Penne Arrabbiata is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its spicy tomato sauce. This dish is both simple and delicious, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal.
Penne Arrabbiata
Why This Penne Arrabbiata Is the Best
- Spicy and Flavorful Sauce: The sauce is made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and red chili flakes, creating a bold and spicy flavor.
- Hearty Pasta: Penne pasta is perfect for holding onto the sauce, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this dish is easy to prepare and doesn’t require any special ingredients.
- Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with fresh basil leaves, the dish is visually appealing and appetizing.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal, hosting a dinner party, or looking for a comforting and flavorful dinner option, Penne Arrabbiata is the perfect choice. The combination of spicy sauce and hearty pasta makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Penne Pasta: A classic choice that holds the bold, spicy sauce beautifully.
- Red and Yellow Bell Peppers: Sweet, vibrant peppers that add freshness and color to the dish.
- Onion: Provides a savory foundation to the sauce, contributing sweetness and depth.
- Chorizo: Adds a smoky, spicy richness to the sauce, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Imparts aromatic warmth and pairs perfectly with the chorizo and tomatoes.
- Tomato Purée: Concentrates tomato flavor, forming a rich, thick base for the sauce.
- Chopped Tomatoes: Provide the core of the sauce with a juicy, slightly tangy flavor.
- Dried Thyme: A fragrant herb that complements the tomatoes and chorizo.
- Chilli Flakes: Bring the signature heat of Arrabbiata sauce, giving the dish a spicy kick.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor.
- Mozzarella: Adds a creamy, melty finish, balancing the spiciness with its mild richness.
Penne Arrabbiata
Tips for Making the Best Penne Arrabbiata
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh tomatoes, high-quality olive oil, and fresh basil.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the chili flakes and garlic – they add a lot of flavor to the dish.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the penne just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the dish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Serve Penne Arrabbiata with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Include steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for added nutrition.
- With Grated Parmesan Cheese: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- With Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing and tangy contrast.
A Must Try
Imagine digging into this Penne Arrabbiata—each bite filled with hearty pasta and a rich, spicy tomato sauce. Whether you’re sharing it with family and friends or enjoying it on your own, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Gather your ingredients and create a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. You’ll love sharing this comforting dish with loved ones and making special moments even more memorable!
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
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Chicken Pesto Pasta
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Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Penne Arrabbiata
Penne Arrabbiata with chorizo combines the heat of chili flakes and the smokiness of chorizo with a rich tomato sauce. Red and yellow bell peppers, along with onion and garlic, enhance the sauce's flavor, while mozzarella provides a creamy contrast to the spice. This dish is a comforting blend of bold, spicy flavors with a savory, slightly sweet undertone.
Ingredients
- 400 gram 14 oz dried penne pasta
- 200 gram 7 oz chorizo sliced
- 400 gram 14 oz tinned chopped tomatoes
- 250 gram 8 3/4 oz mozzarella roughly torn
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 1 tabelspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato puree paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 heaped teaspoon dried chilli flakes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 onion peeled and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper an 1 yellow bell pepper
Instructions
- Place the whole bell peppers on a grill tray and put them under the grill (broiler). Alternatively, use heat-proof tongs to carefully hold the peppers over a gas hob flame.
- Grill the peppers until they’re blackened and charred on all sides, turning them occasionally for even cooking. This should take about 12 minutes. Once done, wrap the peppers in foil and let them cool slightly; the steam will help make the skin easier to peel off.
- While the peppers are grilling, cook the pasta and prepare the arrabbiata sauce. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat the oil and add the onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until the onions begin to soften. Add the chorizo and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until it releases its oils and starts to darken.
- Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute. Then add the canned tomatoes, thyme, dried chili flakes, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes.
- By this time, the foil-wrapped peppers should have cooled slightly. Place them on a cutting board, remove and discard the charred skin, then slice the peppers, discarding the seeds. Add the chopped peppers to the arrabbiata sauce.
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the arrabbiata sauce. Use a spoon and tongs to stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Stir in the mozzarella chunks and heat for another minute before turning off the heat.
- Top the arrabbiata with a sprinkle of Parmesan, freshly ground black pepper, chili flakes, and chopped spring onions (scallions). Serve it directly from the pan.
Notes
Can I make it gluten free?
- Absolutely! Simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety and make sure both your chorizo and tomato paste are gluten-free. This dish works perfectly as a gluten-free option.
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Penne Arrabbiata