Are you looking for a pasta dish with a kick? The Ina Garten Penne Arrabiata Recipe is the perfect choice.
This dish is spicy, bold, and very delicious. It is a classic Italian meal for a cozy night.
Many people love how the sauce tastes so fresh. You only need a few pantry staples to start.
This Ina Garten Penne Arrabiata Recipe uses red pepper flakes and garlic. The spice level adds a very exciting flavor.
Your family will love the rich tomato sauce on top. Learning how to make Ina Garten Penne Arrabiata is very easy.
It is a great way to enjoy dinner. Enjoy making this Ina Garten Penne Arrabiata Recipe tonight!
When I first introduced to Ina Garten Penne Arrabiata
I first tried this pasta at a small bistro. The red sauce looked so bright and very inviting.
It smelled like toasted garlic and spicy peppers. I took one bite and loved the heat.
The penne was firm and held the sauce well. The spice was strong but felt very balanced.
It felt like a warm meal in Rome. I knew I had to cook it myself. I searched for a recipe that was simple.
Then I found Ina Garten’s spicy penne version. It is now my favorite quick pasta dish. My friends always ask for this spicy treat.

Equipment List
- One large pot for boiling the pasta.
- A large sauté pan for the sauce.
- A sharp knife for slicing the garlic.
- A wooden spoon for stirring the sauce.
- A colander to drain the hot penne.
- Measuring spoons for the spices.
- A cheese grater for the fresh Parmesan.
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Penne Arrabiata
- 1 pound of dried penne rigate pasta.
- 1/4 cup of good quality olive oil.
- 1 tablespoon of thinly sliced garlic cloves.
- 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
- 28 ounces of canned whole peeled tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves.
- 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Boil the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and salt. Bring the water to a fast rolling boil. Add the penne and cook until firm.
2. Sauté the Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large pan. Add the sliced garlic over medium-low heat. Cook for one minute until it turns golden.
3. Add the Spice
Stir the red pepper flakes into the oil. Let them cook for only thirty seconds total. This releases the heat into the oil.
4. Prep the Tomatoes
Crush the canned tomatoes with your clean hands. Or you can pulse them in a blender. Add the tomatoes and juice to the pan.
5. Simmer the Sauce
Add the salt and the black pepper now. Let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes total. It should become thick and very dark red.
6. Drain the Penne
Take the penne out of the boiling water. Save half a cup of the pasta water. Drain the rest of the water in a colander.
7. Combine the Dish
Toss the hot penne into the spicy sauce. Add a little pasta water if it looks dry. Mix everything together over low heat well.
8. Garnish and Serve
Stir in the fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Serve the pasta in warm bowls right away. Enjoy the spicy and savory flavors now!
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Penne Arrabiata
- Use good oil: High-quality olive oil makes the sauce better.
- Control the heat: Add more pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Fresh garlic: Never use the jarred garlic for this.
- Hand-crush tomatoes: This gives the sauce a chunky texture.
- Salt the water: The pasta needs flavor from the inside.
- Save pasta water: It helps the sauce stick to penne.
- Penne Rigate: The ridges on the pasta hold sauce.
- Fresh basil: Add it at the end for color.
FAQs about Ina Garten Penne Arrabiata
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a medium kick from the pepper. You can use less flakes for less heat.
Can I add meat to this?
Yes, cooked chicken or pancetta tastes very good. Add them into the sauce while it simmers.
What if I don’t have penne?
You can use rigatoni or fusilli pasta instead. Any pasta with holes or ridges works well.
How do I store the leftovers?
Keep them in a closed container in fridge. They stay fresh for up to three days.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, but you must peel and seed them. Canned tomatoes are often more consistent for sauce.
Final Thoughts
The Ina Garten Penne Arrabiata Recipe is a spicy delight. It is easy to make and very bold.
The mix of garlic and pepper is perfect. You will love the fresh taste of basil. It is the best meal for any night.
Now you know how to make Ina Garten Penne Arrabiata. Get your ingredients for Ina Garten Penne Arrabiata today.
Your kitchen will smell like a real Italian kitchen. This recipe is a great way to eat. Have a fun time cooking this spicy pasta!

Ina Garten Penne Arrabiata Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound of dried penne rigate pasta.
- 1/4 cup of good quality olive oil.
- 1 tablespoon of thinly sliced garlic cloves.
- 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
- 28 ounces of canned whole peeled tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves.
- 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water and salt. Bring the water to a fast rolling boil. Add the penne and cook until firm.
Sauté the Garlic
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan. Add the sliced garlic over medium-low heat. Cook for one minute until it turns golden.
Add the Spice
- Stir the red pepper flakes into the oil. Let them cook for only thirty seconds total. This releases the heat into the oil.
Prep the Tomatoes
- Crush the canned tomatoes with your clean hands. Or you can pulse them in a blender. Add the tomatoes and juice to the pan.
Simmer the Sauce
- Add the salt and the black pepper now. Let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes total. It should become thick and very dark red.
Drain the Penne
- Take the penne out of the boiling water. Save half a cup of the pasta water. Drain the rest of the water in a colander.
Combine the Dish
- Toss the hot penne into the spicy sauce. Add a little pasta water if it looks dry. Mix everything together over low heat well.
Garnish and Serve
- Stir in the fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Serve the pasta in warm bowls right away. Enjoy the spicy and savory flavors now!
Notes
- Use good oil: High-quality olive oil makes the sauce better.
- Control the heat: Add more pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Fresh garlic: Never use the jarred garlic for this.
- Hand-crush tomatoes: This gives the sauce a chunky texture.
- Salt the water: The pasta needs flavor from the inside.
- Save pasta water: It helps the sauce stick to penne.
- Penne Rigate: The ridges on the pasta hold sauce.
- Fresh basil: Add it at the end for color.













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