Penne Arrabbiata

There’s something special about Italian food—it’s comforting, rustic, and relies on simple ingredients to deliver bold flavors. One of the best examples of this is Penne Arrabbiata. Translating to “angry pasta,” arrabbiata sauce gets its name from the fiery kick of chili peppers balanced with the sweetness of tomatoes and the aroma of garlic.

This version stays true to its Roman roots while adding a modern twist: plant-based sausage. By tossing in savory, browned sausage bits, you transform a quick pasta dish into a hearty, high-protein meal that’s perfect for weeknights.

Whether you serve it with a side salad, a glass of red wine, or some crusty Italian bread, Penne Arrabbiata is guaranteed to satisfy cravings for comfort food with a little spice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Bold & Flavorful – Garlic, chili, and tomatoes create the perfect sauce.
• Plant-Based Protein – Optional sausage makes it more filling.
• Authentically Italian – Simple, rustic ingredients at their best.
• Family-Friendly – Spice can be adjusted to suit your taste.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (or one thinly sliced fresh red chili, more to taste)
• 28 oz whole canned peeled tomatoes (1 large can)
• 1 cup water (rinse the tomato can)
• 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
• 4 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 3 quarts (12 cups) water + 1½ tbsp sea salt (for boiling pasta)

Optional Plant-Based Sausage Addition

• 2 plant-based sausages (about 3.2 oz / 90 g each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 2 twists black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

• Add canned tomatoes to a bowl, along with 1 cup of water from rinsing the can.
• Crush with your hands or chop with scissors into smaller pieces.

Step 2: Make the Arrabbiata Sauce

• Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
• Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in tomatoes and 1 tsp salt.
• Simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust salt and spice to taste.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

• Meanwhile, cook penne in salted boiling water according to package directions, minus 1 minute.
• Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 4: Combine Pasta & Sauce

• Add pasta to sauce with ½ cup reserved pasta water.
• Stir in parsley and toss for 1 minute until al dente and coated.

Step 5 (Optional): Make It a Meal with Sausage

• Peel plant-based sausages and break into bite-sized chunks.
• Press lightly to compact pieces.
• Sauté with olive oil, crushed garlic, and black pepper for 5 minutes until browned.
• Toss into pasta right before serving.

Serve immediately, with extra parsley or Parmesan (or vegan alternative) if desired.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Sauce can be frozen separately for up to 1 month. Pasta is best made fresh.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil.

Tips for Success

• Don’t burn the garlic—keep the heat low when sautéing.
• Crush tomatoes by hand for rustic texture (avoid pureeing, which makes sauce too smooth).
• Cook pasta slightly under so it finishes in the sauce—this infuses flavor.
• If you love heat, double the chili or use fresh bird’s eye chili for extra spice.

Variations

• Classic Roman Arrabbiata – Skip sausage for a simple, traditional version.
• Seafood Arrabbiata – Add sautéed shrimp or calamari.
• Extra Creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cashew cream for richness.
• Cheesy Kick – Finish with Pecorino Romano or vegan Parmesan.

What to Serve with Penne Arrabbiata

• Fresh Green Salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Garlic Bread or Focaccia for dipping in sauce.
• Grilled Vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or peppers.
• Wine Pairing – A bold Italian red, like Montepulciano or Chianti, balances the spice.

FAQ About Penne Arrabbiata

1. Is penne arrabbiata very spicy?
It’s moderately spicy. You can adjust chili to your preference.

2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but peel and cook them longer to develop sweetness.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—just swap regular pasta for gluten-free penne.

4. What’s the difference between arrabbiata and marinara?
Arrabbiata is spicier thanks to chili, while marinara is milder and more herb-focused.

5. Can I add protein other than plant-based sausage?
Yes—Italian sausage, chicken, shrimp, or tofu work beautifully.

Wrapping It Up

This Penne Arrabbiata is bold, spicy, and satisfying—the perfect blend of rustic Italian cooking and modern plant-based flair. With its garlicky tomato-chili sauce and optional sausage boost, it makes a complete, comforting dinner in under 30 minutes.

Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twist, this dish proves that great Italian food doesn’t need to be complicated. Just a few simple ingredients, a little heat, and a lot of love.

The Goods