After a long week of mundane meals and rushed takeout, I found myself yearning for something with a little more pizzazz. That’s when inspiration struck amidst a whirlwind of ingredients on my kitchen counter: Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta. The vibrant colors of fresh tomatoes and herbs beckoned, promising a dish that was not only visually stunning but also packed with flavors that could wake up my palate from its slumber.
With its fiery kick and comforting pasta medley, this dish transforms any weeknight dinner into a vibrant celebration. Picture the aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil mingling with spicy crushed peppers, creating an irresistible potion that even the pickiest eaters would succumb to. What makes it truly special is its versatility—easy to tweak with whatever veggies or pasta shapes you have on hand, this recipe can easily become your new go-to for impressing guests or simply indulging yourself. So, let’s dive into this satisfying culinary adventure that brings the warmth of homemade cooking right to your table!
Why You'll Love This Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta
- This Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something exceptional.
- The bold flavors from fresh ingredients like garlic and spicy crushed peppers invigorate your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
- Its versatility means you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes, ensuring that it fits any occasion or personal preference.
- Visually, this dish is a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors, making it a stunning centerpiece for any dinner table.
Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta Ingredients
• Ready to bring the heat to dinner?
For the Pasta
- Pasta of choice – any shape works beautifully, but spaghetti or penne hold the sauce perfectly.
- Salt – enhances the pasta’s flavor; don’t skip this step!
For the Sauce
- Olive oil – the heart of flavor; choose extra virgin for the best taste.
- Garlic – fresh cloves will elevate the aroma—feel free to adjust for your love of garlic!
- Crushed red pepper flakes – this is where the “diavolo” comes in; adjust for desired heat.
- Crushed tomatoes – use canned for convenience or fresh for a delightful twist.
- Chicken breast – cubed; this protein brings heartiness to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese – freshly grated will melt beautifully and add depth to the sauce.
For the Garnish
- Fresh basil – chopped; it adds a burst of color and flavor right before serving.
- Black pepper – freshly cracked for the best flavor, to taste.
Embrace the spirit of this Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta dish as you conjure up bold flavors that will impress even the most discerning palates!
How to Make Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta
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Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat a generous splash of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Avoid burning!
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Add Heat: Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds. This is the moment the fiery kick begins to develop, filling your kitchen with excitement!
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Stir in the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes (and juices) into the skillet. Stir well, allowing the sauce to simmer and combine flavors for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
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Incorporate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the sauce. Stir occasionally, cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s no longer pink in the center!
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Combine: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing until every strand is lovingly coated in your rich sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.
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Garnish and Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A fresh crack of black pepper adds the finishing touch.
Optional: Serve with a side of crusty bread to savor every drop of sauce!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize this recipe to suit your taste!
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Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap regular pasta for whole wheat for a healthier twist that adds extra fiber and nutty flavor.
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Zucchini Noodles: Make it low-carb and gluten-free by using spiralized zucchini. Lightly sauté before adding your sauce for a delightful texture.
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Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or a medley of your favorite vegetables to create a vibrant plant-based version packed with nutrients.
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Spicy Kick: For an invigorating challenge, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat level in your sauce.
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Creamy Addition: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese when serving for a rich, creamy rendition that wraps every bite in decadence.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like parsley or oregano to the sauce for an aromatic lift that brightens the dish and enhances the flavor profile.
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Seafood Twist: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops for a delightful seafood variation that cooks quickly and offers a new dimension to the classic flavors.
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Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon peel into the sauce before serving for a refreshing burst of citrus that cuts through the richness of the dish beautifully.
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm it up on medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally, to enjoy that delightful Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta again!
What to Serve with Pumpkin Pie?
Cozy up your dessert table with delightful pairings that enhance this festive favorite.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the creamy richness. It’s classic and comforting!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and mellow flavor of vanilla ice cream bring a cool balance to the spiced warmth of pumpkin pie.
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Spiced Coffee: A steaming cup of spiced coffee or pumpkin spice latte brings out the spices in the pie, perfect for cold nights.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice adds a touch of indulgence and a sweet contrast to the spices.
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Gingersnap Cookies: The spicy crunch of gingersnap cookies complements the pie’s flavors, providing a delightful texture contrast. Enjoy them alongside!
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Pecan Tart: With its crunchy pecans and buttery crust, a pecan tart is a great companion that mirrors the fall vibe of pumpkin pie.
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Apple Cider: A chilled or warm spiced apple cider complements the fall spices beautifully, enriching the overall tasting experience.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses like Brie or herbed goat cheese offers a savory contrast to the sweet pie, balancing the flavors for a scrumptious finish.
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Chocolate Fondue: For a fun twist, serve chocolate fondue with fruit dippers; the combination with pumpkin pie is unexpectedly delightful!
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully. Simply follow the steps to sauté the garlic, add in the crushed tomatoes, and incorporate the cooked chicken. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating. To finish up, just reheat the sauce on the stove while boiling your pasta; it will be just as delicious as when freshly made! If you want to enjoy it later, just cook the pasta right before serving for a satisfying, time-saving meal that feels homemade.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta, make sure to salt your pasta water generously, as this is your primary chance to infuse flavor into the pasta itself.
- When sautéing garlic, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning; burnt garlic can taste bitter and ruin your dish.
- If you want to adjust the spice level, consider starting with fewer crushed red pepper flakes and adding more to taste as the sauce simmers.
- When incorporating the chicken into the sauce, ensure that it’s cooked thoroughly by checking that it’s no longer pink in the center, as this ensures food safety and optimal texture.
Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta Recipe FAQs
What type of pasta works best for Chicken Fra Diavolo?
You can really get creative here! I love spaghetti and penne for this dish because they hold the sauce beautifully. However, feel free to use any pasta shape that you have on hand—fettuccine or farfalle are great alternatives too.
How long can I store leftovers from Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta?
Leftover Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to bring back the creaminess.
Can I freeze Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta?
Absolutely! To freeze, portion the pasta into individual servings and place them in freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What should I do if my sauce is too spicy?
If your sauce turns out a bit spicier than you’d like, don’t worry! You can mellow it out by adding a splash of cream or a bit of sugar to balance the heat. Additionally, serving the pasta with a side of yogurt or sour cream can help tone down the spice without losing that delightful flavor.
What if my chicken isn’t cooked through?
If you find that your chicken is pink in the center while making Chicken Fra Diavolo, simply lower the heat and let it cook a bit longer, covering the skillet with a lid to trap heat. Ensure a meat thermometer reads at least 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part to confirm it’s safely cooked.
Can I make Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta vegetarian?
Certainly! You can easily swap the chicken for mushrooms or zucchini, which will absorb the sauce’s rich flavors beautifully. You can also add some cooked chickpeas for added protein. Just follow the same cooking instructions, adjusting cooking times as needed. Enjoy your flavorful vegetarian version!
Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes and stir for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes (and juices) into the skillet. Stir and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add cubed chicken breast to the sauce. Stir occasionally, cooking until chicken is fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into the skillet until each strand is coated in sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and cracked black pepper.
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