If you’re dreaming of a bold, fiery Italian classic, this Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe (with its dazzling homemade sauce) is your ticket to a restaurant-worthy meal right at home! Expect tender shrimp swimming in a spicy, garlicky tomato sauce that packs just the right punch, ready in a snap for even busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant Flavor in Minutes: This Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe delivers a spicy, garlicky tomato sauce bursting with quick-cooked depth, perfect for fast weeknight dinners.
- Embraces Custom Heat: You’re in control—dial the heat up for a fiery kick or keep it mellow for family-friendly comfort food.
- Everyday Ingredients: From pantry staples to that bottle of dry white wine, everything you need is easy to find and beautifully transforms simple shrimp into a crave-worthy classic.
- Versatile & Impressive: Whether tossed with pasta, spooned over rice, or served as a showstopping appetizer, it wows at dinner parties and cozy nights in alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe is all about big flavors from simple ingredients! Each one plays its role—think of bright tomatoes for body, zippy chili flakes for heat, aromatics for depth, and just enough wine to make the sauce sing. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive oil: The delicious backbone of your sauce—choose extra-virgin for that rich, fruity base.
- Small onion (chopped): Sweet and mellow, onion builds the savory foundation and melts perfectly into the sauce.
- Spicy red pepper (optional): For those who love a truly fiery bite, this adds fresh heat and color. You can skip it if you prefer milder spice.
- Garlic cloves (chopped): Trust me—don’t skimp! Fresh garlic brings mouthwatering aroma and flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Canned crushed tomatoes (14 oz): Go for fire-roasted or regular—this is the heart of your sauce, giving it vibrant color and a luscious base.
- Spicy red pepper flakes: The customizable source of Diavolo’s famous heat. Start slow and add more if you like drama!
- Dry white wine: Adds sparkle, depth, and subtle acidity; it lifts every other flavor in the pan. Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are lovely here.
- Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb vibes! This brings an earthy warmth that balances the zingy pepper.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple, but so important. Taste often and bring out all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): For a burst of herby freshness right before serving.
- Fresh basil leaves (chopped): Basil rounds everything off with sweet, peppery, summery notes.
Variations
The magic of this Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe is how easily it morphs to suit your mood or pantry. From dialing up the spice to playing with proteins, don’t be shy about making it your own!
- Mild Version: Skip the fresh hot pepper and reduce red pepper flakes for a gently spiced sauce everyone can enjoy.
- Seafood Medley: Add scallops, mussels, or calamari alongside shrimp for a luxurious, mixed-seafood feast.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap in roasted cauliflower or sautéed mushrooms for shrimp to create a hearty, meatless main course.
- Tomato Power: Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky depth or even canned cherry tomatoes for bright pops of sweetness.
How to Make Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion (and red pepper if using) and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes. Let those gentle sizzles coax out every bit of aromatic sweetness!
Step 2: Add Garlic
Sprinkle in the chopped garlic and stir for 1 minute, just until it turns fragrant but not browned. Your kitchen will smell amazing—this is where the signature flavor begins to bloom.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes (with their juices), red pepper flakes, white wine, dried oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes or longer; the flavors deepen as it bubbles away. You can adjust the heat at this stage, tasting and adding more chili flakes if you dare!
Step 4: Finish With Fresh Herbs
Once your sauce has thickened and tastes vibrant, stir in the chopped parsley and fresh basil leaves. Give it one last taste and adjust seasoning as you like. Your bold, spicy Fra Diavolo sauce is ready to meet perfectly cooked shrimp or pasta!
Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe
- Heat Management: Add chili flakes gradually—you can always add heat, but you can’t take it away. Taste as you go!
- Wine Matters: Choose a dry white wine you’d happily drink, since its flavor shines through and really elevates the sauce.
- Herb Timing: Fold in parsley and basil just before serving to keep their flavors bright and fresh—don’t cook them too long!
- Consistency Control: If you love a chunky sauce, use diced tomatoes; for a smoother finish, crushed or pureed tomatoes work like a dream.
How to Serve Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe with a flourish of chopped fresh basil and parsley for that gorgeous pop of green. A quick grind of black pepper and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt make everything taste brighter! If you’re feeling decadent, finish with a delicate drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with a mound of buttery linguine or spaghetti, but warm, crusty bread is a must for mopping up every bit of that spicy sauce. For something lighter, a simple arugula salad or garlicky sautéed greens keep things fresh on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the sauce and shrimp piled on grilled ciabatta for an Italian-inspired bruschetta, or spoon over creamy polenta for ultimate comfort. Hosting? Try individual ramekins as tapas-style starters with plenty of toothpicks for dunking!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’ve added seafood, it’s best enjoyed within a day or two to keep everything tasting fresh and lively.
Freezing
The sauce itself freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just wait to add cooked shrimp or seafood until after you’ve thawed and reheated the sauce for best texture.
Reheating
Gently rewarm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat until hot. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth. Add freshly cooked shrimp right at the end to keep them tender and juicy.
FAQs
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How spicy is this Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe?
It’s got a definite kick, but you’re in charge! Start with a small amount of chili flakes and add more for bolder heat, or omit the fresh hot pepper if you want something tamer. Taste as you go until you find your perfect level.
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Can I make the Fra Diavolo sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce is actually even more flavorful the next day. Prepare it as directed, let it cool, and refrigerate. Add the cooked shrimp or seafood just before serving to keep the texture ideal.
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Which type of wine should I use?
Choose a dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio—something crisp you’d enjoy sipping. Avoid sweet wines, as they’ll change the flavor of the sauce.
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Does this Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe work for vegetarians?
Yes! The sauce itself is vegetarian. For a meatless main, swap the shrimp with roasted veggies or cooked chickpeas—still delicious and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that brings a spark of excitement to your table, this Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe checks every box—zesty, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and don’t forget the bread for every last drop of that spicy sauce. Buon appetito!
Print
Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Fra Diavolo Sauce recipe is a spicy and flavorful tomato-based sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta or seafood. With a kick of red pepper flakes and fresh herbs, it’s a versatile sauce that can be adjusted to suit your spice preference.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 spicy red pepper, chopped (optional, for extra spice)
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 14 ounce can crushed tomatoes (or diced, or fire roasted)
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons spicy red pepper flakes, 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
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large pan over medium heat, add olive oil, onion, and red pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine ingredients: Add crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, white wine, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Finish with herbs: Stir in parsley and basil. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Enjoy the sauce with pasta or seafood like Shrimp Fra Diavolo.
Notes
- Heat Factor: Medium. Customize the spice level with chili flakes and hot peppers.
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili flakes and omit the fresh pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 125 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
