Spicy Arrabiata Pasta Recipe

4.80 from 5 votes

This Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta is such an easy and comforting dish! Golden Penne pasta covered in a delicious homemade arrabbiata sauce.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: servings

Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Preserve 1 cup pasta water
Mince the garlic and chop the parsley.
In a non-stick skillet, heat up the olive oil on medium heat. Add in the the garlic, chili flakes and black pepper and cook for about a minute, tossing them around with a wooden spoon. Do not let them burn.
Add in the tomato paste and sauté with the garlic for another 2-3 minutes to cook the tomato paste very well.
Once that's done add in the tomato sauce, salt and mix well. Cover and let the sauce simmer on medium-low heat for 5 minutes
The pasta should be cooked now. Drain and pour them directly into the tomato sauce. Mix and cook for a couple more minutes then add in the parsley. Cook again for 2-3 more minutes. If you want your sauce less thick, add in the pasta water when you add the parsley.
Once the pasta is done cooking, remove and garnish with shaved parmesan and fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Stir your pasta as soon as you drop it in the pot, to avoid the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Be sure you use enough water in your pot so your pasta can move freely.
Salt your pasta water well, this will properly season the noodles.
You want to drain your pasta enough to remove most of the water, but don’t let drained pasta sit and dry off. If you do, as it cools, the starches will firm up and the pasta will stick together.
Taste your sauce as you go! If it's too acidic you can add a pinch of sugar to balance things.
Adjust the heat to your liking. You can dial up or down the chili flakes.
This recipe only needs a few ingredients, ideally opt for good quality olive oil and tomatoes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and shaved parmesan.
You can also add in some fresh, torn basil leaves.