Spicy Italian Drunken Noodles (Fra Diavolo): A Bold, Fiery Pasta Dish

Hello, pasta enthusiasts! I’m Meriem, your passionate food blogger, and I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s bursting with bold Italian flavors: Spicy Italian Drunken Noodles (Fra Diavolo). This fiery dish features wide pappardelle pasta tossed in a rich, spicy tomato sauce with ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a kick of red pepper flakes, traditionally inspired by the “Brother Devil” sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with a hearty, flavorful meal. Drawing from your love for savory, spicy dishes (like the Savory Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry, and Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta ) and Italian-inspired recipes, this dish is quick, customizable, and sure to satisfy. Let’s get cooking and tossing!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and Spicy: A fiery tomato sauce with adjustable heat for spice lovers.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Ground beef and wide pasta make it a filling meal.
• Italian Comfort Food: Rich, savory flavors with a modern twist.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners or casual gatherings.

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What you will need ?

Here’s everything you need to create this spicy pasta dish, with substitutions to suit your pantry and dietary preferences:

• 12 oz pappardelle pasta
  Purpose: Wide, flat noodles hold the thick sauce well, adding a rustic texture.
  Substitution: Use fettuccine, tagliatelle, or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs. Spaghetti or linguine work but are thinner, as you’ve used various pastas in recipes like the Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta.
• 1 lb ground beef
  Purpose: Provides savory, hearty protein for the sauce.
  Substitution: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for vegetarian, as you’ve explored protein swaps in recipes like the Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole.
• 1 small onion, diced
  Purpose: Adds sweet, savory flavor and texture.
  Substitution: Use shallots, green onions, or 1 tsp onion powder for a milder profile, similar to your use of onions in recipes like the Vibrant Avocado Corn Tomato Salad.
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
  Purpose: Adds sweetness, color, and crunch to balance the spice.
  Substitution: Use green or yellow bell pepper, roasted red peppers, or zucchini for a different veggie, as you’ve liked colorful veggies in dishes like the Colorful Italian Spaghetti Salad.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  Purpose: Infuses savory, aromatic depth.
  Substitution: Use ¾ tsp garlic powder or 1½ tsp garlic paste for convenience, aligning with your use of garlic in dishes like the Savory Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
  Purpose: Adds tangy, juicy flavor and forms the sauce base.
  Substitution: Use fresh diced tomatoes (about 1½ cups), crushed tomatoes, or a 10-oz can of Rotel for extra heat, as seen in your tomato-based recipes like the Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole.
• ½ cup tomato paste (120 g)
  Purpose: Thickens the sauce and intensifies tomato flavor.
  Substitution: Use 1 cup tomato sauce (reduce broth by ¼ cup) or ¼ cup sun-dried tomato paste for a richer flavor, as you’ve used tomato products in Italian recipes.
• ½ cup beef broth (120 ml)
  Purpose: Thins the sauce and adds savory depth.
  Substitution: Use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water + ½ tsp bouillon for vegetarian, as you’ve used broths in recipes like the Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole.
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  Purpose: Adds classic Italian herb flavor (basil, oregano, thyme).
  Substitution: Use 1 tsp dried oregano + 1 tsp dried basil, or 2 tbsp fresh mixed herbs, as you’ve liked herbs in recipes like the Easy Greek Chicken Meatballs (April 21, 2025).
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice)
  Purpose: Provides the fiery “Fra Diavolo” heat.
  Substitution: Use ½ tsp cayenne, fresh chili, or omit for a milder dish, as you’ve customized spice levels in dishes like the Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta.
• ½ tsp salt
  Purpose: Enhances all flavors.
  Substitution: Use sea salt or reduce to ¼ tsp for low-sodium diets, aligning with your customizable seasoning preferences.
• ½ tsp black pepper
  Purpose: Adds a mild kick.
  Substitution: Use white pepper or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat, as you’ve liked in dishes like the Savory Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry.
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
  Purpose: Adds freshness and a sweet, aromatic note.
  Substitution: Use parsley, oregano, or 1 tbsp dried basil, as you’ve liked fresh herbs in dishes like the Fresh Lebanese Tomato Salad (April 29, 2025).
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for serving)
  Purpose: Adds salty, nutty richness.
  Substitution: Use Pecorino Romano, nutritional yeast for vegan, or omit, as you’ve used cheese in recipes like the Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta.
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  Purpose: Sautés ingredients, adding richness.
  Substitution: Use avocado oil, vegetable oil, or butter for a different flavor, as you’ve used oils in recipes like the Tangy Coconut Fish Curry.

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Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large skillet (for sauce and tossing)
• Colander (for draining pasta)
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Optional: Tongs (for tossing pasta)

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Step-By-Step Guiding

Follow these detailed steps to create spicy Italian drunken noodles:

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tbsp salt per 4 quarts water) to a boil. Add 12 oz pappardelle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
• Drain in a colander and set aside, tossing with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Tip: Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed, a technique you’ve likely appreciated in pasta recipes like the Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta.

2️⃣ Cook the Beef and Veggies

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb ground beef, 1 diced onion, and 1 diced red bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until browned and the vegetables are softened.
• Drain excess fat if desired to keep the dish lighter.
• Tip: Cook until no pink remains in the beef (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C), as you’ve preferred thorough cooking in meat dishes like the Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole.

3️⃣ Build the Sauce

• Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add ½ cup tomato paste, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice, and ½ cup beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
• Tip: Cook the tomato paste for 30 seconds before adding liquids to deepen its flavor, a method you’ve liked in savory recipes like the Savory Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry.

4️⃣ Simmer the Sauce

• Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
• If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water (1 tbsp at a time) to reach desired consistency.
• Tip: Taste and adjust spice with more red pepper flakes or salt, as you’ve customized flavors in dishes like the Tangy Coconut Fish Curry.

5️⃣ Toss and Serve

• Add the cooked pappardelle to the skillet, tossing gently with tongs or a spatula to coat evenly in the sauce.
• Garnish with ¼ cup chopped fresh basil and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve hot directly from the skillet for a rustic, hearty presentation.
• Tip: Serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the wide noodles and vibrant sauce.

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Topping Suggestions

• Extra Red Pepper Flakes: For an even spicier kick.
• Fresh Parsley: A milder herb alternative to basil.
• Lemon Zest: A bright, citrusy contrast to the heat.
• Crumbled Feta: Tangy and salty for a twist.
• Toasted Pine Nuts: Crunchy and nutty for texture.
• Chopped Arugula: Peppery and fresh for color.

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How to Store & Reheat

• Storage:
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Tip: Store garnishes separately to maintain freshness, and toss gently before reheating to redistribute sauce, as you’ve liked in dishes like the Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta.
• Freezing:
  • Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Pasta may soften slightly upon thawing.
  • Tip: Freeze without garnishes, and add fresh basil and Parmesan after reheating to refresh, a practice you’ve appreciated in recipes like the Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole.
• Reheating:
  • Microwave: Heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway, with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
  • Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with 1–2 tbsp broth, stirring gently for 5–7 minutes until heated through.
  • Tip: Refresh with extra basil or cheese after reheating, as you’ve liked revitalizing dishes like the Savory Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry.

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What to Serve with Spicy Italian Drunken Noodles

• Garlic Bread: Crusty and buttery to soak up the sauce.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp and creamy to balance the spice.
• Sautéed Green Beans: A light, healthy side.
• Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing, non-alcoholic option.

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Ingredient Substitutions Recap

• Pappardelle → Fettuccine: Similar width, holds sauce well.
• Ground Beef → Ground Turkey: Leaner, similar texture.
• Red Bell Pepper → Zucchini: Mild, adds bulk.
• Red Pepper Flakes → Cayenne: Adjustable heat, similar kick.
• Parmesan → Nutritional Yeast: Vegan, cheesy flavor.

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FAQs

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This Spicy Italian Drunken Noodles (Fra Diavolo) is a bold, fiery pasta dish that brings together wide pappardelle, savory ground beef, and a zesty tomato sauce in just 30 minutes. Perfect for spice lovers and Italian food fans, it’s quick, hearty, and endlessly customizable. Inspired by your love for savory, spicy dishes (like the Savory Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry and Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta) and Italian flavors (like the Colorful Italian Spaghetti Salad), this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it with your favorite garnishes, pair with garlic bread, and share your experience in the comments below. Happy cooking, and enjoy every spicy, savory bite!