When it comes to Italian cuisine, few dishes encapsulate the simplicity and boldness of Italian cooking quite like Pennette Arrabiata. This classic dish, known for its fiery kick and rich tomato flavour, has been a staple on the menu of countless Italian eateries. But at La Ballerina Italian Restaurant, Covent Garden, Pennette Arrabiata takes centre stage, offering diners an authentic taste of Italy right in the heart of London.
A Dish with Heritage
Pennette Arrabiata, or simply “Arrabiata” as it is often called, is deeply rooted in Roman cuisine. The name “arrabiata” means “angry” in Italian, a fitting description of the spiciness that defines this dish. Traditionally, this pasta dish is made with penne pasta (a shorter, smaller variety known as pennette is used at La Ballerina), tossed in a sauce of tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and red chilli peppers.
At La Ballerina Italian Restaurant, the Pennette Arrabiata is prepared with the utmost respect for its heritage, ensuring that every bite transports you to the streets of Rome, where this fiery sauce was first perfected. While it may be a simple dish in its ingredients, it is far from ordinary in its execution. The combination of high-quality ingredients and expert technique makes it a standout offering on the menu, priced at a very reasonable £10.95.
The Ingredients that Define Arrabiata
The beauty of Pennette Arrabiata lies in its simplicity. The key to the success of this dish at La Ballerina is the freshness and quality of each ingredient. The tomato sauce forms the base of the dish, made from ripe, sun-kissed tomatoes that are slow-cooked to extract their natural sweetness and depth of flavour. Garlic adds a savoury punch, infusing the sauce with its unmistakable aroma.
However, the real star of the show is the chilli. In keeping with tradition, La Ballerina uses fresh red chilli peppers, which are finely chopped and sautéed to release their heat. The chilli is what gives the dish its characteristic “angry” spiciness, but it’s carefully balanced so as not to overwhelm the palate. Instead, it provides a pleasant warmth that lingers, urging you to take another bite.
This simple yet robust sauce clings to every piece of pennette, coating the pasta in a rich and vibrant sauce that is as delicious as it is visually appealing.
The Perfect Pasta
At La Ballerina, the pasta is cooked to perfection. The use of pennette, a smaller version of penne, ensures that the sauce is evenly distributed and that every mouthful is packed with flavour. The pasta is cooked “al dente” – meaning “to the tooth” in Italian – which provides the perfect texture: firm but not hard, with just the right amount of bite. This ensures that the dish doesn’t become mushy but retains a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the sauce.
The care with which the pasta is prepared is evident in every bite. Each pennette holds onto the sauce, offering a delightful burst of flavour. This attention to detail is a hallmark of the dining experience at La Ballerina, where every dish is treated with the utmost respect for tradition.
La Ballerina’s Signature Twist
While La Ballerina’s Pennette Arrabiata adheres to the traditional Roman recipe, the chefs here have added a subtle signature twist that sets it apart from other versions you may have tasted. The dish benefits from a touch of high-quality olive oil, drizzled over the pasta just before serving. This enhances the flavour and adds a luxurious texture to the dish.
Additionally, La Ballerina is known for its dedication to using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. While the tomatoes are traditionally Italian, the restaurant sources its garlic and chillies from local producers, ensuring that the freshest ingredients make their way into the dish. This blend of authentic Italian and local British produce creates a fusion that celebrates both Italian heritage and local sustainability.
Pairing Pennette Arrabiata with Wine
No Italian meal is complete without a good wine, and La Ballerina’s wine selection is carefully curated to complement the dishes on the menu. When it comes to Pennette Arrabiata, the spicy, tomato-based sauce calls for a wine that can stand up to its bold flavours.
A classic choice would be a Chianti or a Sangiovese. These wines have enough acidity to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes while complementing the spiciness of the chilli. The tannins in these wines also help to cleanse the palate, ensuring that each bite of the pasta feels as fresh as the first. For those who prefer white wine, a crisp Pinot Grigio offers a refreshing counterpoint to the heat of the dish, with its light and zesty notes cutting through the richness of the sauce.
At La Ballerina, the knowledgeable staff are always on hand to recommend the perfect wine pairing, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Dining at La Ballerina Italian Restaurant, Covent Garden
Situated in the bustling Covent Garden area, La Ballerina Italian Restaurant offers diners an escape from the hustle and bustle of London life. With its charming décor, reminiscent of a traditional Italian trattoria, and warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a meal with family, friends, or even solo.
The restaurant prides itself on offering authentic Italian cuisine made with love and passion. Every dish on the menu, including the Pennette Arrabiata, is crafted with the same dedication to quality and flavour. Whether you’re a local or visiting Covent Garden for the first time, La Ballerina promises an unforgettable dining experience.
More than Just a Meal
While Pennette Arrabiata may be one of the simpler dishes on the menu at La Ballerina, it embodies everything that is great about Italian cooking. It’s a dish that celebrates fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. At La Ballerina, every plate of Pennette Arrabiata is prepared with the same care and attention as it would be in a Roman kitchen.
At £10.95, it offers excellent value for money, especially given the quality of the ingredients and the skill with which it is prepared. For those looking to enjoy a taste of Italy without leaving London, Pennette Arrabiata at La Ballerina Italian Restaurant, Covent Garden, is a must-try.
Conclusion
Pennette Arrabiata at La Ballerina is more than just a pasta dish – it’s a celebration of Italian culinary tradition. The rich tomato sauce, the subtle heat of the chilli, and the perfectly cooked pasta come together in a dish that is both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or simply looking to try something new, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds.
The next time you find yourself in Covent Garden, make sure to stop by La Ballerina and treat yourself to a plate of Pennette Arrabiata. It’s a dish that embodies the essence of Italian cooking – simple, flavourful, and made with love.
