Penne Arrabbiata
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Serves: 1
Ingredients
  • 4 oz penne
  • 7 oz diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • ¼ tsp hot paprika
  • ¼ tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 - 2 medium pepperoncini, diced (approximately 1 - 1½ tsp)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp anchovy paste or 1 anchovy fillet (rinsed, dried, and minced into a paste)
  • ½ tsp garlic, minced (approximately 1 small/medium clove)
  • 1 tbsp Romano cheese, grated plus additional when serving
  • 2 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped plus additional for garnish
  • 2 oz guanciale, diced OR 2 tsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
If using guanciale, follow the next 6 steps.
  1. Heat a covered skillet over Medium/Medium--High heat.
  2. Add the diced guanciale.
  3. Add ⅓ cup of hot water and cover to render the fat, approximately 3 - 5 minutes.
  4. When steam stops, remove lid and fry guanciale until crispy, approximately 2 minutes.
  5. Remove guanciale to a clean bowl and set aside.
  6. Remove all but 2 -3 tsps of renderings in the skillet.
If not using guanciale, start at the step below.
  1. Pulse the tomatoes and their juice in a food processor until finely chopped.
  2. Heat covered skillet to Medium/Medium-Low.
  3. Add the olive oil (if not using guanciale), tomato paste, anchovy paste, garlic, pepperoncini, paprika, and red pepper flakes to the pan and cook until a deep red, approximately 3 - 5 minutes.
  4. Add tomatoes, cheese, and guanciale, stirring to combine.
  5. Cook until slightly thickened, approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. While the sauce is gently simmering, cook the penne per the package instructions, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
  7. Stir the chopped parsley into the sauce, then add the drained penne, tossing to coat.
  8. Adjust the sauce's consistency by adding small amounts of reserved pasta cooking water.
  9. Plate with a parsley garnish and serve with additional cheese.
Notes
I based this recipe on the America's Test Kitchen version and it is a winner. Thanks ATK!
Recipe by Cooking 4 One at https://www.cooking-4-one.com/2017/11/08/penne-arrabbiata/