pasta fra diavolo recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best pasta fra diavolo recipe

I’ve been making pasta fra diavolo for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress. The dish originated in Italy, specifically in the Campania region, where it’s known as ‘spaghetti al diavolo.’

It’s a spicy tomato sauce-based pasta dish that’s quick to make and packed with flavor. I love serving it to my family on weeknights or for special occasions because it’s easy to customize with various ingredients and always a crowd-pleaser.

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, particularly the tomatoes, which should be San Marzano or similar for the best flavor. I also like to add some heat with red pepper flakes, but feel free to adjust the level of spiciness to your liking.

One of the best things about pasta fra diavolo is its versatility – you can serve it as a main course or use it as a base for other dishes, such as adding cooked sausage or chicken for added protein. My kids adore helping me cook this recipe because they love watching the sauce simmer and smelling the aroma of garlic and tomatoes wafting from the pot.

This recipe is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too once you try it. One of the reasons I appreciate this recipe so much is that it’s incredibly easy to make ahead – simply prepare the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce with some additional olive oil and toss it with cooked pasta and any desired protein or vegetables.

Pasta Fra Diavolo

4.9 from 653 votes

Pasta Fra Diavolo is a spicy Italian pasta dish featuring spaghetti in a rich tomato sauce with red pepper flakes. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

225g spaghetti

For the Sauce

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
400g canned diced tomatoes
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup red wine
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and set aside.
4The spaghetti should be tender but firm to the bite.
5In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
6Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
7Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
8The onions should be translucent and the garlic should be fragrant.
9Add the diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan.
10Stir well to combine.
11Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, until it has thickened slightly.
12The sauce should have a thicker consistency and the flavors should be well combined.
13Pour in the red wine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the alcohol has evaporated and the sauce has reduced slightly.
14Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it has melted and the sauce is smooth.
15The sauce should be slightly thickened and the cheese should be fully incorporated.
16Add the cooked spaghetti to the saucepan with the sauce and toss to coat the spaghetti evenly.
17If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to loosen it up.
18The pasta should be well coated in the sauce.
19Serve the pasta fra diavolo hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Saucepan
Wooden spoon
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 5mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less red pepper flakes. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of red wine.

Watch Video Of How Pasta Fra Diavolo Works

Pasta fra diavolo is a perfect dish for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a large gathering or just need a quick weeknight meal. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it reheats beautifully – simply add some additional olive oil and toss it with cooked pasta and any desired protein or vegetables.

For storage ideas, you can store leftover pasta fra diavolo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, be sure to add some additional olive oil and let it simmer for at least 10 minutes before serving.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta Fra Diavolo

Q: What is pasta fra diavolo?

Pasta fra diavolo is an Italian-American dish made with spaghetti tossed in a spicy tomato sauce-based sauce.

Q: Can I customize this recipe?

Yes, feel free to add your favorite protein sources like cooked sausage or chicken, or include vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

Q: How do I make pasta fra diavolo ahead?

Simply prepare the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q: What type of tomatoes should I use?

For the best flavor, use San Marzano tomatoes or similar.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute gluten-free pasta into your recipe.

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