Penne Arrabbiata is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its spicy, bold flavors.

A classic dish from Rome, penne arrabbiata (or penne all’arrabbiata in Italian) is a simple dish ready in no time. The name “arrabbiata” means “angry” in Italian. The dish takes this name in reference to the heat from the chili peppers used in the sauce. The classic version is made with penne but you can actually use whatever pasta you like.

This is another simple pasta recipe. You only need a tomato-based sauce, garlic, olive oil, and red chili flakes, creating a spicy and flavorful combination.

A bit of  history of penne arrabbiata

Even though this is a relatively modern dish compared to other Italian pasta classics, its roots are deeply tied to traditional Roman and central Italian cuisine. It’s origins are difficult to track but the most people think it originated in Rome during the mid-20th century,

The use of chili peppers in Italian cooking was introduced in the 16th century when they were brought back to Europe from the Americas. While initially used sparingly, chili peppers slowly made their way into Italian cooking, especially in the southern regions. However, the spicy, garlic-infused tomato sauce as we know it today likely emerged in Rome during the 1900s.

The dish is particularly popular in Rome and the surrounding Lazio region, where simple, hearty, and flavorful pasta dishes are staples. Today, Penne Arrabbiata is a beloved dish not only in Italy but around the world.

As it happens with many other Italian recipes, this too it’s a perfect example of how a few humble ingredients can come together to create something simple yet bursting with flavor.

Health facts

Even if penne arrabbiata may seem a simple dish, it is packed with nutrients and it is really good for our health. Chili flakes are commonly used to add spice and heat to dishes. Beyond their fiery flavor though, they also offer several potential health benefits, thanks to the capsaicin compound they contain. And when paired with tomato sauce you’ll get a super healthy dish that can help you stay healthy.

Let’s see some of the health benefits of penne arrabbiata:

1. Boosts Metabolism
   Capsaicin, the active compound responsible for the heat in chili flakes. It has been shown to increase metabolism. It can stimulate thermogenesis, the process by which your body generates heat and burns calories. Chili peppers may also help with weight management by slightly boosting calorie burn.
2. Rich in Antioxidants
   Chili flakes contain various antioxidants, including vitamins A and C, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. These antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health by protecting cells from damage.
3. Lycopene: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene that is a type of carotenoid, which is a family of pigments that give certain fruits and vegetables their red, orange, and yellow colors. Lycopene is well-known for its health benefits, particularly its potential to protect against various diseases. It is helpful for eye health, cardiovascular health and it also protects our DNA from UV radiation damage.
4. Good fats: olive oil contains good fats like omega-3s that are very important for our heart.

There are a lot of other health benefits you can get when eating this pasta that ranges form skin health to cancer prevention, do you really need more reasons to prepare this dish?

TIPS

Chili flakes can be used according to your taste. Do not overdo it, too much of it may cause stomach irritation or heartburn and acid reflux. Also be careful when handling chili flakes: always wash your hands afterwards to avoid itchy skin or irritations.

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Penne arrabbiata recipe

This dish is quick, flavorful, and packs a bit of heat. You can adjust the chili flakes depending on how spicy you like it. Enjoy!

Course Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine Italian

Keyword Italian pasta arrabbiata, pasta all'arrabbiata, pasta arrabbiata

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 400 g penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large garlic clove
• 1-2 tsp red chili flakes or 1 large dried chili pepper adjust to taste
• 1 can 400g/14 oz crushed tomatoes (or 4-5 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
• While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
• Add the whole garlic and the chili pepper (or flakes) and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant then turn the heat to low.
• Let the oil infuse with the garlic and chili pepper for another 3-4 minutes on very low heat. To enhance the infusion tilt the pan on one side (see picture).
  
• Pour in the crushed tomatoes or tomato pssata and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook while the pasta cook, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit of the pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
• When the pasta is done, remove the garlic and chili pepper from the sauce.
• Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to coat the penne in the spicy tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can always add more pasta water to smoothen the sauce.
• You can garnish your dish with some parsley if you like, but usually it's served plain and hot.