Name: Penne Arrabbiata
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 250g Penne Pasta (gluten-free if needed); 100g Smoked Turkey Bacon; 3 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced; 1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste); 400g Canned San Marzano Tomatoes or fresh chopped tomatoes; 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 1 tbsp Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural); Salt, to taste; Black Pepper, freshly ground, to taste; 50g Plant-Based Cheese, shredded; Fresh Basil Leaves, for garnish

Penne Arrabbiata is a vibrant, spicy Italian pasta dish that excites your taste buds with its rich tomato sauce and fiery chili kick. This easy Penne Arrabbiata recipe brings a delightful twist by incorporating smoked turkey bacon for an irresistible smoky depth without overpowering the classic flavors. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests, this dish balances boldness and simplicity perfectly, making it a beloved choice for pasta lovers everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Preparation: Quick to make with a handful of staple ingredients that come together effortlessly.
Bold and Spicy: The spicy tomato sauce delivers a flavorful punch that will keep you coming back for more.
Smoky Twist: Smoked turkey bacon adds a rich, savory note that complements the heat beautifully.
Plant-Based Friendly: Made with plant-based cheese and natural sauces to keep the dish wholesome without sacrificing taste.
Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for casual dinners or when you want to impress with little effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to capturing the authentic taste and texture of Penne Arrabbiata. Each component plays a special role, from the spicy tomato sauce that coats the pasta to the smoky bites of turkey bacon and the smooth finish of plant-based cheese.

Penne Pasta: Choose quality penne to hold the sauce perfectly in every bite.
Smoked Turkey Bacon: Adds a delicious smoky flavor and a satisfying texture.
Fresh Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and mild pungency essential to the sauce.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Bring the signature heat of Arrabbiata to life.
Fresh Tomatoes or Canned San Marzano Tomatoes: The base for the vibrant, rich, and slightly sweet sauce.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Lends a smooth, fruity richness to the sauce.
Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural): Adds umami and enhances the overall complexity.
Fresh Basil: Offers bright herbaceous notes that brighten the dish.
Plant-Based Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a creamy finish without overpowering the spices.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance the flavors.

Variations for Penne Arrabbiata

One of the joyful parts of this Penne Arrabbiata recipe is how easy it is to customize according to what you have in your kitchen or your personal taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make the dish uniquely yours.

Spicy Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for extra color and nutrition.
Protein Options: Swap smoked turkey bacon for grilled chicken or keep it fully plant-based using seasoned tempeh.
Heat Adjustment: Use more or fewer crushed red pepper flakes based on your desired spice level.
Herbs Twist: Add oregano or thyme alongside basil for more aromatic complexity.
Tomato Choice: Fresh cherry tomatoes can be used during summer for a sweeter, fresher sauce.

Easy Spicy Penne Arrabbiata Recipe to Try

How to Make Penne Arrabbiata

Step 1: Cook the Penne

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon

In a large skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden. Remove from the pan and drain excess oil, leaving some to flavor the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Spicy Tomato Sauce

Using the same skillet, gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes to release their heat, then add the crushed tomatoes along with a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce gently, stirring occasionally to develop depth.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Toss the cooked penne into the sauce, mixing well to coat every piece. If needed, add reserved pasta water little by little for a silky texture. Chop the crispy smoked turkey bacon and stir it into the pasta.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Basil

Sprinkle plant-based cheese over the pasta and let it melt slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a refreshing herbal note before serving warm.

Pro Tips for Making Penne Arrabbiata

Use Quality Tomatoes: The flavor of the sauce hinges on the tomatoes, so choose ripe fresh or high-quality canned options.
Adjust Heat Smartly: Add chili flakes gradually and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the dish.
Reserve Pasta Water: Using a splash of reserved water ties the sauce and pasta together with perfect creaminess.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente penne offers a pleasant bite and better sauce absorption.
Fresh Basil Timing: Add basil right at the end to preserve its bright and fresh aroma.

How to Serve Penne Arrabbiata

Garnishes

A simple garnish of torn fresh basil leaves and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil lifts the dish visually and flavor-wise. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper adds just the right finish.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or warm garlic bread to complement the spicy tomato flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Penne Arrabbiata in rustic bowls with a side of roasted vegetables or freshly grilled shrimp for a hearty dinner that looks as vibrant as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Penne Arrabbiata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This pasta freezes well; store it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or apple cider vinegar to revive the sauce’s texture and keep pasta moist.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for Penne Arrabbiata?

Absolutely! While penne is classic, rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti can work wonderfully with the spicy tomato sauce.

Is smoked turkey bacon necessary? Can I omit it?

Smoked turkey bacon adds a tasty smoky depth, but the recipe is delicious even without it, especially for a vegetarian take.

How spicy is this Penne Arrabbiata recipe?

The heat level depends on how much crushed red pepper you include, so adjust the chili flakes to suit your preference for mild or fiery spice.

What can I use instead of fresh basil?

Dried basil works in a pinch, but fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can also bring bright herbal notes to the dish.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce tastes even better after sitting for a few hours, making it convenient to prepare ahead and quickly assemble before serving.

Final Thoughts

Penne Arrabbiata is one of those comfort dishes that effortlessly combines simple ingredients into a meal full of passion and spice. By adding smoked turkey bacon and plant-based cheese, this recipe celebrates familiar flavors with a fresh twist you’ll love sharing with friends and family. Give it a try and enjoy a spicy, smoky pasta experience that satisfies every time.

Penne Arrabbiata

Author: Michael
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Plant-Based

Print Recipe

Description

Penne Arrabbiata is a vibrant, spicy Italian pasta dish with a rich tomato sauce and fiery chili kick, enhanced by smoky turkey bacon and plant-based cheese. This recipe offers bold, smoky, and spicy flavors balanced with simplicity, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Instructions

Cook the Penne: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain excess oil, leaving some in the pan to flavor the sauce.
Build the Spicy Tomato Sauce: Using the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic gently until fragrant. Add crushed red pepper flakes and stir to release their heat. Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce gently, stirring occasionally to develop depth and richness.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked penne to the sauce and toss well to coat every piece thoroughly. Gradually add reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a silky sauce texture. Chop the crispy smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and stir into the pasta mixture.
Finish with Cheese and Basil: Sprinkle shredded plant-based cheese over the pasta and allow it to melt slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving warm.