Name: Penne Arrabbiata with Chili Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb penne pasta; 4 cups water; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2-3 tablespoons chili crisp, plus more for garnish; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 teaspoons sesame seed oil; 1 (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; ½ cup parsley, roughly chopped; ½ cup freshly grated pecorino romano or parmesan cheese

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If you love bold, fiery flavors that pack a punch while feeling wonderfully comforting, you’re going to adore this Penne Arrabbiata with Chili Crisp Recipe. It brilliantly transforms the classic spicy tomato sauce into something even more exciting by adding chili crisp, giving it a sensational crunch and an addictive depth of flavor. Every bite brings together perfectly al dente penne coated in a vibrant, garlicky, and slightly sweet sauce, making this dish a must-try for spice lovers and anyone craving a stunning, homemade pasta experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black cast iron pan filled with penne pasta covered in a bright red tomato sauce, sprinkled with grated white cheese and fresh green parsley leaves. Small bits of dark red chili flakes are scattered on top, adding texture and color contrast. The pan is on a wooden table with fresh red tomatoes and green parsley nearby, a small bowl with a dark red chunky sauce and wooden spoon, and a metal cheese grater holding a wedge of pale yellow cheese. A white cloth with red stripes is placed near the pan, along with garlic cloves and a small cup of dark liquid. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to make this Penne Arrabbiata with Chili Crisp Recipe is a breeze because it relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the garlic that infuses aroma to the chili crisp that adds a delightful texture, every component enhances the final result, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and color.

1 lb penne pasta: The perfect tube-shaped pasta to hold all that delicious sauce inside and out.
4 cups water: For boiling your pasta to the perfect al dente texture.
1 tablespoon salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water, bringing the flavor to life.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic evenly.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Packs a punch of warmth and depth, the very soul of the sauce.
2-3 tablespoons chili crisp: The star ingredient that introduces a fiery crunch and complex spice to the dish.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Boosts the tomato flavor and adds thickness to the sauce.
2 teaspoons sesame seed oil: Brings a subtle nuttiness that balances the heat beautifully.
1 28oz can whole peeled tomatoes: Provides the base for the tangy, rich tomato sauce.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall seasoning of the sauce.
1 teaspoon sugar: Cuts the acidity of the tomatoes, rounding out the flavor softly.
½ cup parsley, roughly chopped: Adds fresh herbaceous brightness when sprinkled on top.
½ cup freshly grated pecorino romano or parmesan: For a salty, creamy finish that melts perfectly into the warm pasta.

How to Make Penne Arrabbiata with Chili Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot, adding 1 tablespoon of salt to season it well. Drop in the penne and cook until al dente, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. This ensures your pasta has a tender bite but still holds up beautifully when mixed with the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and gently sauté until it becomes fragrant and golden but not burnt, which takes around 1-2 minutes. This step builds the flavorful foundation everyone will love.

Step 3: Add Chili Crisp and Tomato Paste

Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of chili crisp, letting the oil and crunch meld with the garlic for about a minute. Then add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, cooking it out to deepen its flavor and intensify the sauce’s color. This combination is the heartbeat of this dish, giving it texture and heat.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes, breaking them apart gently with a spoon. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of sugar, then drizzle 2 teaspoons of aromatic sesame seed oil over the mix. Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and deliciously coats the back of your spoon.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once your pasta is cooked and drained, toss it directly into the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything together over low heat so that every penne piece is lovingly coated with the spicy, savory sauce. This final mix lets the pasta soak up those irresistible flavors fully.

How to Serve Penne Arrabbiata with Chili Crisp Recipe

A shiny silver pot filled with pale yellow penne pasta submerged in clear water sits on a white marbled surface. The pasta is spread evenly inside the pot, with the pasta tubes smooth and rigid, their hollow centers visible. The pot's long handle extends downward, making the pot look ready to be used. The texture of the wooden surface underneath contrasts with the steel pot and pasta's softness. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your plate with a hearty handful of roughly chopped parsley and a generous dusting of freshly grated pecorino romano or parmesan. The bright green parsley offers a refreshing contrast, while the cheese melts slightly into the warm pasta, adding a luscious, salty touch that finishes the dish so perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish begs for something simple on the side to balance the heat and acidity. Crisp green salads with a tangy lemon vinaigrette or lightly roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini add fresh, vibrant notes. Garlic bread also makes a fantastic partner, providing crunchy goodness that’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve your Penne Arrabbiata with Chili Crisp Recipe in warm bowls with an extra drizzle of chili crisp on top for that irresistible shine and crunch. You can add a small mound of fresh ricotta in the center for a creamy surprise or garnish with toasted sesame seeds to highlight the sesame oil’s nuttiness. It’s a dish that looks as exciting as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Penne Arrabbiata with Chili Crisp Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they rest, making it a perfect next-day meal that tastes even better than the first.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta, but it’s best to do so without the cheese garnish. Place the cooled pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. This helps maintain that lovely texture and avoids drying it out. Avoid reheating in a microwave to preserve the sauce’s rich flavor and the penne’s bite.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding onto the delicious sauce, rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well depending on what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that tube shapes like rigatoni or penne trap the sauce beautifully.

How spicy is this Penne Arrabbiata with Chili Crisp Recipe?

The dish carries a lively heat thanks to the chili crisp, but you can adjust the spice level easily. Use less chili crisp if you prefer milder flavors, or add more if you want to turn up the heat. The balance of sesame oil and sugar also mellows the overall spice.

Is chili crisp easy to find? Can I make my own?

Chili crisp is widely available in many grocery stores or online, often found in the Asian or condiment aisle. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own with chili flakes, garlic, soy sauce, and oil, but the store-bought versions offer a convenient and consistent flavor punch.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

Yes! Simply skip the pecorino or parmesan cheese and swap in a vegan cheese option or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The sauce itself is naturally vegan and so flavorful that you won’t miss the dairy at all.

What wine pairs with Penne Arrabbiata with Chili Crisp Recipe?

A crisp, chilled white like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red like Barbera matches wonderfully. These wines complement the spicy and tangy flavors without overpowering the dish, making your meal feel extra special.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make this vibrant and addictive Penne Arrabbiata with Chili Crisp Recipe, it’s time to get cooking and bring some seriously exciting flavor to your dinner table. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, and once you try it, it might just become your new favorite go-to pasta dish!