The smell of garlic sizzling in olive oil mixed with the robust aroma of tomatoes creates a symphony that dances through your kitchen. When you take a bite of Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta, the perfect blend of spicy and savory envelops your taste buds in a delicious embrace, leaving you wanting more.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that warms your heart and your stomach. Perfect for date night or a cozy family dinner, Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta promises to elevate any occasion. Get ready to impress everyone with flavors that scream “I know what I’m doing in the kitchen!”
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The preparation is a breeze, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The flavor profile is a delightful balance of heat and richness that will have you craving seconds.
- With its vibrant colors and enticing aromas, this dish is visually stunning on any table.
- Versatile enough to adapt to various dietary needs while still being utterly delicious.
I once made this dish for a dinner party, and let’s just say my friends are still talking about how they couldn’t stop reaching for more.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for about 3-4 chicken breasts, adjusting based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm, fresh garlic cloves; they’ll deliver the best flavor.
Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Look for high-quality brands; they make all the difference in taste.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance; go easy if you’re not a spice lover.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for enhanced flavor; it brings everything together beautifully.
Pasta of Choice: Spaghetti or penne works well; choose your favorite type for optimal enjoyment.
Fresh Basil: Adds a fragrant touch at the end, elevating the dish’s flavors and visual appeal.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese over the top for that melty finish that’s simply irresistible.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients on your countertop. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic finely for maximum flavor infusion.
Sauté Garlic and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant before adding chicken pieces until browned and cooked through.
Add Tomatoes and Spice Things Up: Stir in crushed tomatoes along with red pepper flakes. Let this simmer while stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly, filling your kitchen with heavenly aromas.
Cook Your Chosen Pasta: While the sauce simmers, boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining; it will help bind everything together later.
Combine Everything Together: Add drained pasta into the skillet with sauce. Toss well to coat every noodle evenly with that spicy tomato goodness. If necessary, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
Garnish and Serve Hot!: Finish with freshly chopped basil and generous shavings of Parmesan cheese before serving hot. Enjoy every bite while basking in compliments from family or friends.
Now you’re set to create a delightful meal that will impress anyone lucky enough to join you at the table!
You Must Know
- Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a flavor explosion.
- With its spicy tomato sauce and tender chicken, it dances on your taste buds.
- The dish is perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a comforting weeknight dinner.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect results, start by searing the chicken. Cook the pasta while preparing the spicy tomato sauce simultaneously.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or swap out chicken for shrimp for a twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, let the sauce simmer longer to deepen it.
- Always taste and adjust spices before serving.
- Keep your pasta slightly undercooked; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Sharing this dish at family gatherings always brings compliments, especially when they ask for my secret ingredient—a dash of love and lots of spice!
FAQ
What makes Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta spicy?
The combination of red pepper flakes and crushed tomatoes creates its signature heat.
Can I use a different protein in this recipe?
Absolutely! Shrimp or tofu can be great alternatives to chicken.
How do I make Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta vegetarian?
Replace chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian option.
Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta
Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta is a vibrant, spicy dish that combines tender chicken and zesty tomatoes, creating an irresistible flavor explosion. This hearty meal brings warmth to your kitchen and is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner. With just the right amount of heat from red pepper flakes, this pasta dish is both comforting and exciting. Get ready to savor every bite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 8 oz spaghetti or penne
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic.
- Sauté garlic and chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add chicken until browned and cooked through.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes; simmer until sauce thickens.
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente; reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Combine: Toss drained pasta with the sauce in the skillet. Add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Top with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 375g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, let the sauce simmer longer. Feel free to customize by adding spinach or bell peppers or substituting chicken with shrimp.
