This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This fra diavolo sauce is a spicy Italian tomato sauce made with fresh or canned tomatoes, red chili flakes, and oregano. It pairs perfectly with pasta and seafood!
One of my goals in 2020 is to make more foods from scratch.
That includes pasta sauce.
This summer, I made batch after batch of classic marinara sauce, yellow tomato marinara, and red wine pasta sauce.
As the weather turned cooler, I started making winter squash sauces like this acorn squash pasta sauce.
Recently, though, I’ve been craving something a little spicier.
This homemade fra diavolo sauce is an easy version of the classic Italian sauce, and is perfect for both pasta and seafood.
Want more pasta ideas? Try this butternut squash lasagna, lemon spinach pasta, pasta con le sarde, scallop alfredo and seafood macaroni and cheese.
What does Fra Diavolo Mean?
It’s Italian for “brother devil” or “devil monk” and refers to a spicy Italian pasta sauce.
Fra diavolo sauce is generally served with pasta or seafood. I love both shrimp fra diavolo and scallop fra diavolo!
How Spicy Is This Fra Diavolo Sauce?
It definitely has a little bit of a kick.
If you were ordering takeout, I’d call this a medium or a hot, depending on how spicy your chili flakes are.
That said, you can definitely adjust the recipe to your heat-level preferences by using fewer chili flakes. Or use more chili flakes if you like things extra-hot.
Can I Preserve This Sauce for Later?
You sure can!
Store it in the fridge for up to six days or freeze it for up to a year.
This sauce has not been tested for canning.
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes?
Yes, absolutely!
Both fresh and canned tomatoes will work perfectly.
This sauce also works well with frozen tomatoes, but you should thaw them before cooking.
The tomatoes in the photos are fire-roasted tomatoes that I froze earlier this year.
How to Make Fra Diavolo Sauce
Start by adding olive oil, a diced onion, red chili flakes and sea salt to a large pan. I use this Lodge 12″ carbon steel skillet.
When the onions soften, add some garlic.
Next, add the tomatoes, water and dried oregano.
Bring it to a simmer and continue simmering until most of the water has evaporated and the sauce thickens, about 20 minutes.
Taste the sauce. If the seasoning needs adjusted, do it now.
Finally, toss your favorite pasta in the fra diavolo sauce and enjoy!
Fra Diavolo Sauce
Yes
6 Days (Fridge), 1 Year (Freezer)
Equipment
- large heavy skillet (12-inch minimum)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tsp red chili flakes Use less for a milder sauce
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 garlic cloves, diced
- 2 lbs fresh tomatoes (diced) or 28oz can diced or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Add the oil, onions, chili flakes and salt to a large, shallow pan. (Use a 12" pan or larger.)Cook the onions over medium heat until they begin to brown (~5 min). Add the garlic and cook 1 more minute, or until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes, water, and oregano to the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the tomatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until most of the water has evaporated and the sauce has thickened.Taste the sauce and add more chili flakes, salt, or oregano if desired. Simmer 1-2 more minutes if you added more seasoning.Serve immediately along with fresh pasta or with seafood, refrigerate and use within 4-6 days, or freeze and use within a year.
Leave a Comment: