Hey everyone! Are you ready to dive into a world of flavor? Today, we're going to make chicken fra diavolo with linguine, a dish that's sure to ignite your taste buds. This isn't just any pasta recipe, guys; it's a culinary journey filled with bold spices, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked linguine. Trust me, once you try this, you'll be hooked! Fra diavolo, which translates to "brother devil," lives up to its name with a fiery kick, balanced by the sweetness of the tomatoes and the savory notes of the chicken. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or whenever you're craving something truly delicious. I'll walk you through every step, ensuring your chicken fra diavolo turns out absolutely amazing.

What is Chicken Fra Diavolo?

So, what exactly is chicken fra diavolo? It's a classic Italian-American dish, and it's all about that devilishly spicy tomato sauce. The sauce typically includes a base of garlic, onions, and often bell peppers, simmered in olive oil. Then comes the heat, usually from red pepper flakes, chili peppers, or a combination of both. Tomatoes, both fresh and canned, form the heart of the sauce, providing sweetness and acidity to balance the spice. And of course, the protein: in this case, we're using tender chicken pieces. The dish is traditionally served with pasta, often linguine, which is perfect for catching all that delicious sauce. The beauty of fra diavolo lies in its simplicity – it's a dish where fresh, high-quality ingredients shine, and the flavors meld together beautifully. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking, and you can swap out the chicken for other proteins like shrimp, mussels, or clams. The possibilities are endless!

This recipe is a bit different because we're focusing on chicken, which adds a hearty and satisfying element to the dish. The chicken is cooked to perfection, absorbing all the flavors of the fra diavolo sauce. The linguine pasta is the perfect vessel for soaking up that spicy, flavorful sauce. The dish is a symphony of flavors and textures: the tender chicken, the perfectly cooked pasta, and the bold, spicy sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any pasta lover, and it's guaranteed to become a new favorite. The key to a great fra diavolo is balancing the heat with the other flavors. We want that fiery kick, but we also want to taste the sweetness of the tomatoes, the savoriness of the chicken, and the freshness of the herbs. It's a delicate dance, but trust me, it's worth it! This dish is perfect for a date night, a dinner party, or even a simple weeknight meal. It's a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more.

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's gather our ingredients! Here's what you'll need to make this incredible chicken fra diavolo with linguine: First, we're going to gather our ingredients for the spicy tomato sauce. You'll need about 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, about 1 medium onion, diced, 2 cloves of garlic, minced, 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional, but adds great flavor!), about 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (or more, to taste!), about 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, about 15 ounces of tomato sauce, about 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, about 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, and some salt and black pepper, to taste. For the chicken, you'll need about 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, about 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and some salt and black pepper, to taste. For the pasta, you'll need about 1 pound of linguine pasta. And finally, for the garnish, you'll need some fresh parsley, chopped, for serving (optional, but adds a pop of freshness!).

Now, let's talk about those ingredients a little more. Quality is key, especially when it comes to the tomatoes and olive oil. Use the best quality crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce you can find. They'll make a huge difference in the final flavor of your dish. Freshness is also important, so use fresh herbs if possible. Dried herbs work in a pinch, but fresh herbs will really elevate the dish. As for the chicken, feel free to use chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to be a bit more tender and flavorful, but breasts are a great option too. Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces so that it cooks evenly and quickly. The linguine is the star of the show, but you can always change the pasta based on your liking. When it comes to the spices, start with a smaller amount of red pepper flakes and add more to taste. You can always add more heat, but you can't take it away! Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust the recipe to your personal preferences. This recipe is a guideline, so have fun with it!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, guys, let's get cooking! Here's how to make your own chicken fra diavolo with linguine:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

First things first, let's cook that chicken! In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until it's browned on all sides and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Fra Diavolo Sauce

Now, let's get that sauce going! In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. If you're using bell peppers, add them now and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little water or chicken broth.

Step 3: Cook the Linguine

While the sauce is simmering, cook the linguine according to the package directions. Make sure to cook it al dente (with a bit of a bite) since it will continue to cook in the sauce. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the linguine. This pasta water is liquid gold! It contains starch that helps to thicken and bind the sauce to the pasta.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once the sauce has simmered and the pasta is cooked, it's time to bring everything together! Add the cooked chicken back to the sauce and stir to combine. Add the cooked linguine to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes, depending on your preferences.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Finally, it's time to serve! Divide the chicken fra diavolo with linguine among plates. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the fruits of your labor! This dish is best served hot, right after it's made. It's so good, you won't want to wait! Enjoy every bite of this spicy, flavorful, and satisfying pasta dish! You can also serve this dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce and a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations

Want to take your chicken fra diavolo to the next level? Here are a few tips and variations: First, for extra flavor, you can sear the chicken in a hot skillet before adding it to the sauce. This will give the chicken a nice crust and add depth of flavor. You can also use different types of pasta. While linguine is traditional, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or any other long pasta that you like. If you want a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese at the end of cooking. For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of butter to the sauce just before serving. If you want to make it even spicier, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs. You can add a pinch of thyme or rosemary to the sauce for extra flavor. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the chicken and add some sautéed mushrooms or vegetables to the sauce. You can also add some cooked shrimp or mussels for a seafood version of the dish. Make sure you taste and adjust the seasoning as you go, and don't be afraid to add extra salt or pepper as needed. To make ahead, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Then, just cook the chicken and pasta and combine everything when you're ready to serve.

Spice Level Control

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can easily control the spice level. If you're sensitive to spice, start with a small amount of red pepper flakes and add more to taste. You can also use a milder type of chili pepper, or even omit the chili peppers altogether. If you like it extra spicy, add more red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few chopped fresh chili peppers. Just remember to start slow and taste as you go!

Serving Suggestions

What to serve with your delicious chicken fra diavolo? Well, you can serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a great option. For a more complete meal, you can serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers. And of course, no Italian meal is complete without a glass of good wine. A dry, red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese would pair perfectly with the spicy flavors of the dish. You can also serve it with a simple dessert, like tiramisu or a scoop of gelato.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? I've got answers!

• Can I use different types of pasta? Absolutely! While linguine is traditional, spaghetti, fettuccine, and other long pasta shapes work well too. Feel free to use your favorite pasta! The sauce will be delicious with any type.
• How can I make the sauce less spicy? Start with a smaller amount of red pepper flakes and taste as you go. You can also use a milder type of chili pepper or omit them altogether. A touch of sweetness from a pinch of sugar can also help balance the heat.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cook the chicken and pasta when you're ready to serve.
• Can I add vegetables to the sauce? Yes! Sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini would be delicious additions.
• What if I don't have fresh parsley? Dried parsley can be used as a substitute, but fresh parsley will add a brighter flavor. You can also use other fresh herbs like basil.

Conclusion: Savor the Flavor!

So there you have it, guys! A complete guide to making the most delicious chicken fra diavolo with linguine at home. This dish is packed with flavor, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this recipe is perfect for you. Don't be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking. Most importantly, have fun in the kitchen and enjoy the process! Once you've made this dish, I bet you'll be making it again and again. It's the perfect combination of spicy, savory, and satisfying. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Happy cooking, and bon appétit! Enjoy your amazing chicken fra diavolo with linguine!