Pasta all’Arrabbiata

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ACTIVE TIME: 30 MINUTES | TOTAL TIME: 30 MINUTES | MAKES: 2–4 SERVINGS

Equipment

Large pot
Ladle
Small bowl or mug
Colander or strainer
Large skillet
Heatproof spatula
Measuring spoons
Measuring cup
Can opener
Cutting board
Sharp knife

Ingredients

1⁄2 pound whole-grain penne (or another pasta shape)
1 tablespoon olive oil 1⁄4 cup tomato paste 1⁄2 teaspoon crushed
red pepper flakes (optional) or more if you like it spicy
1 teaspoon dried basil or 1⁄2 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley leaves
1 (14-ounce) can crushed or diced tomatoes, including the liquid
1⁄4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the penne, according to the instructions on the package. When the penne is almost done, use a ladle or measuring cup to scoop out 3⁄4 cup of cooking water from the pot into the small bowl and set aside.

  2. Set the colander in the sink and drain the pasta.

  3. Put the skillet on the stove and set the heat to medium. Add the oil and when it is hot, add the tomato paste, dried basil (if using), and red pepper flakes and cook 5 minutes, stirring from time to time.

  4. Add the diced tomatoes and reserved pasta water and stir well.

  5. Add the cooked penne, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley or basil leaves (if using) and stir well. Serve right away.

Tip

If you open a small (6-ounce) can of tomato paste to make this recipe, you won’t use all of it. Spoon tablespoons of tomato paste onto a plastic container lid (this makes them easy to pop off), then freeze until solid. Store the frozen spoonfuls of tomato paste in a zipper- lock bag in the freezer. Whenever you need just a tablespoon or two of tomato paste, it will be there ready to add or thaw!

Or Try This

Right before you add the tomato paste: add 2 garlic cloves and 2 anchovies, minced, and/or 1 cup thinly sliced fresh mushrooms, and cook 2 minutes.When you add the pasta: add 1 (6-ounce) can clams, drained; or 2 cups spinach, kale, or arugula; or 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed—or go wild, and add everything!