Penne arrabbiata

Tips: Make a tasty penne arrabbiata

Learn to make a definitive penne arrabbiata with our tips. Keep on reading to find out more.

Make the sauce ahead of time

The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to a month. This makes it easy to whip up a quick dinner on busy nights. You can just heat up the sauce and cook some penne pasta to mix into it.

Let the sauce simmer longer

If you have extra time, let the sauce simmer a bit longer to give it a more aromatic flavour. Begin by frying onion, garlic, oregano, and chilli flakes in olive oil. This step releases their aromatic oils, preparing the base for your sauce. Then add tomato purée, passata, salt, pepper, and water. Let it simmer until it thickens.

Storing your leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Try a spicy penne arrabbiata

Sometimes, the simplest dishes are indeed the best, and this penne arrabbiata recipe falls exactly into that category. The fiery Italian classic will dazzle your dinner table with its simple yet prominent flavours, all ready in just 15 minutes. The dish combines the satisfying bite of al dente penne with a spicy tomato sauce that packs a surprising punch. Topped with creamy white cheese and fresh basil, each forkful offers a balance of spicy, savoury, and fresh flavours that are sure to delight any palate.

Smooth tomato sauce with a fiery kick

For those who lean into the thrill of a spicy meal, the tomato sauce is an adventure in itself. Far from the mellow tomato sauces you might be accustomed to, this sauce stirs up the senses with a bold, fiery kick that is both invigorating and deeply satisfying. The texture is smooth and velvety, the flavour intense, with just enough heat to assert its presence without overwhelming the meal. Making it is surprisingly simple, with just onions, garlic, tomato purée, passata, and a spirited dose of chilli flakes.

We have many more pasta recipes for you to try. If you like spicy food, try our Buffalo chicken mac and cheese. For more classic dishes, try chicken fettuccine Alfredo and pasta carbonara.

A classic Italian tomato sauce with a hot-headed history

Originating from the Lazio region, particularly Rome, arrabbiata sauce, or "Sugo all'arrabbiata" in Italian, translates to "angry sauce." The name is a nod to the spiciness of the sauce, which is said to make one's face turn red, much like the expression of anger. This vivid imagery captures the essence of the sauce – fiery and bold.

Tomatoes are a staple in many Italian dishes, and when combined with ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and chilli, they result in a simple sauce that can ignite the taste buds like no other. It is typically paired with penne pasta to make penne all'arrabbiata.

Experiment with the recipe

If you do not like your arrabbiata sauce too spicy, you can easily adjust the heat. Add a small amount of chilli flakes, then taste and add more as needed while the sauce simmers. This way, you can control the spice level to suit your taste.

To deepen the flavour of your penne arrabbiata, start by gently frying the garlic and chilli flakes. This step, known as 'soffritto', is a classic cooking method that releases the aromatic oils from the garlic and chilli, creating a flavourful base for the sauce. As the garlic turns golden and the chilli begins to sizzle, their combined scents contribute to a rich and aromatic sauce.

Feel free to use various pasta shapes for the arrabbiata sauce. Though penne is traditionally used, alternatives such as spaghetti or ziti are equally good as they hold the sauce really well.

For a more filling meal, try adding proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or meatballs. For a vegetarian twist, grilled vegetables such as courgette or peppers are great choices.