Name: Spicy Penne Arrabbiata Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 400g / 14oz penne or ziti (or other pasta of choice, short or long); 1 tbsp cooking / kosher salt (for cooking pasta); 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1 red cayenne pepper chili, finely chopped (with seeds); 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (red pepper flakes); 800g / 28 oz canned crushed tomato; 1 1/4 tsp cooking / kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp white sugar (only if needed); Parmesan, finely grated; 2 tsp finely chopped parsley (optional)

If you’re looking for an easy yet fiery pasta dish that wakes up your taste buds, you’ve got to try my Spicy Penne Arrabbiata Pasta Recipe. This classic Italian favorite blends the bold kick of chili with the comforting embrace of rich tomato sauce and perfectly cooked penne. When I first made it, I was hooked by how such simple ingredients come together to create something truly unforgettable—trust me, your family and friends will be asking for seconds before you know it!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: Just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes to a restaurant-quality pasta dish.
Perfectly Spicy: The chili heat is balanced with garlic and tomato, so it’s flavorful but not overwhelming.
Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s easy to adjust the spice level for everyone’s taste.
Versatile: Use any pasta shape you love, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.

A white bowl filled with penne pasta covered in thick red tomato sauce sits on a wooden surface. The pasta looks soft and is coated evenly with the rich, slightly chunky sauce that fills the crevices of the penne. A wooden spoon holds a scoop of the pasta, lifting it above the bowl, showing the pasta’s ridged texture and sauce clinging to it. In the background, a dark bowl filled with fresh green leaves adds contrast, and a few slices of red chili pepper are scattered on the wooden surface near the bowl. The overall scene is bright with warm, natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Spicy Penne Arrabbiata Pasta Recipe is that every ingredient plays a role in building that bold yet balanced flavor. When you shop, look for good-quality canned tomatoes and fresh garlic for the best sauce.

Penne or pasta of choice: I love penne because the sauce clings nicely, but ziti or even rigatoni work too.
Cooking/kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both pasta water and sauce to bring out the natural flavors.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and a lovely fruity undertone—don’t skimp here.
Garlic cloves: Fresh and finely minced for the best garlic punch.
Red cayenne pepper chili: Here’s your “arrabbiata” heat—chopped with seeds if you want that fiery kick.
Chili flakes: For an extra layer of spicy warmth—you can always adjust how much to suit your palate.
Canned crushed tomato: High-quality tomatoes make this sauce sing; crushed gives you great texture without extra work.
Black pepper: Freshly ground adds subtle depth.
White sugar: Just a pinch to balance acidity if your tomatoes are too sour.
Parmesan: Finely grated for topping—it brings that salty, nutty finish.
Parsley: Fresh and chopped for a bright, herbaceous pop (optional but highly recommended!).

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’ve found that this Spicy Penne Arrabbiata Pasta Recipe is incredibly adaptable, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Whether you want it vegan, extra spicy, or loaded with veggies, you’ve got options!

Make it vegan: Simply skip the parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative; the sauce is already rich and flavorful enough.
Adjust the heat: If you like it milder, reduce the cayenne and chili flakes—my kids prefer just a hint of spice.
Added veggies: I sometimes toss in sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for extra texture and sweetness.
Protein boost: Grilled chicken or shrimp works beautifully if you want a heartier meal.

How to Make Spicy Penne Arrabbiata Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Chilies to Build Flavor

Heat your extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When it’s shimmering, add the finely minced garlic and stir for just 10 seconds—don’t let it brown too much or it’ll turn bitter. Then, toss in your chopped red cayenne pepper chili (with seeds if you like it spicy) and chili flakes. Cook everything for about a minute until the garlic becomes a light golden and the chili releases its aroma. This step lays the spicy, garlicky foundation for your sauce.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Simmer the Spicy Sauce

Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes along with a splash of the leftover tomato water (rinse the cans with a bit of water to get every bit of flavor). Sprinkle in the salt and pepper. Crank the heat up to high and give it a good stir, then as soon as it starts to bubble, lower to medium heat and let it gently simmer for about 15 minutes. Halfway through (around 10 minutes), taste your sauce—if it’s too sour, add just a tiny pinch of white sugar to balance it. The simmering lets the flavors meld beautifully and creates that perfect consistency that clings to the pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Penne Just Right and Save That Pasta Water

While your sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne and cook according to the package instructions—aim for al dente texture, so the pasta still has a bit of bite. Just before draining, stir the pasta well to agitate the starch, then scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water and set it aside. This special pasta water is gold—it’ll help your sauce cling better and loosen if needed when tossing.

Step 4: Toss Pasta in the Spicy Sauce and Serve

Add the drained pasta straight into your pot of sauce. Pour in about half a cup of the reserved pasta water and toss everything over medium heat until the pasta is thoroughly coated and the sauce clings nicely. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit more pasta water until it reaches the perfect consistency. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of finely grated parmesan and some fresh chopped parsley for that vibrant finish.

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Pro Tips for Making Spicy Penne Arrabbiata Pasta Recipe

Use Fresh Garlic: Nothing replaces fresh minced garlic here; it creates a fragrant base without bitterness.
Reserve Pasta Water: I discovered this trick when my sauce felt dry—starchy water is magic for loosening sauces without watering down flavor.
Adjust Spice Gradually: Add chili seeds and flakes little by little; you can always add more but can’t take it out once it’s in.
Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Al dente pasta adds texture and prevents mushiness, especially when tossed in sauce.

How to Serve Spicy Penne Arrabbiata Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with short tube-shaped pasta covered in red tomato sauce. The pasta is layered thickly with sauce that has small tomato chunks and is sprinkled with green herbs on top. A silver fork with a detailed handle rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and part of a leafy green vegetable can be seen in the lower left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish with a generous grating of parmesan—it adds a rich, salty balance to the dish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh, herby note that cuts through the spice. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving takes this pasta from great to gourmet.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. I’ve also served it with roasted vegetables for an easy, balanced meal that everyone in my family enjoys.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the pasta in individual shallow bowls, topped with a sprig of parsley and a parmesan crisp on the side. Another fun idea is serving the pasta in rustic bread bowls—that way, the entire dinner is edible and extra cozy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Spicy Penne Arrabbiata stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep the pasta and sauce together—it helps the flavors deepen even more overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the sauce on its own with great results—just cool it completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, gently warm the pasta and sauce together in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if it starts to dry out. This keeps the texture silky and prevents the pasta from sticking.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for Spicy Penne Arrabbiata Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, use ripe plum or Roma tomatoes, blanch, peel, and finely chop or mash them. Fresh tomatoes can add a brighter flavor, though canned crushed tomatoes offer convenience and a consistent texture for this recipe.
How spicy is the Spicy Penne Arrabbiata Pasta Recipe?

The heat level is medium by default, thanks to the cayenne chili and chili flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less of these ingredients to suit your taste.
Can I make this pasta gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, so this recipe works perfectly for gluten-sensitive diets.
What’s the best way to reheat Spicy Penne Arrabbiata?

Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta moist and flavorful, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking or drying out.

Final Thoughts

Making this Spicy Penne Arrabbiata Pasta Recipe always brings me back to my love for simple Italian cooking—bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and no fuss. I absolutely love how this dish manages to be both comforting and exciting, perfect for weeknights or impressing guests without hours in the kitchen. If you’re craving something spicy, satisfying, and easy to whip up, I really recommend giving this recipe a try. Once you do, it might just become your go-to spicy pasta that everyone adores!