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To make a great Spicy Pasta Arrabbiata, gather these main ingredients: - 400g penne pasta - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - 1-2 red chili peppers, finely chopped - 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn These ingredients come together to create a rich and flavorful dish. The key is in the balance of heat from the chili and the sweetness from the sugar. You can enhance your dish with optional ingredients. Consider adding: - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) - A pinch of red pepper flakes (for extra heat) - Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano (for more aroma) These additions can give your pasta a unique twist. Cheese adds creaminess, while more herbs boost the flavor. If you have dietary needs, don’t worry! Here are some substitutions: - Use gluten-free penne pasta if you need a gluten-free option. - Swap olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor. - For a vegan version, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative. - If you can’t find fresh basil, use dried basil, but reduce the amount. These swaps keep your dish tasty while meeting your needs. Don't hesitate to experiment and make it your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with a big pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Add 400 grams of penne pasta. Stir it well. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should be firm yet tender. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Be sure to check the package for exact times. Once ready, save one cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Grab a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Pour in 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Let the oil heat up but don’t let it smoke. Add 4 thinly sliced cloves of garlic. Sauté them for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want them fragrant but not burnt. Next, add 1 to 2 finely chopped red chili peppers. You can adjust this based on how spicy you like your dish. Cook these for about another minute. The aroma will be amazing! Now it’s time for the tomatoes. Pour in one can of crushed tomatoes, about 400 grams. Stir it well with the garlic and chili mix. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors. Now, sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir it occasionally. You want it to thicken slightly. After that, it’s almost ready! Toss in the cooked penne pasta and mix it all together. If it seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time. Finish by stirring in ¼ cup of torn fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your spicy pasta arrabbiata hot, and if you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top! To change the heat in your dish, control the chili peppers. You can use one or two red chili peppers based on your taste. If you want it mild, use just one pepper. For more heat, add two or even three! Just remember to remove the seeds for less spice. You can also try different pepper types, like jalapeños or serranos. Each brings its own flavor and heat. Another option? Use red pepper flakes. Sprinkle them in while cooking for a nice kick. Always taste as you go. This helps you find the perfect spice level. Spicy Pasta Arrabbiata is great on its own, but you can make it even better. Serve it with a fresh side salad. A simple mix of greens, tomatoes, and a light dressing works well. You can also add garlic bread for extra crunch and flavor. If you want to impress, top the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a creamy, salty touch that blends perfectly with the spice. For a bright finish, sprinkle fresh basil on top. It adds color and flavor that pops. To get the best flavor, use good-quality ingredients. Fresh garlic and ripe tomatoes make a big difference. When cooking garlic, be careful not to burn it. Sauté it until it’s just golden. This brings out its sweet flavor without bitterness. Let the sauce simmer for a while. This thickens it and deepens the taste. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. This helps create a silky texture. Lastly, always taste your sauce before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed for the best flavor. Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: Experiment with the number of chili peppers based on your heat tolerance. Start with one and add more if you prefer it spicier. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining. It helps to adjust the sauce consistency and adds flavor. Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh basil for a vibrant flavor. Dried herbs won’t give the same aromatic freshness to the dish. Parmesan Optional: While Parmesan adds a delightful richness, feel free to omit it for a vegan version or substitute with nutritional yeast. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of spicy pasta arrabbiata. Simply skip meat and focus on fresh ingredients. Use extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. They add flavor and color. Mushrooms also work well; they bring a nice texture. You can sauté them with garlic for a rich taste. This version keeps the dish light and healthy while still giving that spicy kick. If you want to add protein, chicken and shrimp are great choices. For chicken, cook bite-sized pieces in the skillet before adding garlic. This step adds depth to the sauce. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it after the tomatoes. They will turn pink and plump. For a plant-based option, tofu is perfect. Use firm tofu, cut into cubes, and sauté it until golden. It absorbs flavors well and adds a satisfying bite. If you need a gluten-free option, many pastas fit the bill. Rice pasta and quinoa pasta are popular choices. They mimic the texture of regular pasta. Check the cooking time, as it may differ. You can also use zucchini noodles, known as "zoodles." They provide a fresh, low-carb alternative. Simply spiralize zucchini and sauté it lightly before adding the sauce. This way, you still get that spicy flavor without gluten. To store leftover spicy pasta arrabbiata, let it cool first. Place the pasta in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep out air. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you are ready to eat the leftover pasta, reheat it gently. You can use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir often to heat it evenly. If you use a microwave, cover it to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring between, until warm. Freezing spicy pasta arrabbiata is a great option for easy meals later. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Use a portioned size for easy meals. Label the container with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. "Arrabbiata" means "angry" in Italian. This name fits the dish well. The heat from the chili peppers gives it a fiery kick. The sauce reflects a bold character, making it a favorite for spice lovers. You get a rich flavor with every bite, and the name suits its spicy nature perfectly. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just chop about 4-5 medium tomatoes. Make sure to peel them for a smoother sauce. Cook them down just like the canned version. You may need to add a bit more salt for flavor. Fresh tomatoes can give a brighter taste. They also add a nice texture to the dish. Spicy Pasta Arrabbiata lasts about 3-5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you reheat it, be sure to add a splash of water. This helps revive the sauce and keeps it moist. Enjoy your leftovers as a quick and tasty meal! This blog post covered how to make Spicy Pasta Arrabbiata from start to finish. We looked at key ingredients, cooking steps, and ways to spice it to your taste. You also learned how to tweak the recipe for diet needs and offer extras like protein. Finally, I shared storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh. Spicy Pasta Arrabbiata is simple but full of flavor. With these tips, you can make it your own!

Spicy Pasta Arrabbiata

A fiery and flavorful pasta dish with a spicy tomato sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 400 g penne pasta
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1-2 red chili peppers finely chopped
  • 400 g crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Add the chopped chili peppers and cook for an additional minute.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add the teaspoon of sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
  • Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Stir in the torn basil leaves and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and top each plate with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Adjust the number of chili peppers based on your spice preference.
Keyword arrabbiata, Italian, pasta, Spicy