Spicy Fra Diavolo Sauce with Pasta

Name: Spicy Fra Diavolo Sauce with Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste); 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped); 400 grams spaghetti or linguine (uncooked); 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

45 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Spice up your pasta nights with this zesty Fra Diavolo sauce, a perfect blend of tomatoes, garlic, and chili flakes that brings a fiery hit to your favourite pasta.

Prep

15 min

Cook

30 min

Total

45 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Fra Diavolo sauce is a fiery Italian-American classic known for its bold and spicy flavours. Traditionally served with seafood, this sauce is versatile enough to complement any pasta dish. The combination of ripe tomatoes, garlic, and red chili flakes creates a zesty experience that will tantalize your taste buds. This version of Fra Diavolo sauce is perfect for anyone who enjoys a spicy kick in their meals. The heat from the chili flakes can be adjusted according to your preference, making it suitable for both mild and spice-loving palates. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe provides a straightforward method to bring authentic Italian flair to your kitchen.

Instructions

Prepare the garlic and chili

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red chili flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Pro tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.

Add the tomatoes

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Pro tip: If using fresh tomatoes, blanch and peel them before crushing.

Simmer the sauce

Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Pro tip: For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency.

Cook the pasta

Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions.

Pro tip: Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Combine pasta and sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.

Pro tip: Ensure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce for maximum flavour.

Finish with fresh basil

Stir in chopped basil and adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

Pro tip: Garnish with additional chili flakes for extra heat.

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Tips & Tricks

Use fresh tomatoes for a richer flavour.
Adjust chili flakes to control the heat level.
Pair with seafood for a classic combination.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fra Diavolo sauce?

Fra Diavolo sauce is a spicy Italian-American sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, and red chili flakes, typically served with seafood or pasta.

How spicy is Fra Diavolo sauce?

Fra Diavolo sauce is moderately spicy, but the heat can be adjusted by varying the amount of red chili flakes used.

Can I make Fra Diavolo sauce less spicy?

Yes, reduce the amount of red chili flakes or omit them entirely to make the sauce less spicy.

What pasta goes well with Fra Diavolo sauce?

Spaghetti and linguine are commonly used, but you can pair Fra Diavolo sauce with any pasta of your choice.

How many calories are in Fra Diavolo sauce with pasta?

A serving of Fra Diavolo sauce with pasta contains approximately 450 calories.

Can I use fresh tomatoes in Fra Diavolo sauce?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Blanch and peel them before crushing for the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Fra Diavolo sauce with a side of garlic bread to soak up every last drop, and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavour. Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, like a Pinot Grigio, to balance the spice. This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, allowing the flavours to deepen over time. Simply reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain the perfect consistency.