Charishma's Penne Arabiatta
Experience the bold and comforting flavors of "Charishma's Penne Arabiatta," a classic Italian-inspired dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing dinner guests. This recipe combines tender penne pasta with a fiery, garlic-infused tomato sauce featuring a harmonious balance of crushed tomatoes, a touch of tomato paste, and a hint of optional sugar to mellow the acidity. Red chili flakes bring the heat, while freshly chopped basil adds a fragrant herbaceous finish. Topped with grated Parmesan cheese, this dish is easy to prepare in under 35 minutes, yet rich in flavor and perfect for pasta lovers. Ideal for those seeking a quick, delicious, and vegetarian-friendly meal, this Penne Arabiatta is a must-try for anyone craving a restaurant-quality Italian classic at home.
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Ingredients
- 400 g penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1.5 tsp red chili flakes
- 400 g crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 8 leaves fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 50 g parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup water
- 0.5 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Step 3
Add the chopped garlic to the heated oil and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 4
Stir in the red chili flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to release their flavor.
Step 5
Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring well to combine.
Step 6
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and sugar (if using). Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 7
Add the reserved pasta cooking water gradually to adjust the sauce consistency, if needed.
Step 8
Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves and let the sauce simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 9
Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Step 10
Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1160.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2010.6 |
| Total Fat 51.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 14.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 50mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3265.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 322.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 21.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 15.9g | |
| Protein 75.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 651.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 18.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1721.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories