Spicy Penne Arrabbiata

Ingredients:

For the Arrabbiata Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• Salt for pasta water

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Arrabbiata Sauce:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the sugar (if using). Stir well to combine.
4. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
6. Stir in the chopped basil and parsley. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Cooking the Penne Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

3. Combining the Pasta and Sauce:

1. Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the Arrabbiata sauce.
2. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed, to reach your desired consistency.
3. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Serving:

1. Divide the pasta into serving bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil, if desired.

5. Storing:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the pasta seems dry. You can also reheat in the microwave until warmed through.

Tips:

• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the sauce after sautéing the garlic and red pepper flakes.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy this Spicy Penne Arrabbiata, a classic Italian pasta dish with a kick of heat and vibrant flavors!