Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Plump, juicy shrimp tossed in a fiery tomato sauce with garlic and white wine, served over linguine. This classic Italian-American dish delivers a perfect kick of heat and is ready in under 30 minutes for a fantastic weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil
- a.Add 2 tablespoons of salt, then add the linguine. Cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- 3
Bloom the spices: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet
- a.Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Build the sauce: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until it has reduced by about half. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, black pepper, and optional sugar. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 5
Cook the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels
- a.Add them to the simmering sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, just until they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a 'C' shape. Do not overcook.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Combine and serve: Add the drained linguine directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the fresh parsley and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before adding them to the sauce. This helps them sear slightly rather than steam.
- 2Don't overcook the shrimp! They cook very quickly and will become tough and rubbery if left in the heat for too long.
- 3The starchy pasta water is key to a silky sauce. It helps the sauce emulsify and cling perfectly to the linguine.
- 4Use high-quality canned tomatoes, like San Marzano, for a sauce with superior sweetness and lower acidity.
- 5Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes. You can always add more at the end if you want an extra kick.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Seafood
Incorporate other seafood like mussels, clams, or calamari along with the shrimp for a 'Frutti di Mare' version. Add clams and mussels with the tomatoes and cook until they open.
Make it CreamyMake it Creamy
For a richer, less fiery sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the very end.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Sauté sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers with the onions for added nutrition and flavor.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
Stir in a handful of fresh basil leaves or a teaspoon of dried oregano along with the parsley for a more complex herbal flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Shrimp is a high-quality, low-fat protein source that is essential for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes, and supporting overall muscle health.
Rich in Antioxidants
The tomato-based sauce is packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Garlic also provides antioxidant benefits.
Contains Heart-Healthy Fats
The use of extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
'Fra Diavolo' translates to 'Brother Devil' in Italian. It refers to the spicy nature of the sauce, which gets its heat from red pepper flakes.