Spicy Penne Arrabbiata with Fresh Basil and Olive Oil

If you’re craving bold Italian flavors with a little fiery kick, Spicy Penne Arrabbiata with Fresh Basil and Olive Oil is the perfect dish. “Arrabbiata” literally means “angry” in Italian — a playful reference to the heat of the chili peppers that spice up this classic tomato-based pasta sauce.

This Roman favorite combines simple pantry staples — garlic, olive oil, tomatoes, and red chili flakes — into a sauce that’s vibrant, tangy, and bursting with flavor. Tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta and finished with fragrant fresh basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, it’s a celebration of simplicity and spice.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it embodies the soul of Italian cooking — minimal ingredients, maximum flavor. The aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil, the heat from the red pepper flakes, and the brightness of fresh basil create a dish that’s comforting yet exciting.

It’s quick to make, light on ingredients, but full of life. I also love how customizable it is — you can make it as fiery or as mild as you like, and it’s naturally vegetarian and easy to make vegan.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Penne Arrabbiata is a must-try because it’s one of the easiest Italian dishes to master — yet tastes like something straight out of a trattoria in Rome. You’ll fall in love with how fast it comes together (under 30 minutes!) and how perfectly it balances spice, acidity, and freshness.

It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, romantic date-night meal, or even a meal-prep-friendly recipe that reheats beautifully.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving
• Cuisine: Italian (Roman)
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

For the Arrabbiata Sauce:

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1–2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
• Salt, to taste
• ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for vegan version)
• Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Boil penne pasta until al dente.
2. Sauté garlic and chili flakes in olive oil.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper; simmer until thickened.
4. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce and coat well.
5. Add fresh basil and finish with olive oil and Parmesan.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add penne pasta and cook until al dente (usually 9–11 minutes).
   • Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Make the Garlic-Chili Base:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add sliced garlic and red chili flakes. Sauté for 30–60 seconds until the garlic turns lightly golden and fragrant (don’t burn it).
3. Add Tomatoes:
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes (and tomato paste, if using).
   • Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (optional).
   • Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
4. Combine with Pasta:
   • Add the drained penne to the sauce and toss until the pasta is well coated.
   • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
5. Finish with Fresh Basil:
   • Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with a little extra olive oil for that authentic glossy finish.
6. Serve Hot:
   • Plate immediately, garnish with more basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan (optional).

How to Serve

Serve Spicy Penne Arrabbiata hot, straight from the pan.
It pairs wonderfully with:

• Garlic bread or crusty Italian loaf
• Mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese red wine
• Optional toppings like grated Parmesan, fresh basil, or red chili flakes for extra spice

Additional Recipe Tips

• For an authentic flavor, use good quality Italian tomatoes like San Marzano.
• Don’t overcook the garlic — golden is perfect; brown means bitter.
• Adjust chili flakes to your spice level — traditional arrabbiata is fiery!
• Add a splash of pasta water to make the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.
• Toss pasta in the sauce for at least a minute before serving — this helps it absorb flavor.

Variations

1. Creamy Arrabbiata: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or ricotta for a milder, velvety version.
2. Shrimp Arrabbiata: Add sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.
3. Chicken Arrabbiata: Toss in grilled chicken strips for extra protein.
4. Vegetable Arrabbiata: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra texture.
5. Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Penne: Substitute for a healthier alternative.

Freezing and Storage

• To Store:
  Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To Freeze:
  Cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
  Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil.
• Reheat Tip:
  Warm gently in a skillet, adding a few tablespoons of pasta water or broth to refresh the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Colander for draining pasta

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Use about 4–5 ripe tomatoes, blanched, peeled, and chopped. Simmer longer to thicken the sauce.

Q2: How spicy should Arrabbiata be?
Traditionally, it’s quite spicy — but you can adjust chili flakes to your liking.

Q3: Can I make it vegan?
Yes! The base recipe is already vegan — just skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.

Q4: What other pasta works for this sauce?
Rigatoni, spaghetti, or fusilli also pair beautifully with Arrabbiata sauce.

Q5: Why is my sauce too acidic?
Try adding a pinch of sugar or simmer longer to mellow the tomato acidity.

Conclusion

Spicy Penne Arrabbiata with Fresh Basil and Olive Oil is the perfect balance of heat, tang, and freshness — a true Italian masterpiece made with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. It’s the kind of pasta that wakes up your taste buds, fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, and reminds you that the best meals are often the simplest.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, this fiery yet comforting pasta will always steal the spotlight.