Simple Penne Arrabbiata
User Reviews
5.0
57 reviews
Excellent
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
5 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
4 (Servings)
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Calories
399 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
Simple Penne Arrabbiata
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The perfect arrabbiata sauce — made in one pot with just 8 pantry staples. Boldly spicy, rich with garlic, and bursting with vibrant tomato flavor. Naturally vegan and gluten-free friendly.
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Ingredients
PASTA
- Water for boiling
- 1 Tbsp salt (for seasoning the water)
- 10-12 ounces Pasta of Choice (penne is best // gluten-free as needed)
SAUCE
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for finishing (if oil-free, sub water and add more as needed as it evaporates)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 tsp crushed red pepper flakes*, plus more for serving
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste* (organic, high quality when possible)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (we prefer Pomi or San Marzano)
- 3 healthy pinches sea salt, plus more to taste
- 2-3 tsp maple syrup, plus more to taste
FOR SERVING optional
- 1/4 cup Vegan Parmesan Cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped or torn
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- Heat a large, rimmed skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add olive oil, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder flavor, use less pepper; for a fiery kick, use the full amount. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly and watching closely to prevent burning.
- Add the tomato paste and stir it into the garlic and red pepper flakes using a spoon or rubber spatula. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until fragrant and the tomato paste deepens in color.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and maple syrup, then stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20–30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors deepen.
- Taste and adjust as needed — add more salt for seasoning, red pepper flakes for extra heat, or a touch of maple syrup to balance the spice. For a richer flavor, stir in a little more tomato paste (a small amount makes a big difference). If the sauce still tastes a bit sharp or underdeveloped, continue simmering, covered, for a few more minutes to let the flavors deepen.
- Meanwhile, once the water reaches a boil, add the pasta and stir to keep it from sticking. Cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until it reaches a smooth, silky consistency that clings to the noodles. You probably won’t need all the water.
- Serve the pasta as is, or top with vegan Parmesan and fresh basil. For an extra kick and a splash of color, sprinkle with additional red pepper flakes.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for 2–3 days—though it’s best enjoyed fresh. The sauce can be frozen (separately from the pasta) for up to 2 months. Reheat the pasta on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Notes
If you’re sensitive to spice, start with 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Using high-quality, double-concentrated tomato paste makes a big difference!
Nutrition information is an approximate estimate, based on 10 ounces of rice-based gluten-free penne, the lower amounts where ranges are given, ¼ teaspoon of the salt in the pasta water (since not all of it is absorbed), and excluding optional ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Serving
1serving
Calories
399
(20%)
Carbohydrates
74.4g
(25%)
Protein
9g
(18%)
Fat
9.3g
(14%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.9g
Monounsaturated Fat
5g
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
0mg
(0%)
Sodium
578mg
(24%)
Potassium
725mg
(21%)
Fiber
6.9g
(28%)
Sugar
12.2g
(24%)
Vitamin A
614IU
(12%)
Vitamin C
21.9mg
(24%)
Calcium
81.2mg
(8%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4(Servings)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 399 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 399 | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 74.4g | 25% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 9.3g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.9g | 5% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 578mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 725mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 6.9g | 28% |
| Sugar | 12.2g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 614IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 21.9mg | 24% |
| Calcium | 81.2mg | 8% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
57 reviews
Excellent
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