Penne Arrabbiata

Want to make the most flavorful Penne Arrabbiata? This recipe is simple, bursting with flavor and easy to make for any occasion. Learn how my family makes this simple pasta dish!

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings servings

Calories 612kcal

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
4 slices bacon (about 4 oz.), diced
1 ½ cups yellow onion (about ½ of a large onion / 8 oz.), finely diced
4 cloves garlic minced
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
28 oz. fresh Roma tomatoes (about 8 tomatoes) diced
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to taste
16 oz. penne pasta cooked

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or braiser pan over medium heat.
Add the bacon, onion and garlic. Cook until the bacon just begins to turn pink and the onion is golden, about 8-9 minutes.
Add the crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until the bacon starts to brown, about 10-12 minutes. The onion and garlic will deepen in color from golden to dark brown. This is OK!
Add the tomatoes, their juices and the sugar. Season with the salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted water until it's al dente. Follow the package directions. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
Once the sauce has thickened, add the pasta to the sauce. Cook, stirring consistently, for 1 minute, until all the pasta has been coated.
Spoon the pasta and sauce into bowls. Garnish with freshly ground parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

This recipe was adapted from Grace Parisi's recipe in The Athlete's Palate Cookbook.

Nutrition