One-Pot Diavola Pasta Shrimp (Print)

Spicy pasta with chicken, shrimp, and tomato sauce cooked together in one pot for bold taste and ease.

# Components:

→ Proteins

01 - 9 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 7 oz frozen raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, thawed if possible

→ Pasta

03 - 10.5 oz dried penne or rigatoni

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

04 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 fresh red chili, thinly sliced (optional)

→ Sauce

08 - 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 3 cups chicken broth
11 - 1 tsp dried oregano
12 - 1 tsp dried basil
13 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 to 1 tsp red pepper flakes, to taste
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
16 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ To Finish

17 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
18 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
19 - Lemon wedges, to serve

# Directions:

01 - Warm olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
02 - Add chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic, red bell pepper, and chili if using; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
03 - Add chicken pieces and sauté, turning occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes.
04 - Incorporate tomato paste, smoked paprika, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
05 - Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then bring to a boil.
06 - Stir in pasta and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to a simmer and partially cover. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
07 - Add shrimp to the pot, stir, and cook uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes until pasta is al dente and shrimp turn pink and opaque. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
08 - Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
09 - Serve immediately garnished with fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pot, so you can actually enjoy your meal instead of washing dishes for an hour.
  • The shrimp adds a sweetness that plays perfectly against the heat and tomato, making it feel elegant without trying too hard.
  • It tastes like you spent all day cooking, but you'll be eating in 40 minutes flat.
02 -
  • Shrimp go from perfect to rubbery in about 30 seconds of overcooking, so add them late and watch the clock.
  • Frozen shrimp release water as they thaw, which can dilute your sauce—thaw them separately if you have time.
  • The pasta will continue absorbing liquid even after you turn off the heat, so aim for it to be just slightly looser than you want when you plate it.
03 -
  • Cut your chicken into smaller pieces than feels necessary—they cook faster and distribute better throughout each bite of pasta.
  • Toast your spices briefly in the oil before adding the tomato paste; it draws out their essential oils and deepens the final flavor in a way that feels like cheating but absolutely works.
Back