Toast the dried chili and garlic in cold oil brought up slowly, so both infuse the oil without scorching. Burnt garlic turns the whole sauce bitter, and there are only five ingredients to hide behind.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep5 min
Cook20 min
Makesserves 4
CuisineItalian
Cost$
Vegan
Contains gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4servings
Penne
Ridged penne rigate catches the sauce in its ridges and tube.
1 lb
Local / market
Whole peeled tomatoes
Crushed by hand; the sauce is mostly tomato, so use good ones.
1 28-oz can
Local / market
Garlic
Sliced or lightly crushed, cooked gently in the oil until golden, not brown.
Can you make Penne all'Arrabbiata in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Penne all'Arrabbiata? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Penne all'Arrabbiata ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Penne all'Arrabbiata gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).
Is Penne all'Arrabbiata vegan? — Yes
Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.
Community Notes
Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.