Italian Oven-Baked Spicy Arrabbiata Penne
A hot and spicy Italian pasta dish where penne is baked in a fiery tomato and red chili sauce with garlic and fresh parsley. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add 12 oz penne pasta. Cook for 8 minutes until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Combine the cooked penne with the sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and edges are bubbling hot. Let cool for 3 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Oven-Baked Spicy Arrabbiata Penne take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Italian Oven-Baked Spicy Arrabbiata Penne?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Oven-Baked Spicy Arrabbiata Penne?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Italian Oven-Baked Spicy Arrabbiata Penne for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Italian Oven-Baked Spicy Arrabbiata Penne vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
