Shrimp Fra Diavolo is a classic Italian-American dish that brings the heat and flavor of the coast right to your dinner table. Featuring succulent shrimp simmered in a spicy tomato sauce, this dish is bold, vibrant, and utterly satisfying. The combination of garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs creates a flavor explosion that perfectly complements the tender shrimp. Served over a bed of pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, Shrimp Fra Diavolo is a delightful way to enjoy a taste of the sea with a kick.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will absolutely love this Shrimp Fra Diavolo recipe for its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. The dish strikes a perfect balance between spicy and savory, making each bite a delightful experience. It’s quick to make—ready in under 30 minutes—making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties. Plus, it fits seamlessly into a Mediterranean-style diet, packed with seafood and fresh ingredients, while remaining satisfying and indulgent.
Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor. If possible, buy shrimp that’s already peeled and deveined to save time.
- For an extra punch of flavor, marinate the shrimp in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with a little and add more to taste.
- Cook your pasta al dente so it holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
- For added depth, finish the sauce with a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prep certain components of Shrimp Fra Diavolo ahead of time to save on weeknight cooking. The tomato sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. Marinating the shrimp can also be done a few hours ahead. Just make sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Recipe Variations
- For a creamier version, stir in a touch of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving.
- Swap shrimp for scallops or your favorite fish for a different seafood twist.
- For a vegetarian take, substitute shrimp with sautéed zucchini or mushrooms.
- Change up the pasta: try serving it over spaghetti, linguine, or even zoodles for a low-carb option.
How to Serve
Serve your Shrimp Fra Diavolo piping hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. A touch of lemon zest on top just before serving gives it an extra fresh flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
For drink pairings, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio complements the dish beautifully. If you prefer cocktails, a classic gin and tonic or a spicy margarita would be delightful. As for sides, consider a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the meal. For dessert, a light panna cotta or sorbet would provide a refreshing finish.
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you wish to freeze the dish, it’s best to do so without the pasta. Shrimp Fra Diavolo can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through. If the pasta is included, add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce.
Equipment Needed
- A large skillet or sauté pan for cooking the shrimp and sauce.
- A pot for boiling pasta.
- A cutting board and sharp knife for prepping ingredients.
- Optional: A zester or microplane for grating cheese or zesting lemon.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta or serve it over quinoa. For a dairy-free version, simply omit cheese or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. If you need to avoid shellfish, you can replace the shrimp with firm tofu or chickpeas for a protein boost.
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer, use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a brighter flavor. In fall and winter, consider adding roasted butternut squash or kale to the sauce for added texture and nutrition. Fresh herbs can also be swapped for dried ones when they’re out of season.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- What if I don’t have red pepper flakes? You can use fresh chopped chili peppers or hot sauce as an alternative.
- How do I know when the shrimp are cooked? They should be pink and opaque; overcooking will make them tough.
- Can I make this dish in advance? You can prepare the sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the shrimp fresh right before serving.
How To Make Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Shrimp Fra Diavolo is a classic Italian-American dish that brings the heat and flavor of the coast right to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup white wine (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- 8 oz pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil for the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and white wine (if using). Stir in oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add the shrimp to the sauce, cooking until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing well to coat.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 363Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 240mgSodium 1176mgCarbohydrates 24gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 30g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making Shrimp Fra Diavolo at home is not only a rewarding endeavor but also a delicious way to impress family and friends with minimal effort. This dish strikes the perfect balance of heat and flavor, making it a go-to for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to savor every bite of this spicy seafood delight!
