Vegetable Penne Arrabbiata

Let's Cook

1. 1Prepare the ingredients

   5 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.

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   Cut the bell pepper slightly smaller than the zucchini — it stays firm longer, while zucchini softens fast and goes watery if oversized pieces need extra pan time to cook through.

2. 2Cook the penne pasta

   12 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.

3. 3Sauté garlic and chili flakes

   3 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.

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   Have the crushed tomatoes within arm's reach; they're what stops the garlic cooking. Finely minced garlic goes from pale gold to scorched in seconds, and burnt chili flakes turn acrid — start over rather than proceed.

4. 4Make the vegetable sauce

   15 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.

5. 5Combine pasta with sauce

   5 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.

6. 6Plate and serve

   5 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.