Penne in Fiery Tomato Sauce

Speedy Penne Arrabiata: A Flavor Explosion

Want to whip up a delicious meal in record time? This vibrant Penne Arrabiata recipe serves between 4 and 6, delivering a burst of flavor without the fuss!

12 ounces penne pasta

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

6 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 tablespoon jarred chopped Calabrian chiles

2 teaspoons honey

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn, plus extra for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Cooking Instructions

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it bubbles, toss in the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which is roughly 8 minutes. Don’t forget to save 1/4 cup of that starchy pasta water — it's liquid gold! Drain the rest of the pasta and set it aside.

In a generous skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and heat it until it becomes fragrant and starts to turn golden brown, which should take about a minute. Next, combine the crushed tomatoes, Calabrian chiles, honey, and salt; bring this vibrant mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, then incorporate the reserved pasta and its cooking liquid. Stir until the sauce clings beautifully to the penne — this will only take about two minutes more. Once removed from heat, fold in the torn basil leaves, giving your dish a fresh finish. Serve hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and additional basil if desired!

The Heart of Arrabiata Sauce

Ever wonder why it’s called Arrabiata? The name means "angry" in Italian, aptly describing the fiery notes from crushed red peppers — a staple in this classic Roman sauce. Here, we adapt the traditional recipe, opting for Calabrian chiles to infuse a thrilling heat that complements the natural sweetness of the tomatoes beautifully.

Explore the Heat: Calabrian Chiles

Originating from Calabria in southern Italy, these dark red, petite chiles pack a flavorful punch! They range between 25,000 to 40,000 Scoville units, sitting comfortably on the heat scale between jalapeños and bird's eye chiles. Available in dried, jarred, and paste forms, Calabrian chiles can elevate everything from simple sandwiches to hearty soups! Just remember, a little goes a long way!

Expert Tips for Cooking Success

To maximize flavor, ensure your garlic reaches a golden brown for an aromatic infusion into the oil. Remember to reserve some pasta water; it helps loosen the sauce so every twirl of penne is packed with flavor. Since this is a quick sauce, choosing high-quality canned tomatoes will make a significant difference in taste.