1 serving (medium) of Penne Arrabiata pasta (200 g) has 290 calories. That works out to 145 calories per 100 g. It contains 53 g of carbs, 9.2 g of protein, 4.2 g of fat and 4.4 g of fiber. Its 420 mg of Sodium covers 18% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 55 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.

What is Penne Arrabiata pasta?

Penne Arrabiata pasta pairs ridged, diagonally cut tubes with a lively sauce of tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and chilli. The dish comes from Rome and the surrounding Lazio region of Italy; “arrabbiata” refers to the sauce’s fiery heat, which varies with the amount of chilli used.

It is usually served hot as a simple lunch or dinner, often with a green salad or vegetables on the side. Across the English-speaking world, you can adjust the heat to taste and keep the dish vegan by skipping cheese. Its nutrition is led by carbohydrates from the pasta, with comparatively modest protein and fat. A little fresh basil or olives makes a good finishing touch.

Penne Arrabiata pasta Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

145

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

26.5g

· 10% DV

Protein

4.6g

· 9% DV

Fat

2.1g

· 3% DV

Fiber

2.2g

· 8% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 74% · Protein 13% · Fat 13%

Penne Arrabiata pasta Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

0.09mg · 8% DV

1.2mg · 8% DV

Vitamin C

6mg · 7% DV

0.25mg · 5% DV

Minerals

Sodium

210mg · 9% DV

Iron

1mg · 6% DV

Phosphorus

38mg · 5% DV

Magnesium

18mg · 4% DV

How Nutritious Is Penne Arrabiata pasta?

Nutrient density

Medium

35/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

43/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Penne Arrabiata pasta Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Medium

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Medium

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Penne Arrabiata pasta

To burn the 145 calories in 100 g:

🚶

36min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

15min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

20min

Cycling

🏊

17min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Penne Arrabiata pasta Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Penne Arrabiata pasta Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Penne Arrabiata pasta Good For?

Vegan

✓ Suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Penne Arrabiata pasta Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.3g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.7g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.2g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 18:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (18:1).

Compare Penne Arrabiata pasta

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Penne Arrabiata pasta vs Bulgur Pilaf25 kcal more per 100 g

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Penne Arrabiata pasta vs Whole wheat pasta21 kcal more per 100 g

→🍝vs🥖

Penne Arrabiata pasta vs Breadstick265 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍝vs🥯

Penne Arrabiata pasta vs Simit195 kcal fewer per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Penne Arrabiata pasta

🍚

Bulgur Pilaf

120 kcal

🍝

Whole wheat pasta

124 kcal

🥖

Breadstick

410 kcal

🥯

Simit

340 kcal

🥣

Granola

450 kcal

🍚

Rice Pilaf

150 kcal

🍚

Basmati Rice Pilaf

140 kcal

🍝

Pasta (Boiled)

155 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Penne Arrabiata pasta

What is Penne Arrabiata pasta?

Penne Arrabiata pasta is an Italian dish of ridged penne tossed with a spicy tomato sauce, usually made with garlic, olive oil and red chilli. The sauce clings to the tubes and their ridges, so each bite gets plenty of flavour.

What does “arrabbiata” mean in Penne Arrabiata pasta?

“Arrabbiata” means “angry” in Italian, referring to the chilli heat in Penne Arrabiata pasta. The name describes its fiery sauce; it does not mean the dish must be intensely hot, since cooks can adjust the chilli.

Is Penne Arrabiata pasta spicy?

Yes, Penne Arrabiata pasta is meant to have some heat from chilli, but it can range from gently warm to quite spicy. Restaurant versions vary, so ask for mild if you want the tomato and garlic flavours without much burn.

What is the traditional sauce for Penne Arrabiata pasta made from?

The traditional sauce for Penne Arrabiata pasta is built from tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and dried red chilli, often finished with parsley. Cheese is optional rather than essential, and adding cream changes the sauce’s characteristic tomato-and-chilli profile.

Why is penne used for Penne Arrabiata pasta?

Penne works well in Penne Arrabiata pasta because its hollow centre and ridged outside catch the tomato sauce and chilli. Rigatoni or another short pasta can also work, but long pasta gives a different texture and holds the chunky sauce less neatly.

How is Penne Arrabiata pasta different from marinara pasta?

Penne Arrabiata pasta is distinguished by its red chilli, while marinara sauce is typically a tomato sauce without the defining chilli heat. Both often use garlic and herbs, so the chilli—not the tomato base—is the clearest difference.

Can you make Penne Arrabiata pasta sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce for Penne Arrabiata pasta ahead and refrigerate it in a covered container. Cook the penne close to serving time, then warm the sauce and toss the pasta through it with a splash of pasta water.

How do you stop leftover Penne Arrabiata pasta from drying out?

Add a splash of water or tomato sauce before reheating leftover Penne Arrabiata pasta, then warm it gently in a covered pan. The pasta absorbs sauce as it sits, so a little added liquid helps restore its texture.

What can you add to Penne Arrabiata pasta to make it a fuller meal?

You can serve Penne Arrabiata pasta with roasted vegetables, white beans or grilled chicken for a more substantial meal. Add the extra ingredient separately or stir it into the sauce, so the garlic, tomato and chilli remain the dish’s main flavours.

Can Penne Arrabiata pasta be made with fresh tomatoes?

Yes, fresh tomatoes work in Penne Arrabiata pasta. Cook them down with the garlic, olive oil and chilli until their excess liquid evaporates and the sauce thickens; ripe tomatoes usually give the best flavour.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026