How spicy is this spicy arrabbiata sauce?

This pasta dish is very spicy! If you're making this recipe for the first time and are concerned about the spice level, start with just 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Increase to taste, as desired.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. If you make this recipe with your favorite gluten-free penne pasta, the recipe is naturally gluten-free!

Is this pasta sauce freezer-friendly?

Yes, this pasta sauce can be frozen, but must be frozen separately from pasta. To freeze, make the pasta sauce through recipe step 4. Then instead of tossing with al dente pasta, allow the sauce to cool completely to room temperature, transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months.

Penne All'Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Pasta)

Name: Penne All'Arrabbiata Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb penne (or pasta of choice); ¼ cup olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1½ teaspoons red pepper flakes; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 28 oz crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; Fresh parsley, for garnish; Large skillet; Spatula; Large pot; Colander

Description

Learn how to make Penne All’Arrabbiata the classic way! Al dente penne pasta tossed in a spicy, Italian tomato sauce, then garnished with fresh parsley. All you need is 8 simple ingredients!

Ingredients

1 lb penne (or pasta of choice)
¼ cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1½ teaspoons red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
28 oz crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Equipment

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Instructions

Sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once warm, add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the minced garlic cloves begin to slightly brown.
Caramelize the tomato paste. Add the tomato paste and sauté for another 2 minutes, until the tomato paste darkens in color.
Add tomatoes, sugar, and salt. Add in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, and sea salt. Stir together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook the pasta al dente. While the spicy tomato sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente.
Toss the pasta in the spicy sauce. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Then add the cooked pasta and 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water to the sauce. Stir together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce, adding more pasta water as necessary.
Serve. Serve penne arrabbiata immediately while warm with vegan parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley, and enjoy!

Notes

Freezing: This pasta sauce can be frozen, but must be frozen separately from pasta. To freeze, make the pasta sauce through recipe step 4. Then instead of tossing with al dente pasta, allow the sauce to cool completely to room temperature, transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
Storage: Leftover pasta will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Note that as it sits overnight, the pasta will absorb some of the sauce and be less saucy the next day.
Reheating: Microwave or heat in a skillet on the stovetop until warmed through.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Category: Entree
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian