Name: Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 medium onion (chopped); 6 cloves garlic (minced); 3/4 cup dry white wine; 1 (28 ounce) can DeLallo San Marzano Style Crushed Tomatoes; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 16 ounces DeLallo Orecchiette Pasta; 2 cups shredded cooked/rotisserie chicken; 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 handful fresh basil (chopped or torn); Pepper (to taste); Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)

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Imagine a pot bubbling on the stove, filled with the vibrant hues of red and orange, the air infused with a punch of garlic and sweet onions. You catch a hint of spice that tingles your senses, prompting your mouth to water in anticipation. As you stir the fragrant sauce, the enticing aroma wraps around you like a warm hug, bringing back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air as we savored comforting meals together. This Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta embodies not just nourishment but also a cozy connection to those family moments. Perfectly suited for a chilly evening or a fun dinner with friends, this dish combines hearty pasta with a zesty kick that will awaken your taste buds. I can’t wait for you to make this delightful meal!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta

Getting into the kitchen to whip up this Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta is more than just cooking; it’s a way to share love and warmth with those you care about. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a sensational dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This dish can be on your table in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The rich blend of garlic, tomatoes, and spices creates a flavorful explosion in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors will impress your family and guests, making it a fun dining experience.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, or as a satisfying meal for one while binge-watching your favorite show.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily substitute the chicken for a vegetarian option or use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons olive oil: This is your base for sautéing the onions and adds a lovely richness. For a lighter option, avocado oil works too.
1/2 medium onion (chopped): A staple for flavor. If you’re short on onions, shallots make a nice alternative.
6 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is crucial for that aromatic kick! In a pinch, garlic powder works, but the flavor won’t be as robust.
3/4 cup dry white wine: Adds depth to the sauce; if you’d like to skip the wine, you could use chicken broth instead.
1 (28 ounce) can DeLallo San Marzano Style Crushed Tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes are sweet and rich, making them perfect for this sauce. If unavailable, any high-quality crushed tomatoes will do.
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste): This gives the dish its signature heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that rounds out the flavors. You can also use a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Bring in a traditional Italian flavor. Fresh oregano is an excellent swap if you happen to have it on hand.
1 teaspoon salt (see note): Enhances all the flavors. Make sure to adjust according to your taste.
16 ounces DeLallo Orecchiette Pasta: These little ‘ears’ of pasta are perfect for trapping the sauce. Penne or fusilli can work well if needed.
2 cups shredded cooked/rotisserie chicken: Convenient and delicious! Feel free to use leftover chicken from a previous meal.
1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: A bright, fresh flavor; fresh herbs elevate the dish. If you don’t have fresh, dried parsley is fine.
1 handful fresh basil (chopped or torn): Adds a wonderful fragrance and flavor; don’t skip this if you can help it!
Pepper (to taste): A sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper enhances the taste.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (to taste): This makes everything better! Pecorino Romano is a lovely alternative if you want something saltier.

How to Make Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta

Sauté Onions: Start by heating the olive oil in a Dutch oven or a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they are softened and lightly caramelized. This gentle cooking releases their natural sweetness, which will serve as a flavorful base for your sauce.

Add Garlic: Toss the minced garlic into the pot, stirring constantly for about 1 minute. Keep an eye on it because garlic can burn quickly—once it’s fragrant, you’re ready for the next step!

Introduce Wine: Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the dry white wine. Allow it to simmer until it has reduced by half, which should take about 3-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it thickens up slightly and the alcohol aroma dissipates. This step adds a delightful complexity to your sauce!

Combine Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, oregano, and salt. Once the mixture starts bubbling, cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar and let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. The flavors will deepen beautifully during this time.

Cook Pasta: While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of water to a boil and generously salt it. Cook the Orecchiette according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to taste it just before draining to get the perfect texture!

Add Chicken: Once the sauce has simmered for 10 minutes, carefully add the shredded chicken and allow it to warm through for another 2-3 minutes. This method not only heats the chicken but also infuses it with the sauce’s delightful flavors.

Mix in Herbs: Stir the chopped parsley and basil into the sauce, allowing their freshness to meld with the rich tomato base. The added herbs brighten up the dish, making it feel vibrant and alive.

Toss with Pasta: Before draining the pasta, reserve about a cup of the hot pasta water. Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the sauce, tossing everything together until well combined. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water for the perfect consistency.

Season & Serve: Finally, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with pepper and extra salt if necessary. Serve your **Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta** garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheesy topping adds a lovely finish, enhancing the meal’s irresistible flavor!

Storing & Reheating

For storing left-over Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta, let it cool down at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it will keep for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it long-term, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy the dish again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a touch of water or extra olive oil to help refresh the consistency of the sauce.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid burning the garlic, keep the heat on medium when adding it to the onions.
If your sauce seems too spicy, you can balance it out with a touch of cream or coconut milk.
Be careful not to overcook the pasta; you want it al dente since it will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce.
Fresh herbs should be added at the end to preserve their flavor; dried herbs can withstand the cooking process.
If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred it ahead of time for quicker prep.
Make-ahead tip: Prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and reheat before mixing it with the pasta.

The flavors of Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta are what make it such a beloved dish. Whether it’s a quiet dinner at home or a vibrant gathering with friends, the warmth and spice it brings to the table will create lasting memories.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish spicy without it being overwhelming?

Absolutely! Start with a smaller amount of crushed red pepper flakes and taste as you go. You can always add more spice, but it’s tough to take it away once it’s in! This way, you can customize the heat to your liking without it becoming too overpowering.

What can I use instead of chicken?

If you want a vegetarian version, consider swapping the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or even chickpeas for extra protein. Both options will soak up the lovely sauce and provide a hearty texture.

How do I avoid overcooking the pasta?

Always cook your pasta al dente, meaning it should still have a little bite to it. This way, even after mixing with the sauce, it won’t become mushy. Check the pasta a minute or two before the package’s recommended cooking time to ensure it’s just right.

Can I prepare Chicken Fra Diavolo Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just add the freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve. This method lets the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing your dish even more!