This shrimp fra diavolo recipe brings the bold flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. Fra diavolo, meaning “brother devil,” promises a spicy, satisfying seafood experience, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You might think it’s complicated, but it’s surprisingly easy, and I’m going to show you how!
Fra diavolo is all about that delicious spicy sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp. It’s a classic Italian-American dish that’s sure to impress. Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal made with love, right in your own home.
Why This Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe Works
My recipe makes sure you get tender shrimp every time! By using fresh ingredients and cooking the shrimp quickly, you avoid that rubbery texture. The vibrant, flavorful sauce is made to perfectly coat your favorite pasta. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice to your liking, making it a win for everyone.
What is Shrimp Fra Diavolo?
Shrimp fra diavolo is a beloved dish in Italian-American cuisine, known for its fiery flavor and delicious seafood. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy shrimp with a spicy tomato sauce that’s both comforting and exciting. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special and where it comes from. For other flavor combinations, you might want to check out these cajun shrimp pasta recipes.
Origins of Fra Diavolo Sauce
Fra diavolo sauce isn’t a traditional recipe from Italy itself. Instead, it was born in Italian-American restaurants. It likely evolved to cater to American palates that enjoy bolder, spicier flavors than some traditional Italian dishes. It’s a testament to how Italian cuisine has adapted and flourished in America.
Key Characteristics of Authentic Fra Diavolo
The heart of any good fra diavolo is the sauce. You need a vibrant, tomato-based sauce with plenty of spice from red pepper flakes. Seafood, usually shrimp (but sometimes other shellfish!), is another must. When combined, the spice from the sauce perfectly complements the sweetness of the seafood, creating a truly memorable dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Let’s gather everything we need to make this amazing shrimp fra diavolo. Using high-quality ingredients will really make a difference in the final dish! Here’s a breakdown:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste!)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta of your choice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
The Shrimp: Choosing the Right Size and Type
I like to use medium to large shrimp for this recipe. It provides a good balance between flavor and ease of cooking. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp; just make sure it’s thawed completely before you start cooking. Don’t forget to devein the shrimp!
The Sauce: Tomatoes, Aromatics, and Spice
Crushed tomatoes are the base for our fra diavolo sauce. I recommend using a good quality brand for the best flavor. Garlic and onions create a lovely aromatic base for the sauce. And, of course, the red pepper flakes are essential for that signature fra diavolo kick! Dried oregano and basil add a touch of classic Italian flavor. To balance the flavors, you can learn about the health benefits of garlic
The Pasta: Perfect Pairings
Linguine is my personal favorite pasta for shrimp fra diavolo; its long, flat shape really grabs onto the sauce. Spaghetti or penne also work great! Cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite) because it will continue to cook a bit when we toss it with the sauce. Speaking of delicious carbs, have you seen this easy philly steak cheese fries recipe?
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious shrimp fra diavolo on the table in no time.
Preparing the Shrimp and Aromatics
Step 1: First, make sure your shrimp is peeled, deveined, and patted dry. This helps them get a nice sear. Mince your garlic and chop your onion. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process smooth.
Building the Fra Diavolo Sauce
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 4: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld. Optional: Add a splash of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio) after the garlic for an extra layer of flavor! For those who love soup, here’s a great tomato bisque recipe to try another time.
Cooking the Shrimp to Perfection
Step 5: Add the shrimp to the simmering sauce.
Step 6: Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll become rubbery! Nobody wants that! They should curl up nicely.
Combining Sauce and Pasta
Step 7: While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining!
Step 8: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp fra diavolo sauce. Toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Serving and Garnishing
Step 9: Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil. A drizzle of good quality olive oil adds a lovely finishing touch. Serve it up with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce! Enjoy!
Tips and Variations for Your Best Shrimp Fra Diavolo
This recipe is a great base, but feel free to get creative and make it your own! Here are a few ideas to customize your shrimp fra diavolo:
Adjusting the Spice Level
Not a fan of super spicy food? Start with a small amount of red pepper flakes and add more to taste. If you want even more heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper will do the trick! You can also use milder chili peppers for a different flavor profile.
Adding Other Seafood
Want to make it a seafood feast? Toss in some mussels, clams, or calamari along with the shrimp. Just add them to the sauce a few minutes before the shrimp, as they may take slightly longer to cook. For other great seafood recipes, check out shrimp salad recipes!
Making it Vegetarian/Vegan
You can easily make a delicious vegetarian or even vegan fra diavolo! Use plant-based shrimp alternatives or simply load up the sauce with extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. It’s still incredibly flavorful!
Wine Pairings
A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio is a classic pairing for shrimp fra diavolo. A dry rosé also works beautifully, complementing the spice without overpowering the seafood.
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Instructions
You can make the fra diavolo sauce a day or two in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce and add the shrimp. Leftover shrimp fra diavolo can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The pasta might absorb some of the sauce, so you may want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating. For more information on the benefits of eating shrimp, you can visit Healthline
FAQ
Let’s answer some common questions about fra diavolo:
What does fra diavolo mean in Italian?
Answer: “Fra diavolo” translates to “brother devil” in Italian. It’s a fun name that hints at the sauce’s fiery kick. The “devil” part refers to the spiciness from the red pepper flakes, so prepare for a little heat!
What is the difference between marinara and Fra Diavolo sauce?
Answer: Marinara is your basic, everyday tomato sauce. Think simple: tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and onions. Fra diavolo kicks it up a notch! It’s also tomato-based, but it always includes red pepper flakes for spice. Plus, it usually features some kind of seafood, often shrimp.
What is the difference between fra diavolo and arrabbiata sauce?
Answer: Both fra diavolo and arrabbiata bring the heat, but they’re not quite the same. While both are spicy tomato sauces, fra diavolo is most often paired with seafood, like our shrimp fra diavolo. Arrabbiata (“angry” in Italian) is typically served with pasta and doesn’t usually include seafood. It also tends to be simpler in terms of ingredients, focusing on the heat from chili peppers.
What does diavolo taste like?
Answer: Diavolo dishes, like this shrimp fra diavolo, have a bold, spicy flavor profile. Imagine a rich tomato sauce with a noticeable kick from red pepper flakes. The garlic and herbs add layers of flavor, and the seafood brings a savory, slightly sweet element that balances the spice perfectly. It’s a delightful explosion of flavors in your mouth!
Enjoy Your Homemade Shrimp Fra Diavolo!
I hope you’re excited to try this shrimp fra diavolo recipe! It’s truly one of my family’s favorites, and I know you’ll love it too. Consider trying other chicken recipes such as bbq chicken stuffed sweet potatoes recipe.
My husband, especially, is a huge fan. He requests it at least once a month! Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe and add your own personal touch. And please, share your variations with me – I’d love to hear how you make it your own! Happy cooking!
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Shrimp Fra Diavolo
- Yield: 4 servings (Estimated) 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful shrimp fra diavolo recipe that brings the taste of Italy to your table in just minutes! Spicy, satisfying, and easy to customize.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste!)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta of your choice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Make sure your shrimp is peeled, deveined, and patted dry. Mince garlic and chop onion.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add shrimp to the simmering sauce.
6. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
7. While sauce simmers, cook pasta until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
8. Add cooked pasta to skillet, toss to combine. Add pasta water for desired consistency.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
Adjust spice level with red pepper flakes. Add other seafood like mussels or clams. Can be made vegetarian/vegan with plant-based shrimp or more vegetables.
- Method: Sauté, Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian-American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Keywords: shrimp fra diavolo, spicy shrimp, Italian-American, pasta, seafood recipe