Pasta Arrabbiata

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Spice up your dinner with this fiery Italian classic made with Holla Passata di Pomodoro.

Arrabbiata means ‘angry’ in Italian, and this pasta definitely has a kick—but it’s a beautifully balanced heat that’s enhanced by the natural sweetness of quality tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a touch of olive oil.

This is the pasta dish for people who love bold, vibrant flavors and aren’t afraid of a little heat. The beauty of Arrabbiata lies in its simplicity: just a handful of ingredients come together to create a sauce that’s intensely flavorful, with the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet.

Holla Passata di Pomodoro provides the ideal base—smooth, rich, and bursting with natural tomato flavor that doesn’t need hours of simmering to taste amazing. The sauce comes together in the time it takes to boil your pasta, making this a perfect weeknight dinner option.

You can adjust the heat level to your preference by using more or less red pepper flakes, and the dish is vegetarian as written (but you can certainly add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage if you like).

Finish with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for the ultimate Italian experience.

Time 25 min
Serving Size 4

Directions

Step 1

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 10-12 minutes for penne. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water—you'll use this to adjust the sauce consistency if needed. Drain pasta and set aside.

Step 2

Make the Arrabbiata Sauce

While pasta cooks, make the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic or it will taste bitter.

Step 3

Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Pour in the Holla Passata di Pomodoro. Stir well to combine with the garlic and oil. Season with a generous pinch of salt. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly and the flavors will concentrate. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more salt if needed or more red pepper flakes if you want it spicier.

Step 4

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together vigorously, using tongs or two forks to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in the spicy tomato sauce. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, add splashes of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. The starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.

Step 5

Serve Immediately

Divide the Pasta Arrabbiata among serving bowls. Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter over the top. Finish with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese (or leave it off for a vegan version). Serve immediately while hot, with extra red pepper flakes on the side for those who want even more heat. Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the spicy sauce!