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Spicy Arrabbiata Penne Recipe with Italian Sausage and Fresh Parsley

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A quick and easy spicy arrabbiata penne pasta with Italian sausage and fresh parsley, delivering bold flavors and comforting heat perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
  • 1 pound (450 grams) Italian sausage, casing removed if using links
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes, adjust to taste
  • 28 ounces (800 grams) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 10-12 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook about 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove excess fat if necessary, but keep some for flavor.
  3. Reduce heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Stir in 28 oz (800 g) crushed canned tomatoes and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Mix well. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce gets too thick.
  5. Add the drained penne to the sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to coat every piece with the sauce. Cook together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld and pasta absorbs the sauce a bit.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in a handful of chopped fresh parsley.
  7. Plate the pasta with an optional sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep the heat moderate when sautéing garlic and chili flakes to avoid bitterness. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Fresh parsley added at the end brightens and balances the dish. Optional Parmesan cheese adds richness. Variations include vegetarian, seafood, and lower-carb options.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy arrabbiata, penne pasta, Italian sausage, fresh parsley, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, spicy pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/spicy-arrabbiata-penne-recipe-with-italian-sausage-and-fresh-parsley-easy-and-delicious/