Penne all'Arrabbiata with Shrimp

Name: Penne all'Arrabbiata with Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 340 g penne pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste); 800 g canned crushed tomatoes; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 450 g shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped); as needed Parmesan cheese (grated)

35 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Enjoy a fiery twist on the classic arrabbiata pasta with succulent shrimp, perfect for spice lovers.

Prep

15 min

Cook

20 min

Total

35 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Penne all'Arrabbiata is a traditional Italian pasta dish known for its fiery tomato sauce, thanks to the addition of red chili flakes. Originating from Rome, 'arrabbiata' means 'angry' in Italian, referring to the heat of the dish. Adding shrimp elevates this classic recipe, offering a delightful combination of spicy and succulent seafood. This dish brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Instructions

Cook the penne

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Pro tip: Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Prepare the sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Pro tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add spices

Stir in red chili flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to release their flavour.

Pro tip: Adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your spice preference.

Simmer the sauce

Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pro tip: Simmer longer for a thicker sauce.

Cook the shrimp

In a separate pan, cook shrimp over medium heat until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Pro tip: Shrimp is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Combine and serve

Add cooked shrimp to the sauce, then toss in the cooked penne. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan before serving.

Pro tip: Use tongs to mix pasta and sauce thoroughly.

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Tips & Tricks

Use fresh shrimp for the best flavour and texture.
Adjust the amount of chili flakes to your spice preference.
Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to maintain texture.
Garnish with fresh parsley for added freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is arrabbiata sauce?

Arrabbiata sauce is a spicy Italian tomato sauce made with garlic, red chili flakes, and tomatoes.

How spicy is arrabbiata sauce?

The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of red chili flakes. It's typically moderately spicy.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw the shrimp completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne is traditional, but you can use any short pasta shape like rigatoni or fusilli.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Penne all'Arrabbiata with Shrimp hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Pair it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red such as Chianti. To make ahead, prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp separately, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.