If you’re craving a pasta dish that brings the perfect balance of fiery heat, fresh seafood goodness, and mouthwatering Italian flavors, you’ve just found your new favorite. This Classic Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta Recipe is a vibrant, bold dish that’s as impressive as it is comforting. Imagine tender shrimp swimming in a luscious, spicy tomato sauce tossed with al dente spaghetti — it’s the kind of meal that feels both indulgent and homey. Every bite bursts with layers of garlic, a kick of red pepper, and the bright freshness of basil, making this recipe a total winner for seafood lovers and spice enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Classic Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta Recipe is refreshingly uncomplicated thanks to a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: from the plump shrimp adding a tender texture, to the crushed tomatoes providing a rich, sumptuous base, and the red pepper flakes delivering that signature fiery spark. Together, they create a harmonious dish that’s as visually enticing as it is delicious.
- Shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined shrimp bring tender, juicy bites that soak up the spicy sauce perfectly.
- Spaghetti or linguine (12 ounces): Cooking the pasta al dente offers the ideal bite and texture to complement the sauce.
- Extra virgin olive oil (3 tablespoons): For sautéeing garlic and adding a subtle fruity richness to the dish.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with its aromatic depth; don’t rush the sauté to preserve its flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon): This is where the heat comes alive – feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces): High-quality canned tomatoes make the sauce vibrant and naturally sweet with a fresh acidity.
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Stirred in at the end for a burst of herbal brightness and color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the elements together harmoniously.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A finishing touch that adds savory creaminess when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Classic Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a roiling boil. Cooking the pasta until it is just al dente is crucial—it should still have a slight bite and hold up wonderfully against the sauce. Before you drain it, scoop out about a cup of the starchy pasta water; this will help you adjust the sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the extra virgin olive oil gently before adding the minced garlic. Allow it to cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the oil with tons of flavor that forms the base of your sauce.
Step 3: Add the Heat with Red Pepper Flakes
Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and let them toast briefly for about 30 seconds. This quick heats bring out their rich, smoky qualities and ensures every bite has just the right amount of spice.
Step 4: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet and stir everything together. Let the sauce simmer gently for around 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste, balancing the acidity and heat.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the simmering sauce and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous pink and become opaque. This step is critical to keep the shrimp juicy and tender without overcooking.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and tomato sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly, adding small amounts of the reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce perfectly coats each strand with a silky finish.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Basil
Once everything is combined, turn off the heat and gently fold in the chopped fresh basil. This final touch provides a vibrant contrast and a fresh, aromatic lift to your dish.
How to Serve Classic Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this Classic Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta Recipe on the plate, sprinkle a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few extra basil leaves can also add flair and deepen the flavors, making every presentation look irresistible.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple to let your star dish shine. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli make wonderful companions. Crusty garlic bread is an absolute classic here and provides the perfect vehicle for scooping up every last bit of that spicy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this dish in warm shallow bowls with a fresh basil sprig adds a rustic, heartfelt charm. For a dinner party twist, serve the pasta in small individual ramekins garnished with a lemon wedge, inviting guests to adjust the brightness of their dish. Adding a flicker of chili oil drizzle can also entice the eye and add a subtle heat contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Classic Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta Recipe stores well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep your pasta and sauce together to maintain flavor balance, but avoid over-soaking the noodles by slightly undercooking them initially if you know you’ll be saving leftovers.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but shrimp tends to change texture after freezing and reheating. If you do freeze, place the pasta and sauce in separate freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep shrimp tender. Avoid microwaving at high heat, as shrimp may become rubbery. A gentle warm-up preserves the vibrant flavors and textures of your Classic Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta Recipe beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
How spicy is the Classic Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and can be easily adjusted by tweaking the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your personal taste.
What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti or linguine are perfect for this dish because their long, thin strands soak up the sauce well without overpowering the shrimp.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap shrimp for roasted vegetables or plant-based seafood alternatives, though the iconic flavor of Fra Diavolo truly shines with shrimp.
Is Parmesan cheese necessary?
It’s optional but highly recommended; Parmesan adds a salty, nutty richness that complements the spicy tomato sauce wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that effortlessly combines simplicity with bold, unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it’s sure to become a cherished staple that delivers satisfaction and warmth with every forkful. Dive in and enjoy the unbeatable harmony of spicy sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta that makes this recipe truly special.
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Classic Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Classic Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta is a spicy Italian seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp simmered in a fiery tomato sauce with garlic and red pepper flakes, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti or linguine. This flavorful pasta offers a delightful balance of heat and fresh basil, ideal for a quick yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined (Fresh or frozen, thawed and patted dry)
Pasta
- 12 ounces Spaghetti or linguine (Cook al dente)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil (For sautéing)
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced (Sauté until fragrant)
- 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (Adjust for spice preference)
- 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (Use high-quality canned tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil, chopped (Add at the end of cooking)
- Salt and pepper (To taste)
Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (For serving, optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and warm it. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: Add red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release their flavor.
- Simmer Tomato Sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to develop the sauce.
- Season Sauce: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are done.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the sauce and shrimp, adding reserved pasta water gradually as needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in chopped basil for a fresh herbal note and serve immediately. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level to make the dish milder or spicier.
- Use fresh shrimp if available for the best texture and flavor; thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking.
- Reserve pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and helps it adhere better to the pasta.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its freshest and avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- Parmesan cheese garnish is optional but adds a lovely umami richness.
