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Penne Arrabbiata with Plant-Based Sausage

Penne Arrabbiata is a classic Italian dish celebrated for its simplicity, bold flavors, and spicy tomato sauce. This comforting and satisfying dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes using basic pantry staples like canned tomatoes, garlic, chili, and fresh parsley.

In this recipe, we add a modern twist by incorporating plant-based sausage, transforming the traditional Penne Arrabbiata into a high-protein, nutritious meal while keeping all the delicious flavors intact.

What is Penne Arrabbiata?

Penne Arrabbiata (Penne all’Arrabbiata in Italian) originates from the Lazio region in Italy, specifically near Rome. The name “Arrabbiata” means “angry” in Italian, referring to the dish’s spicy kick, which can be adjusted to personal preference.

Traditionally, this dish consists of penne pasta tossed in a spicy tomato sauce made with chili, garlic, and parsley. It pairs well with various pasta shapes, such as rigatoni and spaghetti, making it a versatile and easy meal option for any night of the week.

Ingredients

For the Arrabbiata Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or one thinly sliced red chili, adjust to taste)
  • 28 ounces whole canned peeled tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 4 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped

For the Pasta:

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 3 quarts (12 cups) water + 1½ tablespoons (21 grams) sea salt

For the Plant-Based Sausage (Optional):

  • 2 plant-based sausages (3.2oz/90g each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 2 twists black pepper

How to Make Penne Arrabbiata

Step 1: Prepare the Arrabbiata Sauce

  1. Add whole canned peeled tomatoes to a bowl. Rinse the can with 1 cup of water and add it to the bowl.
  2. Chop the tomatoes into smaller pieces using scissors or crush them with your hands.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes without burning the garlic.
  4. Add chopped tomatoes and salt, then simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Taste and adjust for salt and spice as needed.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  1. Boil the pasta in salted water as per package instructions minus 1 minute.
  2. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and add it to the Arrabbiata sauce.
  3. Stir in chopped parsley and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, cooking for an additional minute until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.

Step 3: Add the Plant-Based Sausage (Optional)

  1. Peel the plant-based sausages and break them into small bite-size pieces, compacting each piece slightly.
  2. Heat olive oil in a separate pan, add the sausage pieces, crushed garlic, and black pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until browned.
  3. Toss the cooked sausage into the pasta and sauce before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Penne Arrabbiata with plant-based sausage makes a well-balanced meal with a perfect mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Pair it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Variations

  • Traditional Penne Arrabbiata: Skip the sausage and stick to the classic tomato and chili sauce.
  • Rigatoni Arrabbiata: Swap penne for rigatoni for a heartier texture.
  • Extra Spicy: Increase the amount of chili flakes for an added kick.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular penne.

Tips for the Best Penne Arrabbiata

  • Undercook the Pasta: Drain the pasta 1-2 minutes before it’s fully cooked to allow it to absorb the sauce while finishing in the skillet.
  • Infuse More Flavor: Add parsley stems to the oil while sautéing garlic, then remove them before adding the tomatoes.
  • Use High-Quality Tomatoes: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano.

Storage & Reheating

  • Make Ahead: While best enjoyed fresh, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored separately from the pasta.
  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 2 minutes or on a skillet with a splash of olive oil and water. Avoid reheating multiple times to prevent overcooking.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as the pasta texture may become too soft upon thawing.

More Easy Pasta Recipes

If you love this Penne Arrabbiata, try these delicious pasta dishes:

  • Broccoli Pasta
  • Mushroom Alfredo
  • Lentil Bolognese
  • Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Enjoy your homemade Penne Arrabbiata and experience a taste of Italy in your kitchen!