Shrimp Fra Diavolo: Fiery Italian Shrimp Pasta with a Devilish Kick
Shrimp Fra Diavolo is the perfect dish for spice lovers—juicy shrimp sautéed in a garlicky, peppery tomato sauce and tossed with pasta. “Fra Diavolo” literally means “Brother Devil,” hinting at the dish’s bold heat and vibrant Southern Italian flair. It’s fast, flavorful, and sure to impress.
🌶️ Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
🔥 Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti or linguine until just al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add to the pan. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove and set aside.
Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the garlic and crushed red pepper for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Deglaze and Simmer: Add white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it reduce slightly, then stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and salt. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
Finish and Toss: Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until silky. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve and Garnish: Plate and garnish with chopped herbs and lemon wedges. Serve hot, and don’t be shy with the Parmesan if you like!
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Shrimp Fra Diavolo
- 🍤 Large Raw Shrimp (Frozen) — Fresh or frozen, large shrimp are the star of this dish—plump and full of flavor.
- 🍅 Crushed Tomatoes — A rich tomato base sets the foundation for a spicy, velvety sauce.
- 🌶️ Crushed Red Pepper Flakes — Brings the heat that gives “Fra Diavolo” its signature devilish bite.
- 🧄 Garlic Press or Mincer — Makes prep quicker and ensures evenly minced garlic in every bite.
- 🍷 Dry White Wine for Cooking — A splash of wine deepens the sauce’s complexity and adds acidity.