Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Pasta: A Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Meal
Craving a dish that’s both quick to prepare and bursting with bold flavors? Look no further than Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Pasta. This Italian-American classic brings together tender, succulent shrimp in a vibrant, garlicky tomato sauce with a kick of heat that you can easily customize to your liking. In just about 30 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen, perfect for busy weeknights or when you desire something truly special without the fuss.
Often referred to simply as “Shrimp Fra Diavolo,” meaning “Brother Devil” in Italian, this dish gets its name from its signature fiery tomato sauce. While its name sounds distinctly Italian, it’s actually an ingenious Italian-American creation that has become a beloved staple in countless homes and restaurants. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its speed and depth of flavor but also in its adaptability. You control the spice level – whether you prefer a subtle warmth or a truly infernal kick. We recommend starting with just ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for four servings, which provides a pleasant, noticeable heat. For those who love intense spice, feel free to add more until it perfectly suits your palate. The quick-cooking nature of shrimp ensures that once your sauce is simmering, dinner is just minutes away.
Why This Spicy Shrimp & Pasta Will Be Your New Favorite
This Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that delivers on taste, convenience, and versatility. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making it again and again:
- Everyone Loves Shrimp: America’s favorite seafood, shrimp, is celebrated for its delicate, sweet flavor and firm yet tender texture. It cooks incredibly fast, absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce beautifully. Its universal appeal makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for the pickiest eaters.
- Freezer-Friendly Convenience: This recipe works perfectly with thawed frozen shrimp, making it an ideal choice for a last-minute dinner. Keeping a bag of shrimp in your freezer means you’re always ready to whip up a gourmet meal without extra trips to the store. We’ll share a quick thawing technique to ensure your shrimp is ready when you are.
- Quick & Simple Preparation: From start to finish, this dish is ready in approximately 30-35 minutes, including prep time. Using pantry staples and straightforward steps, it’s designed for efficiency without compromising on taste. It’s the ultimate solution for a satisfying homemade meal on your busiest weeknights.
- Bold, Garlicky Heat: The star of this dish is its vibrant tomato-based sauce, infused with plenty of fresh garlic, aromatic herbs, and a customizable amount of crushed red pepper flakes. This combination creates a rich, complex flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds, offering a harmonious balance of savory, acidic, and spicy notes.
Essential Ingredients for Your Spicy Shrimp Pasta
Creating this delicious Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo relies on a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients that build layers of flavor. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for large wild shrimp. While peeled and deveined shrimp will save you prep time, buying peel-on shrimp and cleaning them yourself can be more economical and often results in a better texture, as the shells protect the delicate flesh during storage. Aim for about 4-6 ounces per person.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is crucial here. Its robust, fruity notes provide a rich base that complements the other bold flavors in the sauce, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
- Onion: A large onion, whether brown, yellow, or white, forms an aromatic foundation for the sauce. Chopped finely, it softens and sweetens, adding an essential layer of savory flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are non-negotiable for that signature aromatic punch. Finely chopped garlic will release its potent flavor into the sauce. In a pinch, quality garlic paste can be used as a convenient shortcut, though fresh is always preferred.
- Wine: A splash of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) is traditional for deglazing and adding a layer of sophisticated acidity and depth. A dry red wine can also be used for a richer flavor. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, vegetable or chicken broth makes an excellent substitute. Avoid sweet wines, as they will alter the flavor profile significantly.
- Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes form the rich, robust base of the sauce. For an added layer of subtle smoky depth, consider using fire-roasted crushed tomatoes. Ensure you use a good quality brand for the best results.
- Herbs: Dried oregano provides the classic Italian backbone of flavor, lending an earthy and slightly peppery note. Fresh basil, stirred in at the end and used as a garnish, adds a burst of vibrant freshness and brightness that elevates the entire dish.
- Spice: Crushed red pepper flakes are the key to the “Fra Diavolo” heat. Start with a small amount, such as ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon, and taste as you go. You can always add more to reach your desired level of spiciness.
- Parmesan Cheese (Optional): While not traditionally paired with seafood in Italy, freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano offers a delicious, salty, and umami-rich finish that many Italian-American recipes embrace. For a dairy-free dish, simply omit it. Skip the pre-grated varieties for superior flavor and texture.
Please refer to the detailed recipe card below for exact measurements and quantities for each ingredient.
Chef’s Tip: Selecting and Prepping Your Shrimp. When planning your meal, aim for 4-6 ounces of shrimp per person, or roughly 1 to 1 ½ pounds for four servings. Smaller shrimp will cook faster, so adjust your timing accordingly. While pre-peeled and deveined shrimp offer convenience, buying shell-on shrimp and preparing them yourself can often be a better choice. The shells act as a natural protective layer, safeguarding the delicate flesh from damage and preserving its natural moisture, leading to a more tender and flavorful result. To peel and devein, simply remove the shell starting from the head, leaving the tail on or off as preferred, then make a shallow incision along the back to remove the dark vein. For guidance on making sustainable seafood choices, check out the Sustainable Shrimp Guide from Seafood Watch and explore resources from the Marine Stewardship Council.
Customize Your Fra Diavolo: Substitutions & Variations
One of the many charms of Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo is its versatility. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different dietary needs, preferences, or to simply experiment with new flavors and textures:
- With Parmesan (Optional): While traditional Italian culinary doctrine often frowns upon combining seafood with cheese, the Italian-American tradition readily embraces it. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano adds a delightful depth, saltiness, and creamy texture that beautifully complements the spicy tomato sauce. For the best experience, avoid pre-grated cheese and grate your own.
- Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing the classic pasta experience, serve it over high-quality brown rice pasta or lentil-based pasta. These options offer a similar texture and absorb the sauce wonderfully.
- Grain-Free & Low-Carb: For a lighter, low-carb alternative, consider serving the spicy shrimp over zucchini noodles (zoodles), spaghetti squash, or tender steamed kale ribbons. These vegetable-based “pastas” provide a fresh contrast and soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully. For kale ribbons, simply steam or sauté two bunches until tender.
- Dairy-Free: Achieving a dairy-free version is as simple as omitting the optional Parmesan cheese. The sauce itself is naturally dairy-free and incredibly flavorful on its own.
- Creamy Polenta Base: For a hearty and comforting meal that pairs exceptionally well with the spicy tomato sauce, serve your Shrimp Fra Diavolo over creamy polenta. The soft, rich polenta offers a wonderful textural contrast and soaks up every drop of the sauce.
- Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by incorporating more vegetables. Sauté bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes along with the onions, or stir in fresh baby spinach at the very end until just wilted.
- Other Seafood Options: While traditionally made with shrimp, the Fra Diavolo sauce is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed with a variety of other seafood. Consider using clams, mussels, scallops, chunks of mild white fish (like cod or snapper), small lobster tails, crab meat, or calamari (squid). Adjust cooking times based on the seafood chosen to prevent overcooking.
If you’re a fan of delicious shrimp and pasta combinations, you might also enjoy this white wine shrimp pasta recipe for another flavorful twist.
Chef’s Tip: Quick Thaw Technique for Frozen Shrimp. Don’t let frozen shrimp deter you! To quickly and safely thaw frozen shrimp, seal them in a plastic bag, pressing out any excess air. Place the bag in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. Depending on the size of the shrimp, they should be fully thawed in about an hour or less. Remember, shrimp are highly perishable, so cook them within 24 hours of thawing or purchase for optimal freshness and safety.
How to Master Spicy Shrimp & Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Making this Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo is remarkably straightforward, broken down into a few simple steps. The key is to prepare your ingredients efficiently and cook your shrimp just until perfectly pink and tender. If you plan to serve this dish with pasta, start your pasta water boiling at the very beginning so that everything finishes cooking around the same time.
Here’s how to create this delectable dish:
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Ensure your shrimp are peeled and deveined. Chop your onion and finely mince your garlic. Measure out your herbs and spices. Have your crushed tomatoes and wine (or broth) ready. If using pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Build the Flavor Base: In a medium (3-4 quart) sauté pan or large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent, which usually takes about 3 minutes. If the onions start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze and Add Tomatoes: Pour in the wine (or broth) and let it simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until it has reduced by about half. This deglazing step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and sea salt. Stir everything together.
- Simmer the Sauce: Increase the heat to medium and bring the tomato mixture to a gentle bubble. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld and deepen beautifully.
- Cook the Shrimp: While the sauce simmers, ensure your pasta is cooking according to package directions if you haven’t already. Once the sauce has simmered, uncover and arrange the raw shrimp in a single, even layer within the sauce. Cover the pan again and cook on medium-low heat until the shrimp turn opaque and pink, typically about 5 minutes. The exact timing will depend on the size of your shrimp; larger shrimp may need to be turned over once to ensure even cooking. It’s crucial not to overcook the shrimp, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery.
Serve your Spicy Shrimp and Pasta immediately while hot, garnished with extra fresh basil leaves and an optional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This dish is designed to be quick, flavorful, and easy, ensuring tender, not rubbery, shrimp every time!
Serving Your Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Once your Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo is ready, the serving possibilities are as delicious as the dish itself. Whether you prefer a classic pairing or a lighter, more modern approach, this vibrant seafood pasta adapts beautifully. Remember that while traditional Italians might raise an eyebrow at cheese with seafood, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano can add a delightful, rich saltiness that many adore. Always choose a fresh chunk over the pre-grated “green can” for superior flavor.
Consider these fantastic serving ideas:
- Classic Pasta Pairing: Serve the spicy shrimp and sauce over your favorite pasta. Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine are traditional choices, but penne or rigatoni also work well to catch the rich sauce.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: For those avoiding wheat, brown rice pasta or other gluten-free alternatives offer a familiar texture and ensure everyone can enjoy this delicious meal.
- Light & Low-Carb Options: Elevate the dish with fresh zucchini noodles (zoodles) or delicate steamed kale ribbons for a lighter, grain-free, and low-carb meal. Spaghetti squash is another excellent choice.
- Hearty Polenta: Creamy polenta provides a comforting and satisfying base that wonderfully absorbs the robust flavors of the Fra Diavolo sauce.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t forget a warm, crusty loaf of Italian bread or rolls. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce.
- Fresh Green Salad: A simple side salad tossed with a light vinaigrette, such as this homemade Italian dressing, provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the main dish.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you’re avoiding dairy, simply skip the Parmesan garnish. The sauce is flavorful enough to stand on its own!
Since shrimp is such an easy and delicious ingredient to work with, you might also enjoy my baked shrimp scampi for another quick seafood delight!
Common Questions About Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Absolutely! While shrimp is traditional, the zesty Fra Diavolo sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many types of seafood. You can easily substitute or add clams, mussels, scallops, chunks of mild white fish (like cod or halibut), small lobster tails, crab meat, or calamari (squid). Just be mindful of the cooking times for different seafood to avoid overcooking and ensure tenderness.
For the best results, it’s recommended to prepare the sauce in advance, but add the shrimp just before serving. You can make the garlicky tomato sauce, allow it to cool completely, and then refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply bring the sauce to a simmer and add the raw shrimp, cooking until they turn pink (just a few minutes). Shrimp does not reheat well once cooked, often becoming rubbery, so preparing it fresh ensures optimal texture and flavor for your meal.
This fiery Italian-American shrimp dish is delicious served with pasta (traditional, gluten-free, or grain-free options like zucchini noodles or polenta). Complement it with a warm, crusty roll or crusty Italian bread to soak up the exquisite sauce, and a fresh side green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. These simple additions create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
While best enjoyed fresh, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Reheating shrimp can be tricky as it tends to get tough. Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible. If you made the sauce ahead and cooked shrimp separately, only combine what you plan to eat immediately.
The spice level is entirely up to your preference! Start with the recommended ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick. For medium heat, increase to ½ teaspoon. If you love a truly spicy dish, you can go up to a full teaspoon or even more. The best approach is to start with less and add a pinch more to the simmering sauce, tasting as you go, until you achieve your ideal level of heat.
More Delectable Seafood Recipes
If you love the simplicity and flavor of shrimp, or are looking to expand your seafood repertoire, explore these other fantastic recipes. For another spicy shrimp adventure, try these jalapeno mint grilled shrimp. Or for a taste of Thai-inspired comfort, delve into this shrimp soup called Tom Yum.
- Pan-Seared Halibut with Lemon Caper Vinaigrette
- Grilled Baja Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Sauce
- Pan Seared Halibut with Miso Butter
- Steamed Mussels in White Wine Sauce
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📖 Recipe
Spicy Shrimp and Pasta
Sally Cameron
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds large wild shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion 1 ½ cups, chopped
- 3 large garlic cloves finely chopped
- ¾ cup wine, white or red optional, substitute vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves plus extra for garnish if desired
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese skip for dairy-free
Instructions
-
Heat a medium (3-4 quart) saute pan or large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil. When the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. If the onion starts to brown, turn the heat down to medium-low. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the wine and cook down halfway.
-
Next, add the tomatoes, basil, oregano, peppers and salt. With the heat on medium, cook the tomatoes until bubbling. Turn the heat down to low and cover. Simmer for about 10 minutes to blend flavors.
Add the shrimp in a single flat layer, cover and turn heat to medium low. Cook until shrimp turn pink, about 5 minutes. Timing will depend on the size of the shrimp. For large shrimp you may need to turn them over once.
Serve hot garnished with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of cheese if desired.
Notes
- Serve over pasta of choice (wheat, GF, grain-free).
- Serve over zucchini noodles or steamed kale ribbons. (do two bunches for 4 people)
- For dairy-free skip the Parmesan.
- If grains are ok, polenta is another delicious option.
Nutrition
This Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create a truly memorable meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe offers a delicious journey to a flavorful, satisfying dinner. Enjoy the process of creating this fantastic dish and savor every spicy, garlicky bite!
📖 Recipe
Spicy Shrimp and Pasta
Sally Cameron
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds large wild shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion 1 ½ cups, chopped
- 3 large garlic cloves finely chopped
- ¾ cup wine, white or red optional, substitute vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves plus extra for garnish if desired
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese skip for dairy-free
Instructions
-
Heat a medium (3-4 quart) saute pan or large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil. When the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. If the onion starts to brown, turn the heat down to medium-low. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the wine and cook down halfway.
-
Next, add the tomatoes, basil, oregano, peppers and salt. With the heat on medium, cook the tomatoes until bubbling. Turn the heat down to low and cover. Simmer for about 10 minutes to blend flavors.
Add the shrimp in a single flat layer, cover and turn heat to medium low. Cook until shrimp turn pink, about 5 minutes. Timing will depend on the size of the shrimp. For large shrimp you may need to turn them over once.
Serve hot garnished with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of cheese if desired.
Notes
- Serve over pasta of choice (wheat, GF, grain-free).
- Serve over zucchini noodles or steamed kale ribbons. (do two bunches for 4 people)
- For dairy-free skip the Parmesan.
- If grains are ok, polenta is another delicious option.