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A bowl of diavolo sauce with pasta and red chili garnish

Name: Diavolo Sauce

Summary: A bold and spicy Italian-American tomato sauce, Diavolo Sauce is infused with garlic, herbs, and chili heat. It pairs beautifully with pasta, seafood, or chicken for a fiery and flavorful dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: sause
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 90
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 –5 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion diced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ¼ –½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 can 28 oz crushed or whole peeled tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: ¼ cup dry white wine
  • Optional: fresh basil Calabrian chili paste, seafood (shrimp, scallops), or butter for finishing

Equipment

  • Equipment:
  • Large saucepan or skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Can opener (for canned tomatoes)

Method
 

  1. Instructions:
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  3. Add garlic (and onion, if using) and sauté until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
  4. Stir in red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
  6. Pour in crushed tomatoes and wine (if using), then stir in oregano, salt, and pepper.
  7. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more chili flakes for extra heat, or a pinch of sugar to reduce acidity.
  9. Optional: Finish with a pat of butter or a drizzle of chili oil for richness.
  10. Serve hot over pasta, seafood, or grilled meat.

Notes

Notes:
Sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Easily adaptable for vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb diets.
Use Calabrian chili paste for a smoky, deep heat.