This Italian Penne Arrabiata with smoked sausage is a quick and easy, one-pot meal. Penne pasta, smoked sausage and Kalamata olives are tossed in a rich tomato-based, spicy sauce that is well balanced with fresh parsley and basil.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Total Time35 minutesmins
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: arrabiata recipe, pasta with arrabiata, penne arrabiata
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the penne and cook according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving 1/2 cup of the water. Return the pasta to the cooking pot and toss with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Cover the pot of pasta and keep warm.
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat.
Add onions and cook 3-5 minutes until soft. Stir in the red pepper flakes and the garlic, cook for 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
Pour in the wine and stir to deglaze the pan.
Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, sugar and the cheese rind, if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Stir in the sliced olives and smoked sausage, stirring to combine in the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove and discard the cheese rind then stir in 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water.
Add the cooked penne, toss to combine and heat through.
Serve garnished with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and the chopped parsley.
Notes
Cook pasta al dente: Keep the penne slightly firm so it holds its shape and won’t turn mushy in the sauce.Adjust spice level: Use about 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for medium heat, adding more if you like it spicier.Sear the sausage: Brown the smoked sausage well to build flavor and give the sauce a smoky base.Deglaze with wine: Pour in red wine after sautéing to release the browned bits from the pan and deepen the sauce.Don’t over-reduce: Cook just until the sauce thickens enough to coat the pasta. Too long and it may become too salty.