Pasta alla Diavola: A Fiery Italian Delight
Pasta alla Diavola
Equipment
- Pot, skillet, colander, wooden spoon, knife, and cutting board
Ingredients
- Pasta:
- 12 oz 340 g spaghetti or penne
- Olive Oil:
- 2 tablespoons
- Garlic:
- 3 cloves minced
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes:
- 1 teaspoon adjust for spice preference
- Canned Tomatoes:
- 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- Tomato Paste:
- 2 tablespoons
- Sugar:
- 1 teaspoon to balance acidity
- Salt and Pepper:
- To taste
- Fresh Basil or Parsley:
- For garnish
- Parmesan Cheese:
- Grated for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
- Add Spice:
- Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes. This will give the dish its signature heat, so adjust the amount to your liking.
- Combine Tomatoes:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
- Season the Sauce:
- Add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss until the pasta is well coated with the spicy tomato sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, so the pasta absorbs some of the flavors.
- Serve:
- Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Pasta alla Diavola, or “Devil’s Pasta,” is a spicy and flavorful dish that brings a kick to your table. This recipe combines simple ingredients with a spicy tomato sauce that will delight your taste buds. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let me show you how I make this delicious dish, and share some tips and variations along the way.
Notes on What to Expect
When making Pasta alla Diavola, expect a delightful balance of spice and savory flavors. The combination of garlic and crushed red pepper creates an aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the pasta. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic option for any meal. From my own personal experience, this recipe can be adapted easily based on what’s in your pantry.
Meal Facts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Time to Stand: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Cost of Ingredients: Around $15
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main
- Equipment Needed: Pot, skillet, colander, wooden spoon, knife, and cutting board
Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making Pasta alla Diavola here
Ingredients
- Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or penne
- Olive Oil:
- 2 tablespoons
- Garlic:
- 3 cloves, minced
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes:
- 1 teaspoon (adjust for spice preference)
- Canned Tomatoes:
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- Tomato Paste:
- 2 tablespoons
- Sugar:
- 1 teaspoon (to balance acidity)
- Salt and Pepper:
- To taste
- Fresh Basil or Parsley:
- For garnish
- Parmesan Cheese:
- Grated, for serving
Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making Pasta alla Diavola here
Method
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Make the Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! - Add Spice:
Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes. This will give the dish its signature heat, so adjust the amount to your liking. - Combine Tomatoes:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste. Stir well to combine. - Season the Sauce:
Add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. - Mix Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss until the pasta is well coated with the spicy tomato sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, so the pasta absorbs some of the flavors. - Serve:
Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Variations
- Protein Additions:
Add cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or Italian sausage for a heartier dish. - Vegetable Boost:
Toss in sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to incorporate more veggies. - Vegan Option:
Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to make it vegan-friendly.
Tips and Substitutions
- Pasta Type:
You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or farfalle. - Low-Sodium Option:
Use low-sodium canned tomatoes and reduce added salt. - Spice Control:
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper or omit it altogether.
Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making Pasta alla Diavola here
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: Varies based on added salt
Troubleshooting Tips
- Sauce Too Thick:
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen it up. - Too Spicy:
If the dish is too spicy, balance it out with a bit more sugar or serve with a side of sour cream or yogurt.
Hi!
I’m Mike, the creator of Forum Foodies. In my own personal experience, understanding ingredients is key to great cooking.
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Mike/