Name: Penne Arrabbiata
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 300g penne pasta (high quality); 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped; 400g crushed ripe tomatoes; 1 to 2 teaspoons dried red chili flakes (adjust to taste); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 100g plant-based cheese (creamy variety); 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural); 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste

If you are looking for a quick, flavorful, and exciting pasta dish, this Penne Arrabbiata recipe will truly spice up your dinner table. Bursting with a spicy tomato sauce and complemented by creamy plant-based cheese, this dish brings together bold flavors and a satisfying texture that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you are new to Italian cooking or an experienced home chef, Penne Arrabbiata offers the perfect balance of heat and comfort, making it a go-to meal anytime you crave something vibrant and simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple but impactful flavors: The spicy tomato base hits just the right notes without needing complicated ingredients.
Quick to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.
Plant-based comfort: The inclusion of plant-based cheese adds creaminess while keeping it light and friendly for all diets.
Customizable spice level: You can easily adjust the heat to suit your preference while maintaining authentic flavor.
Vibrant and fresh: Using fresh garlic, parsley, and ripe tomatoes makes this dish a delight for the senses.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Penne Arrabbiata recipe uses simple, essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create a spicy, savory sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. Each component plays a crucial role in building a dish that’s rich, fragrant, and packed with layers of flavor.

Penne pasta: Choose high-quality penne for a perfect al dente texture that holds the sauce well.
Fresh garlic: Adds an aromatic kick that infuses the sauce with depth and warmth.
Crushed tomatoes: Use ripe crushed tomatoes for a bright and slightly sweet base.
Dried red chili flakes: The source of heat, added gradually to suit your taste.
Olive oil: A fruity, rich oil to sauté garlic and bring cohesion to the sauce.
Fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color at the end.
Plant-based cheese: Melts over the pasta for a creamy contrast to the spicy sauce.
Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Enhances umami and elevates the overall depth of the sauce.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the tomato’s natural sweetness.
Salt and black pepper: To season and bring harmony to the flavors.

Variations for Penne Arrabbiata

Penne Arrabbiata is a wonderfully flexible dish, making it easy to tailor to your personal preferences or dietary desires. Whether you want to add protein, increase veggies, or tone the heat down, these ideas will inspire your next twist on this classic.

Protein boost: Add grilled chicken strips, shrimp, or plant-based sausage to make it more filling.
Veggie-packed: Toss in sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
Spice adjustment: Use fresh chili or reduce chili flakes to create mild or fiery versions.
Herbal twist: Substitute parsley with fresh basil or oregano for a different herbal aroma.
Cheese choice: Swap plant-based cheese for a stronger flavor like a smoked variety to change the richness.

Easy Penne Arrabbiata Recipe to Spice Up Dinner

How to Make Penne Arrabbiata

Step 1: Prepare the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until just al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute, to create the flavorful base for the sauce.

Step 3: Build the spicy tomato sauce

Add crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Sprinkle in dried red chili flakes, adjusting amount to your desired spice level. Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to deepen the flavor. Season with salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken and meld flavors.

Step 4: Combine pasta and sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce pan and toss gently to coat every piece. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water little by little until desired consistency is reached.

Step 5: Finish with herbs and cheese

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and stir through. Lastly, add the plant-based cheese while the pasta is still hot so it melts slightly, creating a creamy finish to the spicy dish.

Pro Tips for Making Penne Arrabbiata

Use quality tomatoes: Fresh, ripe, or good canned crushed tomatoes make a huge difference in flavor.
Don’t overcook pasta: Aim for al dente pasta to maintain texture when combined with sauce.
Adjust spice while cooking: Start with less chili flakes, then gradually add more for perfect heat.
Reserve pasta water: It helps loosen the sauce for a silky texture that clings beautifully.
Finish off with fresh herbs: They add brightness that balances spicy and rich notes.

How to Serve Penne Arrabbiata

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or basil not only adds vibrant color but also brightens the boldness of the Arrabbiata. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil elevates the flavors and makes it glisten invitingly.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lemon dressing to contrast the spicy pasta. Garlic bread made with plant-based butter and herbs pairs beautifully for soaking up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, plate the penne in individual bowls, add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch, or serve in warm shallow bowls with edible flowers to delight guests visually as well as in taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Penne Arrabbiata in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce will continue to absorb into the pasta, intensifying the flavors.

Freezing

This pasta freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Rewarm leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or plant-based milk to refresh the sauce and prevent drying out. Microwave reheating also works well with brief intervals and stirring.

FAQs

Can I make Penne Arrabbiata gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow the recipe as usual for a delicious gluten-free version.

How spicy is Penne Arrabbiata usually?

The level of heat can be tailored easily; traditionally it has a noticeable kick from chili flakes, but you can reduce or increase spice depending on your preference.

Is Penne Arrabbiata vegan-friendly?

By using plant-based cheese and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), this recipe is completely vegan-friendly and deliciously satisfying.

What can I substitute for penne pasta?

Other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti work great and offer a nice variation while holding the sauce well.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the Arrabbiata sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 2 days. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

Final Thoughts

Penne Arrabbiata is a wonderful dish that brings excitement and warmth to any dinner table. With its spicy tomato sauce and melty plant-based cheese, it’s easy to love and even easier to make. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and impress your family or friends with an authentic, bold-flavored meal that everyone will enjoy.

Penne Arrabbiata

Author: Christopher
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free Option

Print Recipe

Description

Penne Arrabbiata is a quick, vibrant pasta dish featuring a spicy and aromatic tomato sauce enhanced with garlic, dried red chili flakes, and fresh herbs. Combined with creamy plant-based cheese, this flavorful recipe offers a perfect balance of heat and comfort that is easy to prepare in under 30 minutes and adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Instructions

Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about one cup of pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant but not browned, creating the flavorful base for the sauce.
Build the spicy tomato sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Sprinkle in the dried red chili flakes, adjusting the amount to your preferred spice level. Stir in apple cider vinegar and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to deepen the flavor. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and the flavors meld.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta directly to the sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to coat every piece evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Finish with herbs and cheese: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and stir it through. Add the plant-based cheese while the pasta is still hot to allow it to melt slightly, creating a creamy contrast to the spicy sauce.