Vegetable Penne Arrabbiata
Nutrition Facts
350
Calories
10g
Protein
56.5g
Carbs
10.5g
Fat
Nutrition data sourced from USDA FoodData Central
Let's Cook
- Prepare the ingredients5 min
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Measure out 12 oz penne pasta and set it aside. Dice 1 piece zucchini and 1 piece bell pepper into small, even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Mince 3 cloves garlic finely to release their flavor. Finally, have your 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 1 tsp red chili flakes ready for the sauce. This prep will streamline your cooking process and make everything flow smoothly.
A sharp knife makes prep faster and safer.
- Cook the penne pasta12 min
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. This step is crucial as the texture of the pasta will hold up better in the sauce, ensuring a delightful bite.
- Sauté garlic and chili flakes3 min
In a large (12-inch) skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the oil with rich flavors that will enhance your sauce. Be careful not to let the garlic burn; it can turn bitter and spoil the dish.
If the garlic starts to brown, reduce the heat immediately.
- Make the vegetable sauce15 min
Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, diced zucchini, and diced bell pepper into the skillet. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a robust sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Combine pasta with sauce5 min
Add the drained penne pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs or a large spoon to gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Taste and season with a pinch of salt as needed. This final mixing step ensures that each bite is bursting with flavor and that the pasta absorbs some of the delicious sauce.
- Plate and serve5 min
Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from heat. Plate the Vegetable Penne Arrabbiata into serving bowls. For a finishing touch, drizzle with a little extra olive oil or sprinkle with fresh herbs if you have them on hand. Enjoy your homemade Italian dish while it's warm, relishing the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures you've created.
