Description
This Penne Arrabbiata recipe delivers a bold, spicy, and fresh pasta dish combining ripe tomatoes, robust garlic, and fiery chili flakes. Ready in under 30 minutes, it features a vibrant tomato sauce enriched with plant-based Parmesan cheese and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), making it a flavorful and plant-based friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Pantry Staples
- 1 teaspoon dried chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 pound penne pasta
Dairy Alternatives
- 1/4 cup plant-based Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually around 11 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Sauté the Garlic and Chili: While the pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced garlic and dried chili flakes, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: Add chopped fresh tomatoes to the skillet along with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Let everything simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the drained penne into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat every piece of pasta. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Finish with Fresh Parsley and Cheese: Turn off the heat and sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley and grated plant-based Parmesan cheese over the pasta, giving it one last gentle toss to combine and melt the cheese slightly.
Notes
- Use fresh tomatoes in season for best flavor and sweetness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing garlic and chili to prevent burning.
- Adjust chili flakes gradually to match your preferred heat level.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without losing flavor.
- Use good quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the dish’s richness and fruitiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Penne Arrabbiata, spicy pasta, plant-based pasta, Italian pasta recipe, quick pasta dish, vegetarian pasta