If you love bold flavors with a touch of heat, the Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish beautifully combines succulent shrimp with a spicy, garlicky tomato sauce and perfectly al dente linguine, delivering a harmonious balance of spice, tang, and seafood sweetness that will make every bite feel like a celebration. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress guests, making it a true favorite that I’m excited to share with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple ingredients that come together for a big flavor punch. Each component plays a vital role — from fresh shrimp bringing that ocean-fresh sweetness, to the fire of red pepper flakes, and the rich undertones of tomato and herbs adding complexity and depth.
- Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined, tails on): Fresh or thawed shrimp add juicy, tender seafood goodness and soak up the spicy sauce wonderfully.
- Olive oil (5 tablespoons total): Used both for cooking shrimp and building the sauce, it lends richness and a smooth mouthfeel.
- Salt and pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning shrimp and the sauce perfectly.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds an aromatic backbone that complements the heat and tomato flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): The key to that signature spicy kick — adjust to your preferred heat level.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth (1/2 cup): Adds acidity and depth; white wine gives a bright fruitiness, while broth keeps it alcohol-free.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Provides the rich, hearty tomato base of the sauce.
- Tomato paste (1/4 cup): Intensifies tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce slightly.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother, rounder taste.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon) and dried basil (1/2 teaspoon): Classic Italian herbs that infuse the sauce with warmth and herbal notes.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a bright, fresh contrast to the spicy sauce when sprinkled on top.
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving): A squeeze of lemon lifts the dish with a burst of citrus brightness.
- Linguine pasta (12 oz): Its flat, thin shape holds onto the sauce perfectly, making each forkful flavorful.
- Salt for pasta water: Essential for seasoning pasta from within.
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Shrimp
First things first, season your shrimp generously with salt and pepper. Heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, you’ll get the perfect sear — cooking shrimp about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn that gorgeous pink and become opaque. Once cooked, set them aside to keep the texture tender and prevent overcooking.
Step 2: Build Your Flavorful Sauce Base
Using the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking just long enough (1 to 2 minutes) for the garlic to turn golden and release its aromatic goodness without burning. This step is crucial as it creates the spicy foundation of the sauce.
Step 3: Deglaze and Develop Depth
Next, pour in your white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan bottom. Let this simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly — this adds a wonderful acidity and complexity that balances the dish beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, and basil to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the sauce thickens while the flavors marry into that classic Fra Diavolo character.
Step 5: Cook the Linguine Pasta
While the sauce is bubbling away, prepare your linguine in plenty of salted boiling water, cooking according to package instructions until al dente — usually between 8 to 10 minutes. Be sure not to overcook as we want some bite to complement the saucy texture.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Drain the linguine, reserving a little bit of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later. Gently fold your seared shrimp back into the rich tomato sauce and allow them to warm through for about 2 minutes so they soak up all that spicy, garlicky goodness.
Step 7: Toss Pasta with Sauce and Serve
If your sauce seems a bit too thick, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach the perfect silky texture. Finally, add the linguine to the skillet and toss everything together until every strand is coated in that fiery, flavorful sauce.
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top is like a breath of fresh air cutting through the sauce’s richness, offering a burst of color and freshness. Don’t forget to serve with lemon wedges on the side; a squeeze of lemon brightens and elevates every forkful, adding a zesty contrast that makes the dish feel light and vibrant.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette works wonders. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is another fantastic choice, perfect for mopping up any leftover spicy sauce. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables provide a nice, mild counterbalance to the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, serve the Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine Recipe in large family-style bowls garnished generously with parsley and lemon wedges. You can also add a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a dash of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for extra indulgence. Setting the table with fresh herbs or chili peppers adds a playful visual hint of the dish’s flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp sauce keeps well for up to two days, but for the best texture, try to enjoy it as fresh as possible since shrimp can become rubbery after prolonged storage.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not ideal because shrimp texture suffers when frozen and reheated. However, you can freeze the sauce separately without shrimp for up to three months. Just thaw it gently and add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating for a fresh taste and texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Reheating in the microwave in short bursts while stirring can also work — just be careful not to make the shrimp chewy.
FAQs
Can I adjust the spice level in Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine Recipe?
Absolutely! The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, but you can easily reduce or increase this amount to suit your heat preference. If you want milder, start with less and add more gradually.
What can I substitute if I don’t have white wine?
Chicken broth makes a perfect non-alcoholic substitute, preserving the savory depth without the wine’s acidity. Vegetable broth also works well for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Should I use fresh or frozen shrimp?
Fresh shrimp is ideal for the best flavor and texture, but frozen shrimp works perfectly as long as it’s properly thawed and patted dry before cooking. Just avoid super-fatty or chemically treated shrimp varieties for best results.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and shrimp require no alteration and taste just as wonderful with gluten-free noodles.
Is it okay to add Parmesan cheese to this dish?
While traditional Fra Diavolo recipes often skip cheese because of the fiery tomato sauce, adding a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano on top is a delicious personal touch that enhances flavor and adds a creamy contrast.
Final Thoughts
The Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly warms your heart and fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas. It’s approachable, packed with layers of flavor, and perfect for anyone who loves a little heat with their seafood. Give it a try — I promise it will become a treasured favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A flavorful and spicy Italian-inspired dish featuring succulent shrimp simmered in a zesty, tomato-based Fra Diavolo sauce served over perfectly cooked linguine pasta. This recipe is easy to prepare and delivers a perfect balance of heat, tang, and aromatic herbs for a satisfying seafood pasta dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Fra Diavolo Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for non-alcoholic option)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta & Garnishes
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- Salt for the pasta water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden brown, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze with Wine or Broth: Add the white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom. Let the liquid simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add and Simmer Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Cook Linguine: While the sauce simmers, cook linguine in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the linguine, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Add the cooked shrimp back into the sauce and stir to coat. Heat through for 2 minutes.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce and Shrimp: Add the linguine to the skillet with shrimp and sauce. Toss well to ensure all pasta is coated evenly with the spicy Fra Diavolo sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side to add bright fresh citrus as desired.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat tolerance.
- You can substitute chicken broth for white wine to keep it non-alcoholic.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for better coating.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Use fresh parsley and lemon wedges to brighten the dish before serving.
