Italian Pasta Recipe with Arrabbiata Sauce (2024)

All you need is 30 minutes and 7 simple ingredients to make this Italian pasta recipe with Arrabbiata Sauce. If you are looking for an easy pasta dinner for two, try this Spicy Penne all’Arrabbiata!

In Italian, arrabbiata means anger.

Consider this: once you eat this pasta dish, the heat from the hot chili peppers will make your face turn red, just as you would if you were angry.

Some believe that the reference is to the vibrant red color of the arrabbiata sauce, a color that is also associated with the emotion of anger. Either way, hot chili peppers are just one of the ingredients to make this quick tomato sauce.

Instructions

In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute or until fragrant (do not brown). Add the peperoncini (hot chili peppers) and sauté for another minute or so.

Next, add 14 ounces of whole peeled canned tomatoes and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally while crushing the tomatoes with the back of your spatula.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 7 ounces of penne (about 2 cups). Cook according to the package instructions minus 1 minute since the pasta continues to cook in the pan for a minute or so.

While waiting for the pasta to cook, if the tomato sauce thickens too much, lower the heat and add a little pasta water.

Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Toss to combine. If necessary, add some of the pasta water.

Seven reasons why this recipe works

1-The pasta. The pasta associated with this traditional Roman dish must have ridges. The sauce becomes entrapped within the pasta’s little groves, making it easier to scoop up more sauce with every bite. The classic, of course, is penne. Rigatoni would also make a good choice.

2-The garlic. Fresh garlic is a must. When purchasing, make sure that there are no sprouts; that the outer skin is papery thin; and that the bulb is firm when you squeeze it.

3-The canned tomatoes. The base for so many great pasta sauces. Not all canned tomatoes will give you the same results. Try different high-quality brands and compare them. If interested in their certification process, there is a great article on Serious Eats aboutthe DOP tomato. (DOP is short forDenominazione diOrigineProtetta)

4-Pecorino Romano Cheese. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” History suggests that the Romans used Pecorino Romano Cheese in their beloved recipe for spicy penne all’ Arrabbiata. Please note that if you are in a pinch, you can definitely use Parmesan cheese – just don’t tell a Roman 🙂

5-The hot chili peppers, aka peperoncino.The source of the heat. You should know that you can add as little or as much of the hot chili peppers that you can tolerate. You can easily replace the peppers with crushed red pepper flakes. Once again, let your personal tolerance of heat be your guide regarding the amount that should be added. Remember, a little goes a long way.

6-The olive oil. An essential ingredient for Italian cuisine. Use high-quality olive oil.

7-The flat-leaf parsley. This herb is a staple in so many Italian dishes. Not only does it provide a wonderful splash of color, but it also contributes a pungent taste which is essential if you are trying to create a balance of flavors in your dish. Whenever possible, fresh is definitely better, and don’t even consider using the curly kind.

Tips

• Use high-quality ingredients.
• Fresh garlic is a must, do not be tempted to replace it with garlic powder.
• If you are a garlic lover, you can always add an extra clove or two to the recipe.
• As the tomatoes are cooking, they will soften and become easy to crush with the back of a spoon or a fork. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can pureé the tomatoes instead.
• The recipe can easily be doubled.

What to serve it with

This spicy pasta recipe pairs perfectly with almost any salad. Some healthy options include this easy-to-make chopped greens salad or this arugula salad.

Quick pasta dinner ideas

If you are looking for more pasta recipes that are easy, quick and economical to make, try this Easy Tortellini Recipe or this Lemon Pasta, which pairs perfectly with chicken spiedini and sauteed asparagus.

Recipe inspiration

A few decades ago, my husband was part owner of a small Italian restaurant. The chef, who originated from Rome, shared his version of this traditional Italian recipe, insisting that Pecorino was the cheese of choice when making this Roman pasta dish.

It has since become one of my husband’s signature dishes.

I hope you enjoy this hearty, spicy primo piatto pasta recipe, made with a few high-quality but simple ingredients that come together in less than 30 minutes.

Enjoy.

THANKS SO MUCHfor following and being part of theShe Loves Biscotticommunity where you will findSimple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.

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Maria

★★★★★ If you have made this simple pasta dish, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

Recipe

This post was originally published on May 8, 2016, and republished on July 30, 2020, with updated content and photos. Thanks for sharing.