Penne all’Arrabbiata (Spicy Tomato Pasta)

Ingredients:

400g/ 14oz penne or ziti , or other pasta of choice (short or long)

1 tbsp cooking / kosher salt , for cooking pasta

ARRABIATA SAUCE:

4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 garlic cloves , finely minced

1 red cayenne pepper chilli , finely chopped (with seeds) (Note 2)

1/2 tsp chilli flakes (red pepper flakes)

800g / 28 oz canned crushed tomato

1 1/4 tsp cooking / kosher salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp white sugar , only if needed (Note 3)

SERVING:

parmesan , finely grated

2 tsp finely chopped parsley , optional

Instructions

Sauté – Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and stir for 10 seconds. Add cayenne and chilli flakes. Cook for 1 minute, or until garlic is light golden.

Add tomato, salt and pepper. Rinse out the tomato cans with the water and add into the pot.

Simmer – Turn up the heat to high, stir, then once it comes to a simmer, turn back down to medium heat and simmer for 15 minutes. (Taste check at 10 min – if sour, add the sugar.)

Cook pasta – Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to the boil with the 1 tablespoon of salt. Add pasta and cook per packet directions.

Save water – Just before draining, give the pot a big stir (to agitate the starch) then scoop out 1 cup of the water and set aside. (Note 4) Drain pasta.

Toss – Add pasta into the sauce along with 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Toss well (still on the stove) until the pasta is coated with the pasta sauce. Use extra pasta cooking water if needed, to loosen.

Serve – Divide between bowls and serve immediately with parmesan and parsley, if using.

Recipe Notes:

1. SPICINESS – Has a fair kick to it, as it is supposed to! It’s between medium and medium-hot. Not blow-your-head-off. To reduce spiciness, de-seed the cayenne pepper (most spiciness is in the seeds) – this will reduce closer to medium. To reduce further/easy way to control, omit the cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount of chilli flakes then get the sauce simmering. At the 10 minute mark, taste and add more chilli flakes, bit by bit, until you hit your threshold!

2. Cayenne peppers are large red chillis. They are not overly spicy – general rule is the smaller the chilli, the spicier they are. See above for spiciness note.

3. Sugar – Not all canned tomatoes are created equal. The better the quality, the sweeter they are. Only use sugar if required.

4. Reserving/using pasta cooking water – Essential pasta cooking step every Italian does instinctively for every pasta recipe! Starch in the pasta cooking water helps the sauce thicken and cling to the pasta instead of sitting in a watery pool in the bottom of your pasta bowl.

5. Leftovers will keep for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

Nutrition Information:

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use your preferred type of pasta, whether it’s penne, ziti, or any short or long pasta of your choice.

Just adjust the cooking time according to the specific pasta’s package instructions.

Is the Arrabbiata sauce very spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted to your preference.

The cayenne pepper and chili flakes provide heat, but you can reduce or increase them based on how spicy you like your sauce.

Why is sugar included in the recipe?

The sugar is optional and added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Taste the sauce at around 10 minutes of simmering; if it’s too sour, you can add a bit of sugar to mellow the flavor.

Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for canned crushed tomatoes?

While canned crushed tomatoes are recommended for convenience and consistency, you can use fresh tomatoes.

Make sure to peel and crush them or blend them into a smooth consistency before adding to the sauce.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta cooking water?

Reserving pasta water is useful for adjusting the sauce consistency.

The starch in the water helps bind the sauce to the pasta.

Use it as needed to achieve your desired thickness when tossing the pasta in the sauce.

Can I use a different type of chili for the Arrabbiata sauce?

Certainly! While the recipe calls for a red cayenne pepper, you can experiment with other chili varieties based on your spice preference, such as red pepperoncini or jalapeño.

Is it necessary to add sugar to the Arrabbiata sauce?

The sugar is optional and can be added if the sauce tastes too sour.

Feel free to taste the sauce at the 10-minute mark and decide whether it needs a touch of sweetness.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level by reducing the amount of chili flakes or omitting the seeds from the cayenne pepper.

You have control over how much heat you want in your Arrabbiata sauce.

Are there any variations for serving this pasta dish?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests Parmesan and parsley for garnish, you can also add grated Pecorino Romano or experiment with other herbs like basil or oregano for added flavor.

Can I prepare the Arrabbiata sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

Reheat it gently on the stove before tossing it with freshly cooked pasta.

This can be a time-saving option for busy schedules.