Name: Spicy One Pot Penne Arrabbiata – One Pot Pasta Recipes for Dinner
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 24 oz jar of marinara sauce; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tbsp chili crisp; Fresh parsley, for garnish; Freshly grated parmesan, optional

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Let’s talk comfort food with a kick. This Spicy One Pot Penne Arrabbiata is fiery, simple, and ridiculously satisfying. I love how the heat from the chili crisp sneaks up and hugs your tastebuds—like a warm blanket that just happens to be on fire. And yes, all of it happens in one pot. Less cleanup, more pasta. It’s a win all around. This recipe fits right in with your cravings when you want something bold but don’t want to babysit a dozen pans. We’re talking penne pasta cooked straight in the sauce until it’s beautifully coated and just the right kind of tender. I’ve made this for weeknights, lazy Sundays, and that one time I forgot it was my turn to cook and had 30 minutes to make magic. Spoiler alert: I did. It checks every box—easy penne pasta recipes, cozy one pot recipes, quick one pot pasta meals, and spicy pasta that doesn’t pull its punches. You’ll only need pantry staples and a good appetite. Honestly, you might already have everything you need right now. Should we get cooking?

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Spicy One Pot Penne Arrabbiata Recipe
3) Ingredients for Spicy One Pot Penne Arrabbiata
4) How to Make Spicy One Pot Penne Arrabbiata
5) Tips for Making Spicy One Pot Penne Arrabbiata
6) Making Spicy One Pot Penne Arrabbiata Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Spicy One Pot Penne Arrabbiata
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Spicy One Pot Penne Arrabbiata
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This dish brings together penne pasta, spice, and comfort all in one pot
Chili crisp adds a punchy depth without overcomplicating things
Ideal for busy nights, low cleanup, high flavor payoff
A flexible recipe: sub in your favorite pasta or broth

2) Easy Spicy One Pot Penne Arrabbiata Recipe

I’ve lost count of how many times this one pot pasta recipe has saved dinner in my house. It’s quick, fiery, and hits that spot between “I want something bold” and “I don’t feel like cleaning for an hour.”

The best part is everything cooks together. The penne soaks up all that garlicky tomato flavor, the chili crisp brings a sneaky heat, and we end up with something that tastes like we tried way harder than we actually did.

If you’ve ever hunted for penne pasta recipes that didn’t taste flat or predictable, this one’s going to feel like a small win. I usually have every ingredient on hand, and the whole dish comes together in under half an hour. One pot recipes like this make dinner feel easy without sacrificing flavor.

3) Ingredients for Spicy One Pot Penne Arrabbiata

12 oz penne pasta – This is the star of the show. Penne gives us enough surface and structure to hold onto all that sauce and heat. No sad slippery noodles here.

1 tbsp olive oil – A little oil to wake up the garlic and spices. It’s subtle but it matters.

4 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic always makes a difference. It brings real depth that the powders just can’t fake.

1 tsp red pepper flakes – Adjust to your spice level, but don’t skip it. It lays the foundation for that slow-building heat.

1 tsp onion powder – It fills in the flavor gaps and plays nice with the garlic.

1 tsp garlic powder – Yes, garlic again. This adds a mellow background that blends into the sauce beautifully.

1/2 tsp salt – Just enough to balance everything and help the pasta water pop.

1/2 tsp black pepper – Brings a quiet sharpness that finishes each bite.

24 oz marinara sauce – Go with your favorite jar. I’ve tried homemade and store brands, and honestly, they all work.

2 cups vegetable broth – Adds body to the sauce while helping cook the pasta. Chicken broth works too.

1 tbsp chili crisp – This is the secret sauce within the sauce. A tiny spoon makes a big impact.

Fresh parsley – Brightens the dish and adds a fresh finishing touch. Optional, but lovely.

Grated parmesan (optional) – A little richness at the end never hurt anyone.

4) How to Make Spicy One Pot Penne Arrabbiata

Step 1. Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir until fragrant—about 60 seconds should do the trick.

Step 2. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You’ll smell the shift. That’s your cue to move forward.

Step 3. Pour in the marinara and broth. Stir well until everything blends. This sauce will carry the whole dish, so take a second to admire it.

Step 4. Add the penne pasta straight into the pot. Push it down so it’s mostly covered by liquid.

Step 5. Cover and let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. Give it a stir once or twice so nothing sticks.

Step 6. When the pasta is almost done, uncover and stir in the chili crisp. Let it cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the pasta hits that perfect bite.

Step 7. Serve with parsley and parmesan if you like. No shame in licking the spoon.

5) Tips for Making Spicy One Pot Penne Arrabbiata

Use a wide pot. The pasta needs room to move so it doesn’t clump up or cook unevenly. If you can stir without splashing, you’re on the right track.

Taste as you go. One pot pasta recipes are built for flexibility. Need more heat? More salt? Add and adjust as it cooks. Don’t wait until the end to find out something’s off.

Don’t overcook the penne. Al dente really is the sweet spot. It’ll hold its shape better and soak up that chili-spiked sauce without turning to mush. Stir it once in a while but let it do its thing.

6) Making Spicy One Pot Penne Arrabbiata Ahead of Time

This dish holds up surprisingly well in the fridge, which is a win on weeknights when you want to cook once and eat twice. One pot pasta meals like this are ideal for that.

If you’re prepping ahead, slightly undercook the pasta. That way it won’t go too soft when you reheat it. I stop about a minute before full doneness and let the residual heat finish the job.

Store it in a sealed container, and save a splash of broth or marinara to freshen it up when you warm it. That chili crisp will still sing even on day two.

7) Storing Leftover Spicy One Pot Penne Arrabbiata

Leftovers last up to four days in a tightly sealed container. Keep it cold and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a bit of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Don’t freeze this one. The pasta texture doesn’t bounce back the way we’d hope. Better to eat it fresh or within the next couple lunches.

Want a bit more fire later? Add an extra dab of chili crisp after reheating. That heat is friendly but doesn’t mess around.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Spicy One Pot Penne Arrabbiata