Description

A classic, authentic Italian Penne Arrabbiata recipe featuring spicy San Marzano tomatoes, fresh garlic, cayenne pepper, and fragrant basil, ready in under 20 minutes. This vibrant pasta dish balances the heat with rich, flavorful sauce perfect for a quick yet impressive meal.

Ingredients

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Pasta

1 lb penne pasta (good quality, Italian made pasta like Rustichella d’Abruzzo)

Sauce

5 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (like Lucini)
4 cloves fresh garlic
1 fresh cayenne pepper (remove seeds if less spicy desired or use dried flakes)
1 Tbsp fresh Italian parsley (chopped, or dried)
24 oz tomatoes (can of Pomodoro San Marzano dell’Agro Sarnese-Nocerino)
3 leaves fresh basil
2 tsp Kosher salt (for sauce, adjust to taste)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and add the penne pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente, meaning slightly firm in the center but not crunchy.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the fresh garlic, cayenne pepper, and chopped parsley. Cook until the garlic turns a golden color, being careful not to burn it.
Purée the Tomatoes: Using an immersion blender, purée the San Marzano tomatoes directly in the can until smooth. Do this carefully to avoid splashing.
Cook the Sauce: Increase the heat to high, add the puréed tomatoes to the sauté pan, and cover with a lid initially. Once the sauce starts simmering, remove the lid and continue cooking quickly, stirring often to thicken the sauce. Season with kosher salt and adjust to taste.
Add Fresh Basil: When the sauce has thickened and tastes balanced, remove it from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves for added aroma and flavor.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta using your preferred method (slotted spoon or colander), reserving a cup of the pasta water. Add the pasta directly into the pan with the sauce. Stir thoroughly over low heat to ensure pasta is well coated. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency.
Serve: Transfer the pasta to bowls (preferred to keep warm longer). Garnish with additional chopped parsley and serve with extras like hot peppers if more heat is desired. Enjoy with fresh, crusty bread to savor every last bit of the sauce.

Notes

This authentic Italian spicy pasta is quick and easy, ready in under 20 minutes.
Use high-quality Italian pasta and San Marzano tomatoes for an authentic taste.
Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity according to preferred spice level.
Never just pour sauce on top of plain drained pasta; mixing in the pan ensures the best flavor and texture.
Serving in bowls keeps the pasta hotter for longer.
Enjoy with crusty bread to do ‘la scarpetta’—the authentic Italian way to finish the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 510 kcal
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 1117 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 79 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 14 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg