Fra Diavolo Sauce

Fra diavolo sauce is a delicious spicy tomato sauce that you need to try! This easy homemade sauce is made with tomatoes, garlic, onion, chilies, and fresh herbs for a fiery sauce that tastes great with pasta, seafood, and chicken dishes.

Most of us have heard of shrimp fra diavolo or chicken fra diavolo, but this spicy Italian sauce tastes amazing with so many different dishes. Toss it with al dente spaghetti, linguine, or penne for a zesty pasta dish. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to seafood, such as shrimp, clams, or mussels. Or pair it with chicken, pork, tofu, or beans. 

Love making new sauces for pasta? Don't miss this Arrabiata, Pepperonata, or No Cook Tomato Sauce.

What Is Fra Diavolo Sauce?

Fra diavolo sauce is an Italian spicy tomato sauce infused with the rich flavor of fire-roasted tomatoes and the fragrant accents of garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, and basil.

The savory flavors are balanced with the heat of Calabrian chilies, tying everything together. In fact, “fra diavolo” roughly translates to “brother devil” or “among the devil,” which is a nod to the devilish heat infused in this iconic sauce.

Once it’s simmered to a thick consistency, it boasts a deep red hue and a texture that generously coats whatever you pair it with! One of our favorite proteins to serve it with is shrimp, like in our shrimp fra diavolo, but it also pairs well with chicken and other types of seafood, like lobster, scallops, or clams.

Why You'll Love Fra Diavolo Sauce

• Easy to prepare: You'll love how easily this sauce comes together in just one pan. The total time it takes to prepare is only about 30 minutes!
• Customizable heat: You can adjust the spice level to your liking, making it as fiery or mild as you prefer.
• Freezer-friendly: This sauce is great for meal prep! Make a large batch and freeze it, then just add shrimp when you’re in need of a quick dinner.
• Versatile: Use this sauce for pasta, shrimp, chicken, rice, grilled proteins, bowls, and more. This sauce works with so many different dishes. 

Ingredients and Substitutions

Fra diavolo sauce is such a breeze to make! Here is what you’ll need:

• Olive oil: We like to use extra-virgin olive oil to impart a rich element in the base of the sauce. You can also use avocado oil or butter if you prefer.
• Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor. For a milder onion taste, substitute regular onions with shallots.
• Garlic: Provides intensely savory and pungent notes that round out the other ingredients. While we recommend fresh garlic cloves, garlic paste will work in a pinch.
• Calabrian chilies: These Italian peppers provide the fiery characteristic fra diavolo sauce is known for. If Calabrian chilies are unavailable, try a few teaspoons of red chili flakes.
• Dry white wine: Helps deglaze the pan and brightens the sauce. If you don’t consume wine, you can replace it with chicken or vegetable broth.
• Canned tomatoes: For an extra smoky flavor, we love to use fire-roasted canned diced tomatoes. If you can’t find those, opt for regular diced tomatoes instead.
• Italian seasoning: Provides a savory, earthy, and slightly minty blend of flavors. Use store-bought or make your own mix with herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Fresh herbs: Both fresh basil and parsley add refreshing, herbaceous notes to balance the heat of the Calabrian chilies.

How To Make Fra Diavolo Sauce

This sauce is easy to make and freezes great. So much better than store-bought sauce.

1. Cook The Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet, waiting until it's shimmering to add the onions. Cook them until they soften and release a sweet aroma, which will help balance the heat of the chilies. Once they are softened, stir in the minced garlic and let it become aromatic.

2. Build The Sauce

Pour in the wine, making sure to scrape all flavorful browned bits off the bottom of the pan. This process, known as deglazing, will ensure the sauce is infused with the most flavor.

Next, it’s time for the canned tomatoes, Calabrian chilies, and Italian seasoning. Once these are in, reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer. Aim for 10 to 30 minutes to give the flavors time to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

3. Add The Finishing Touches

The last step is to stir in some salt and the fresh parsley and basil into the tomato mixture. Adding the herbs at the end preserves their vibrant color and fresh taste. Your fra diavolo sauce is now ready to toss with pasta, shrimp, seafood, or other proteins.

What To Serve With Fra Diavolo Sauce

While this sauce shines when paired with shrimp, its versatility doesn't end there! Here are a few more ideas:

• Grilled chicken breasts
• Roasted vegetables
• Sautéed scallops or mussels
• Pasta like linguine, spaghetti, or capellini
• In a lasagna for a spicy twist
• Ratatouille with Polenta
• One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta

Storage and Reheating

This sauce stores well, so make a large batch to keep on hand for quick meals all week! Here’s what to do:

• Fridge: Store the sauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat your fra diavolo sauce gently on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.

Spice up Your Fra Diavolo Sauce

The beauty of this sauce is that it can be a blank canvas for different ingredients. Here are a few ideas to put a spin on this classic:

• Splash of cream: Add a splash of cream for a creamy fra diavolo sauce.
• Citrusy: Infuse it with lemon zest or a touch of lemon juice for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Briny: Add capers or olives for a briny, salty taste.
• Sweet: Stir in roasted red bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.
• Meaty: Add cooked Italian sausage for a high-protein version.