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.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
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.
Notes
- Use quality ripe tomatoes for the best sauce flavor.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes gradually to control the heat intensity.
- Reserve some pasta water to create a creamy sauce consistency.
- Cook penne al dente to maintain a pleasant texture and absorb the sauce better.
- Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its aromatic freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Penne Arrabbiata, Spicy Pasta, Italian Pasta, Smoked Turkey Bacon, Plant-Based Cheese, Vegetarian Worcestershire, Quick Dinner
