If you love bold flavors that pack a punch, you’re going to absolutely adore this Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Tomato Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that lights up your taste buds with fiery heat balanced by a deep, savory tomato sauce. When I first tried making Fra Diavolo at home, I was amazed at how this simple combination of shrimp, garlic, chili, and herbs can come together to create something really spectacular. Stick with me here—I’ll share all the tips and tricks so your version turns out just as amazing (if not better!) than mine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold flavors balanced perfectly: The spicy kick from peppers and chili flakes melds with a rich, savory tomato sauce.
- Quick and simple to prepare: Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something impressive but don’t have hours to cook.
- Shrimp cooks quickly: So you avoid chewy seafood and get tender, juicy bites every time.
- Versatile and easy to customize: You can dial up or down the heat and swap ingredients to suit your taste or pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Tomato Sauce Recipe plays a big role, from the fresh shrimp to the punchy chili flakes. I recommend using good quality canned tomatoes—they make a big difference in the sauce’s flavor depth.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp cook fast and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil gives flavor and helps cook the shrimp gently.
- Onion: Adds a mild sweetness that balances the heat.
- Spicy red pepper: Optional, but if you like it hot, this fresh pepper adds a lively, vibrant heat.
- Garlic: You can never have too much garlic in this dish—its aroma is key.
- Crushed tomatoes: Use fire-roasted if you want smokier notes, or plain crushed for a fresher taste.
- Spicy red pepper flakes: Adds heat; adjust according to your tolerance.
- Dry white wine: Brings acidity and complexity to the sauce.
- Dried oregano: Earthy herbiness balances the spice.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste and adjust!
- Chopped parsley: Fresh herb for brightness at the end.
- Fresh basil leaves: Adds sweet, aromatic notes to finish the sauce.
- Linguine noodles: A classic pairing with this sauce; you need something sturdy to hold all that flavor.
Variations
I love making this Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Tomato Sauce Recipe my own by tweaking the heat and herbs depending on the mood or occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize it to what you have and like—cooking should be fun, after all!
- Mild version: When my family isn’t up for heat, I just skip the fresh chili and cut back on the red pepper flakes — still delicious but gentler.
- Extra spicy: If you’re like me on a fire kick, add an extra chopped spicy pepper and a pinch more chili flakes. Just keep a glass of milk handy!
- Veggie twist: Swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or roasted eggplant for a vegetarian take.
- Low-carb option: Serve the sauce and shrimp over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of linguine.
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sear Your Shrimp to Perfection
Heat the olive oil over medium heat, then season your shrimp with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of those spicy red pepper flakes. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are a gorgeous pink and just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook—they’ll keep cooking a bit later in the sauce. Once done, set them aside to keep the shrimp juicy and tender.
Step 2: Build Your Sauce Base
In the same pan, toss in your chopped onion and fresh red pepper. Stir and let them soften over about 5 minutes; this is where the flavors start building. Then add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until you catch that dreamy garlic aroma—this always tells me I’m on the right track!
Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes with their juices, plus the extra chili flakes, white wine, oregano, and salt and pepper. Stir it all together and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes or longer if you have time—this lets all the flavors marry beautifully. This is also the perfect time to get your linguine going.
Step 4: Marry Shrimp and Sauce
Pop your reserved shrimp back into the pan, gently stirring to coat them in the spicy sauce. Let everything heat through for just a minute—remember, you don’t want to overcook those shrimp again! Now toss in your fresh parsley and basil for a final fresh herb hit. Give it a taste and add more salt if needed.
Step 5: Serve it Up With Linguine
Toss your perfectly cooked linguine noodles in the pan with your saucy, spicy shrimp mixture. This is the moment it all comes together, every strand coated in mouthwatering sauce. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of extra chili flakes and chopped parsley for garnish.
Pro Tips for Making Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook VERY quickly—remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink to avoid that rubbery texture.
- Use Quality Tomatoes: Trust me, this is the foundation; good canned tomatoes make your sauce taste fresh and rich.
- Balance the Heat: Start with less chili flakes and adjust toward the end to suit your spice tolerance.
- Simmer Slowly: Letting the sauce simmer gently unlocks deeper flavors, so don’t rush this step!
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I’m all about the little touches—fresh chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness, and a sprinkle of extra red chili flakes amps up the fiery excitement for those who love heat. Sometimes, I add a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness just before serving.
Side Dishes
I usually serve this dish with a simple crisp green salad dressed lightly. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to mop up the sauce is a must-have in my book. On cooler days, a side of roasted or steamed veggies complements the spicy richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to plate the shrimp on a bed of linguine in wide shallow bowls so you can see all the colors and textures. Adding a few whole basil leaves and a drizzle of good olive oil on top really dresses it up. Pair it with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc, and you have a dinner party winner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, I store leftover sauce and shrimp separate from the pasta in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps the shrimp from getting mushy and the pasta from soaking up too much sauce.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the sauce and shrimp mixture successfully—just skip freezing the pasta. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. The flavors hold up beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option.
Reheating
Reheat the sauce and shrimp gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp again. Warm your fresh linguine separately by dipping it quickly in boiling water or tossing it in the microwave with a sprinkle of water. Then combine just before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before cooking to prevent steaming instead of searing. This will give you the best texture and flavor.
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How spicy is this Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Tomato Sauce Recipe?
The heat level can be adjusted easily by controlling the amount of fresh red pepper and red chili flakes. It can range from mildly spicy to fairly fiery depending on your preference.
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Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the linguine for gluten-free pasta or use vegetable noodles like zucchini noodles for a grain-free option—both work fantastically with the sauce and shrimp.
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What wine pairs well with Shrimp Fra Diavolo?
I recommend a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the spicy heat and complement the seafood flavors.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Tomato Sauce Recipe turns out every time. It’s become a go-to dish for nights when I want something cozy, flavorful, and a little fiery. The blend of spice, fresh herbs, and tender shrimp with that tomato sauce is just unbeatable. I hope you enjoy making this as much as I do—trust me, it’s going to be a new favorite in your household!
Print
Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Shrimp Fra Diavolo is a classic Italian-American dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a spicy tomato sauce with garlic, red chili flakes, and fresh herbs, served over linguine. This vibrant, flavorful recipe is perfect for those who love a bit of heat and a quick, satisfying pasta meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 spicy red pepper, chopped (optional, for extra spicy)
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 14 ounce can crushed tomatoes (or diced or fire roasted)
- 2 teaspoons spicy red pepper flakes + 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 6-7 fresh basil leaves, chopped
Pasta
- 8 ounces prepared linguine noodles
Garnish
- Extra red chili flakes
- Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon chili flakes. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and spicy red pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes with their juices, add 2 teaspoons of red chili flakes, dry white wine, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. During this time, prepare your linguine noodles according to package instructions.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan with the sauce and heat through for about 1 minute.
- Add herbs and season: Stir in the chopped parsley and fresh basil leaves. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Toss and serve: Combine the shrimp fra diavolo sauce with the prepared linguine noodles. Garnish with extra red chili flakes and fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Shrimp Fra Diavolo is a spicy, flavorful pasta dish that is simple and quick to prepare.
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes or spicy red pepper according to your preferred heat level.
- Using fire-roasted tomatoes adds a nice depth of flavor but crushed or diced tomatoes also work well.
- This dish pairs nicely with a crisp green salad and a glass of dry white wine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 435 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1037 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 286 mg
