. Another fun idea is to twirl the pasta into nests before plating for a fancy touch that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to keep the sauce and pasta separate if I have leftovers; storing the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge keeps it fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready, just reheat the sauce and cook fresh pasta for the best texture.

Freezing

Freeze the cooled Arrabbiata sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months—this is a lifesaver for busy days. I’ve found frozen sauce reheats beautifully on the stove, just stir it gently on low heat until warmed through.

Reheating

Reheat sauce gently on the stovetop; you can add a little pasta water or olive oil if it seems thick. I recommend cooking fresh pasta rather than reheating to keep the texture perfect. If you’re in a rush, microwaving the combined pasta and sauce works fine—just cover and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Penne Arrabbiata Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something that’s quick, satisfying, and just a little fiery. It’s wonderful how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create a bowl bursting with flavor. I truly hope you give it a whirl and enjoy it as much as my family does—we always find it soothing and exciting all at once. So next time you’re craving pasta with a spicy twist, you know exactly what to make!

Print