A flexible tomato-and-pepper pasta with an optional sweeter note and optional turkey sausage. This is the site’s Filipino-inspired variation, not a claim to reproduce every traditional arrabbiata recipe.
Yield: 4 servings. The previous nutrition estimate was not independently verified; ingredients, portions, and optional sausage affect the result.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole-wheat penne or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can, 15 ounces, crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjusted to preference
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, adjusted to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil
- Optional: 1/2 cup sliced fully cooked turkey sausage or fully cooked lean hot dogs
Method
- Cook pasta according to its package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened, avoiding burned garlic.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, pepper flakes, oregano, basil, optional sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring as needed.
- If using sausage, follow the product’s heating instructions. Use a fully cooked product; raw poultry sausage requires cooking to 165°F before it is treated as ready to eat. Add the suitably cooked sausage to the sauce.
- Toss the pasta with the sauce. Add a small amount of reserved water if needed. Serve with Parmesan and herbs.
Adapt the Dish Without a Health Label
The sugar and sausage are optional flavor choices, not requirements. Use the amount of pepper comfortable for the diners. A milder version is not less worthwhile, and a spicy sauce is not a fat-burning treatment.
Check wheat, milk, and any sausage or sauce allergens. For a strict vegetarian meal, omit meat and check the cheese and other ingredients.
Store and Reheat Safely
Refrigerate leftovers promptly in shallow containers and follow USDA leftover guidance. Reheat to 165°F rather than relying only on a warm-looking sauce.
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