Craving a little heat in your life? This Farfalle Fra Diavolo is here to answer the call! ‘Fra Diavolo,’ meaning ‘brother devil’ in Italian, perfectly describes this fiery, spirited tomato sauce. We’re taking a simple jar of tomato sauce and elevating it with sizzling garlic, a generous pinch of red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley. It’s a ridiculously easy, budget-friendly weeknight meal that delivers bold, restaurant-quality flavor in minutes. Perfect for when you need a satisfying pasta fix, fast!
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons / 30 ml olive oil
• 1 tablespoon / 15 g finely chopped garlic (about 3 cloves)
• 1/2 teaspoon / 1 g crushed red pepper flakes, or more to taste
• 1 cup / 25 g roughly chopped Italian parsley, divided
• 1 (28-ounce) / 794 g jar high-quality store-bought tomato sauce
• 1 pound / 454 g farfalle pasta, cooked al dente
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet or pot over high heat. Add the olive oil, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and most of the parsley (reserving some for garnish). Let the sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Pour in the jar of tomato sauce, stirring to combine with the aromatics. Bring the sauce to a steady simmer and reduce the heat to low.
3. If using pre-cooked, cold pasta, bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Dip the cooked pasta in the boiling water for 60 seconds to reheat it. Drain well.
4. Transfer the hot pasta directly into the skillet with the simmering sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat each bow-tie. The starchy water clinging to the pasta will help the sauce adhere beautifully. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the pasta’s cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Season generously with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining fresh parsley.
Nutritional Information
• Serves: 8
• Serving Size: 3/4 cup
• Calories: 327
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 409mg
Pro Tips
• for Perfect Fra Diavolo
• Don’t skip sizzling the aromatics in oil—this step, called ‘blooming,’ is crucial for unlocking the deep flavors of the garlic and red pepper flakes.
• That starchy pasta water is liquid gold! It contains starches that help the sauce emulsify and cling perfectly to the pasta, creating a silkier texture than plain water.
• Elevate your jarred sauce by adding a splash of dry white wine or vodka after the garlic sizzles and letting it cook off before adding the tomatoes.
• Adjust the heat to your liking. The 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes provides a moderate kick. Feel free to double it for a true ‘devil’ experience or reduce it for a milder sauce.
FAQ
Q: How can I add more protein to this vegetarian fra diavolo
A: To boost the protein, add a can of rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas to the sauce while it simmers. You could also stir in some plant-based Italian sausage crumbles or serve it with a side of grilled tofu.
Q: Is this Farfalle Fra Diavolo recipe vegan
A: This recipe is easily made vegan. Most dried farfalle pasta is naturally vegan (egg-free), and many jarred tomato sauces are as well. Simply double-check the labels on your specific pasta and sauce to ensure they contain no dairy or eggs.
Q: What vegetables can I add to this meatless pasta dish
A: This dish is fantastic with added vegetables. Try sautéing sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers in the pan before adding the garlic. You can also wilt a few large handfuls of fresh spinach into the sauce just before adding the pasta.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftover fra diavolo
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
