Penne Allarrabbiata Classic Dish (Printable)

Penne pasta in a spicy tomato and garlic sauce with fresh parsley, delivering bold and bright flavors.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz penne rigate

→ Sauce

02 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
03 - 4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
04 - 1-2 tsp red chili flakes, adjustable
05 - 28 oz canned peeled whole tomatoes, crushed
06 - 1 tsp sea salt
07 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Finishing

08 - 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
09 - Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and chili flakes, sauté gently for about 1 minute until fragrant without browning.
03 - Add crushed tomatoes, sea salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens slightly.
04 - Add drained penne to the sauce. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and evenly coat the pasta.
05 - Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley. Drizzle with additional olive oil. Serve hot, garnish with extra parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in thirty minutes but tastes like you've been simmering it all day.
  • No cream, no cheese needed—the tomatoes and heat do all the talking.
  • One skillet, one pot, and you've created something that feels both fancy and utterly comforting.
02 -
  • Don't let the garlic brown or it turns bitter and ruins everything; medium heat and your full attention for that first minute make all the difference.
  • The pasta water isn't optional—that starch is what transforms the sauce from separate to silky, coating every piece of pasta.
03 -
  • Don't crowd the pan when sautéing garlic; if you slice it thick enough and give each piece space, it cooks evenly and doesn't scorch.
  • Taste the sauce at the twelve-minute mark and adjust the salt and heat before the pasta goes in—this is your last chance to get it right.
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