Penne All' Arrabbiata

Bev's Note:

I love this recipe! I make it often and enjoy it with a tossed green salad, Italian garlic bread and a glass of wine! One of our favorites and so easy to do! Make sure you toss the pasta immediately with the sauce so the pasta will not stick. Bon Appetito!

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

Cook

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 6 ounces genoa salami, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• salt and pepper
• 1/3 cup torn fresh basil leaf
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. While heating the water to cook pasta, heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and saute until soft and beginning to color, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, salami, and red pepper flakes, saute until salami caramelizes, 5-7 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar and vinegar.
5. Reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened, 10-15 minutes.
6. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Once the water is boiling for pasta, cook pasta to al dente.
8. Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup liquid to thin the sauce, if necessary.
9. Transfer sauce to a larger shallow bowl.
10. Add the drained pasta, torn basil, and Parmesan to the sauce (tearing the basil won't discolor it like cutting does); toss to coat.
11. Serve pasta immediately.

Reviews

[Merlot]

WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL! I am so glad I discovered this dish. I followed your instructions exactly except I used organic whole wheat Penne Rigate. The sauce is superb! I served it as you suggested with a green salad, and a bottle of Merlot wine (what else?!?!!) Thank you for sharing. :-)

[Dan'l]

This is as close to a true Italian pasta as I have had in the U.S. It is a robust, flavorful dish that is filling but not heavy. Goes great with a red wine!

[Kate in Ontario]

Excellent recipe! The sauce was great and enjoyed by even my finicky DH. Next time I might add some green pepper for more colour and texture.