Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe: Fiery Seafood Perfection in Under 30 Minutes!

Craving a restaurant-quality seafood dish that’s both intensely flavorful and surprisingly easy to make at home? Look no further than Shrimp Fra Diavolo! This classic Italian-American pasta dish features succulent shrimp simmered in a spicy tomato sauce, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Forget takeout – this recipe brings the heat and deliciousness right to your kitchen table.

Why This Recipe Works

This Shrimp Fra Diavolo recipe is designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Fresh, Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality canned tomatoes, fresh garlic, and plump shrimp is key to achieving that authentic Fra Diavolo taste.
• Building the Flavor Base: Sautéing the garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil infuses the entire dish with a deep, aromatic heat that’s characteristic of Fra Diavolo.
• Deglazing with Wine: Adding white wine to the pan deglazes the bottom, lifting up all those flavorful browned bits and adding a layer of complexity to the sauce.
• Perfect Shrimp Cook Time: We’ll guide you to cook the shrimp perfectly – tender and juicy, never rubbery!
• Versatile Spice Level: This recipe allows you to customize the heat to your liking, from a gentle warmth to a fiery inferno.
• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you can have this impressive dish on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound spaghetti or linguine
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help them brown nicely.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the wine has reduced slightly.
5. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the sauce and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become rubbery.
7. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss to coat, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a saucier consistency.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Offer lemon wedges on the side, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: This is the most crucial step! Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
• Use Good Quality Tomatoes: The quality of your canned tomatoes will greatly impact the flavor of the sauce. Opt for a brand you trust.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Start with a smaller amount of red pepper flakes and add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away!
• Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to thicken the sauce and create a creamy emulsion. Don’t skip this step!
• Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness and brightness to the dish.
• Warm Plates: Serving the dish on warm plates will help to keep it hot and delicious.
• Spice it Up Further: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Seafood Variation: Feel free to add other seafood such as mussels, clams, or calamari to the dish. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Shrimp Fra Diavolo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Keep in mind that the shrimp may become slightly tougher upon reheating, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?

A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking and pat them dry with paper towels.

Q: Can I use different types of pasta?

A: Absolutely! Linguine, fettuccine, or even penne would work well in this recipe.

Q: I don’t have white wine. Can I substitute something else?

A: You can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth for the white wine. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: While the pasta is best served immediately, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta and shrimp and combine everything together.

Q: Is this dish really spicy?

A: The spice level is adjustable! Start with a smaller amount of red pepper flakes and add more to taste. You can also remove the seeds from the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.

Conclusion

Shrimp Fra Diavolo is a fantastic dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Its spicy, savory sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Italy in your own home. Buon Appetito!