Spicy Penne Arrabbiata with Salami
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this delicious Spicy Penne Arrabbiata. The richly flavored sauce is made with fresh red onions, zesty garlic, and hearty Genoa salami, all enhanced by the kick of crushed red pepper flakes. Simmered diced tomatoes create a perfect base, while a splash of balsamic vinegar and a hint of brown sugar add an unexpected depth of flavor. Perfectly al dente penne pasta absorbs the sauce beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience. Pair it with a refreshing green salad and some toasted Italian garlic bread for a complete meal. This simple yet captivating dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire! Bon Appetito!
4
Servings
420
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
red onion
1 cup (thinly sliced)
garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
Genoa salami
6 ounces (cubed)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
diced tomatoes with juice
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (canned)
tomato paste
1 tablespoon (for thickening)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (packed)
balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (for flavor)
salt and pepper
to taste
fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup (torn)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
2
In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced red onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic, cubed salami, and crushed red pepper flakes. Continue to sauté for another 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the salami to caramelize and develop a nice golden color.
4
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juice, then add the tomato paste, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.
5
Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
6
Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper, adjusting for your preference.
7
While the sauce is simmering, cook the penne pasta in the boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
8
Once cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
9
Transfer the prepared sauce into a large shallow bowl. Add the drained penne pasta along with the torn fresh basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
10
Toss everything together gently, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
11
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with additional basil and Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
46.5g
Carbs
12.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Penne Arrabbiata with Salami?
It is a savory Italian pasta dish featuring penne tossed in a spicy tomato sauce enhanced with caramelized Genoa salami, garlic, and fresh basil.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains about 420 calories.
What type of pasta is recommended?
Penne pasta is recommended because its shape and ridges are perfect for holding the spicy Arrabbiata sauce.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The spice level is moderate, coming from 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your preference.
What kind of salami should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of cubed Genoa salami for a rich and hearty flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the Genoa salami.
What is the purpose of the brown sugar in the sauce?
A tablespoon of brown sugar is added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the balsamic vinegar.
Why is balsamic vinegar included in the recipe?
Balsamic vinegar adds a layer of depth and a subtle tangy sweetness to the tomato base.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Should I save the pasta cooking water?
Yes, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and allows it to coat the penne more effectively.
What are the main aromatics used?
The dish uses thinly sliced red onion and minced garlic as the primary aromatic base.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe provides approximately 12.75g of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 46.5g of carbohydrates.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is approximately 17.5g of fat per serving.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil is preferred for its bright flavor, you can substitute with 1-2 teaspoons of dried basil if necessary.
What should I serve as a side dish?
This pasta pairs beautifully with a refreshing green salad and toasted Italian garlic bread.
How do I know when the salami is ready?
Sauté the cubed salami for 5 to 7 minutes until it begins to caramelize and develops a golden color.
What type of tomatoes are best?
The recipe uses two 14.5-ounce cans of diced tomatoes with their juice for convenience and consistency.
Do I need to peel the red onion?
Yes, the onion should be peeled and then thinly sliced before sautéing.
How do I achieve an 'al dente' texture?
Cook the penne according to the package instructions, usually testing it a minute or two early to ensure it remains firm to the bite.
Is tomato paste necessary?
Yes, one tablespoon of tomato paste is used to help thicken the sauce and intensify the tomato flavor.
Can I use a different type of onion?
While red onion provides a specific sweetness, you can substitute with yellow onion or shallots if needed.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The recipe as written is not gluten-free because of the wheat pasta, but you can use a gluten-free penne alternative.
How should I garnish the finished pasta?
Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat the pasta?
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has become too thick.
What does 'Arrabbiata' mean?
'Arrabbiata' literally means 'angry' in Italian, which refers to the heat of the chili peppers used in the sauce.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! Bell peppers or spinach would make great additions to this sauce.
Is this a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, with a total prep and cook time of roughly 30 minutes, it is an excellent choice for a fast yet gourmet dinner.