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.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
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.
Notes
- Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for richer flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture is best.
- Adjust chili flakes gradually to control spice level.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Fresh herbs brighten the dish and balance the heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: penne, arrabbiata, spicy pasta, plant-based cheese, vegan pasta, quick dinner, Italian pasta
