Spicy Arrabiata Penne

Instructions

1. 1

   Boil Water and Cook Pasta

   13 min

   Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous amount of kosher salt to the water, followed by the penne rigate. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, which should take about 9 minutes, or until al dente, meaning it should be firm to the bite but not hard.

2. 2

   Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil

   3 min

   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Allow the oil to warm until it shimmers, indicating it's ready. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until it becomes fragrant and golden, but be careful not to let it burn.

3. 3

   Combine Ingredients for Sauce

   7 min

   In the skillet with the sautéed garlic, add the chopped tomatoes, red chili flakes, and Italian seasoning. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then bring it to a gentle boil. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld together.

4. 4

   Add Fresh Basil

   2 min

   Once the sauce has simmered, remove the skillet from heat. Gently fold in the fresh basil leaves, allowing them to wilt in the residual heat, which will enhance the flavor of the sauce.

5. 5

   Mix Pasta with Sauce

   5 min

   After draining the cooked pasta, add it directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss the penne rigate thoroughly in the sauce until fully coated. Serve the dish warm, garnishing with a generous sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano and extra basil if desired for added freshness.

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