---
title: "Penne with a Kick"
source:
  name: HelloFresh
  url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/penne-with-a-kick-597b428351d3f11af66a80b2
servings: 2
prep time: 10 minutes
cook time: 20 minutes
time required: 30 minutes
difficulty: Easy
allergens:
  - Wheat
  - Milk
tags:
  - Spicy
rating: 4.5
rating_count: 5900
source_chef: Recipe Development Team
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/penne-with-a-kick.avif"
---

Wash and dry all produce. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Halve, peel, and dice @red onion{1%unit}. Mince or grate @garlic{3%cloves}. Core, seed, and dice @roma tomato{2%unit}. Mince @chili pepper{1%unit}.

Heat a drizzle of @olive oil{2%tbsp} in a #large pan{} over medium heat. Add half the @pancetta{2%oz} and cook, tossing occasionally, until slightly crispy ~{3%minutes}. Toss in onion and as much chili as you like. Cook until softened ~{4%minutes}. Add garlic and toss until fragrant ~{1%minute}. Season with salt and pepper.

Once water is boiling, add @penne pasta{4%oz} to pot. Cook until al dente ~{10%minutes}. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta cooking water.

Add Roma tomato, @diced tomatoes{14%oz}, and @sugar{1%tsp} to pan. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened ~{10%minutes}. Season with salt and pepper.

Add penne pasta and @spinach{3%oz} to sauce and toss until spinach is wilted. Stir in as much pasta cooking water as is needed to loosen sauce and give it a loose consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

Divide pasta between plates. Sprinkle with @parmesan cheese{2%oz} and serve.