Spicy Calamari Pasta Fra Diavolo — that’s a classic Italian-American dish bursting with bold flavors! Think tender calamari rings tossed in a fiery, garlicky tomato sauce with a kick of red pepper, served over pasta. Perfect if you love a little heat and seafood.
🍝 Spicy Calamari Pasta Fra Diavolo
🍽️ Serves: 4
⏱️ Time: 30-35 minutes
📝 Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1 lb (450g) fresh calamari rings and tentacles
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional but recommended)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
2. Prepare the sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine, simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
- Let simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to develop flavors.
3. Cook the calamari:
- Add calamari to the simmering sauce.
- Cook 3-4 minutes — just until calamari turns opaque and tender (avoid overcooking to prevent rubberiness).
- Stir in lemon juice.
4. Combine & serve:
- Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan (if desired).
🔁 Tips & Variations:
- Add shrimp or scallops for a mixed seafood Fra Diavolo.
- Use fresh chili or chili paste for a different kind of heat.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce!