Seafood Fra Diavolo Recipe - Cilantro Parsley (2024)

Published: Aug 22, 2021 · Modified: Feb 27, 2024 by Maxine Dubois · This post may contain affiliate links 2 Comments

This Seafood Fra Diavolo Recipe is made with shrimp, red pepper flakes, onion, tomatoes, white wine, garlic, parsley and served with spaghetti.

Shrimp Fra Diavolo is a variation of the Italian-American dish, Seafood Fra Diavolo, that specifically features shrimp as the main seafood component. The dish is similar to Seafood Fra Diavolo in that it is served with a spicy tomato-based sauce, often with pasta as a base.

Like Seafood Fra Diavolo, Shrimp Fra Diavolo is known for its bold and spicy flavors, and is often served with linguine or another long pasta. It can be garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and presentation. Shrimp Fra Diavolo is a popular dish in many Italian-American restaurants and can be made at home with relative ease.

In Italian, “Fra Diavolo” means brother devil, or devil monk. This dish maybe got its name due to its spicy sauce and red tomatoes. The shrimp, tomatoes and spicy red pepper flakes are the combination you never knew you needed in your life. You may modify the amount of red pepper flakes to use according to how much spice you can handle.

If you love this recipe, feel free to try my Broccolini Sausage Pasta and my Spaghetti Verde.

What is Shrimp Fra Diavolo?

Seafood Fra Diavolo is an Italian-American dish that typically consists of a spicy tomato-based sauce served over a bed of seafood and pasta. The name "Fra Diavolo" means "Brother Devil" in Italian, and refers to the spicy and fiery nature of the dish. The seafood used in Seafood Fra Diavolo can vary, but it typically includes shrimp, clams, mussels, and/or scallops. The sauce is made by sautéing onions, garlic, and crushed red pepper in olive oil, then adding canned tomatoes and simmering until thickened. The seafood is then added to the sauce and cooked until just done.

The dish is often served over linguine or another long pasta, and is sometimes garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Seafood Fra Diavolo is a popular dish in many Italian-American restaurants and is known for its bold and spicy flavors.

Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Shrimp
• Red pepper flakes
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Diced tomatoes
• White wine
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Spaghetti

See recipe card for Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe quantities.

How to make Shrimp Fra Diavolo

In a medium bowl, add the shrimp with a pinch of salt and the red pepper flakes and toss. In a large, deep skillet, heat oil on medium high and wait for it to shimmer. Add the shrimp and sauté until cooked through, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove the shrimp and set on a plate.

Add the onion in the same skillet and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, wine, oregano and garlic and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.

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Return the shrimp to the sauce and remove from heat.

Garnish with parsley and serve with spaghetti.

What to serve with Seafood Fra Diavolo

• Garlic bread or breadsticks: Garlic bread is a classic accompaniments to Italian dishes and are perfect for sopping up the spicy tomato sauce.
• Salad: A light, crisp salad can help balance out the richness of the seafood and the spiciness of the sauce. Consider a Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts would complement the spicy seafood flavors nicely. You could also try a roasted vegetable medley with zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
• Rice or pasta: Serving Seafood Fra Diavolo over rice or pasta is a great way to stretch the dish and make it more filling. Try linguine or spaghetti, or go for a heartier option like risotto.
• Wine: A glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, would pair nicely with the spicy seafood flavors.

Substitutions

Shrimp: For best quality shrimp, go to your local fish market. You can use previously frozen shrimp, although for best taste, use fresh shrimp.

Garlic: For best results, use fresh garlic.

Red pepper flakes: The red pepper flakes are totally optional, but for those who need a spicy kick.

Diced tomatoes: I used diced tomatoes from the can instead of fresh tomatoes.

Olive Oil: Useextra virgin olive oilfor good quality scampi.

Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe Variations

• Swap out the seafood: While shrimp, clams, and mussels are common in Seafood Fra Diavolo, you can use any type of seafood you like. For example, you might try using scallops, squid, or chunks of white fish.
• Adjust the spice level: The level of spiciness in Seafood Fra Diavolo can vary depending on the recipe. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. If you like things extra spicy, add more red pepper flakes or use a spicier variety of pepper.
• Add vegetables: You can add vegetables to Seafood Fra Diavolo to make it more nutritious and flavorful. Consider adding bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the sauce.
• Use different pasta: While linguine is the traditional pasta for Seafood Fra Diavolo, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne, spaghetti, and fettuccine are all good options.
• Make it creamier: If you like creamy sauces, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce. This will give it a richer flavor and a smoother texture.
• Use different herbs: While parsley is the most common herb used in Seafood Fra Diavolo, you can experiment with other herbs as well. Basil, oregano, or thyme would all be good choices.
• Make it healthier: To make Seafood Fra Diavolo healthier, you can reduce the amount of oil used in the recipe or use a healthier oil, such as olive oil. You can also use whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.

Check out my Pasta e fa*gioli or my Frutti di Mare.

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven: You will need a large pot or Dutch oven to cook the sauce and pasta.
• Large skillet: You will need a large skillet to cook the shrimp and other ingredients.
• Knife and cutting board: You will need a sharp knife and cutting board to chop the garlic and other ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: You will need a wooden spoon or spatula to stir the sauce and shrimp.
• Pasta strainer: You will need a pasta strainer to drain the cooked pasta.
• Measuring cups and spoons: You will need measuring cups and spoons to measure out the ingredients.

Optional equipment:

• Garlic press: A garlic press can make mincing garlic easier.
• Immersion blender: If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree the sauce.
• Cheese grater: If you want to serve Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Parmesan cheese, you will need a cheese grater to grate the cheese.
• Lemon juicer: If you want to add a squeeze of lemon to the sauce, you will need a lemon juicer to extract the juice.

How to store Shrimp Fra Diavolo

1. Let it cool: Allow the Shrimp Fra Diavolo to cool to room temperature before storing it.
2. Transfer to an airtight container: Transfer the Shrimp Fra Diavolo to an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are both good options.
3. Refrigerate: Place the container in the refrigerator and store for up to 3-4 days.
4. Reheat: To reheat the Shrimp Fra Diavolo, you can either microwave it or reheat it on the stovetop. If microwaving, cover the container with a lid or microwave-safe wrap and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. If reheating on the stovetop, place the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through.

Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe Top tips

• Use fresh ingredients: The quality of the ingredients is key to making a great Shrimp Fra Diavolo. Use fresh shrimp, canned tomatoes, and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
• Use large shrimp: Using large shrimp will give the dish a more substantial texture and flavor. If you only have small shrimp, you can use them, but the texture will be different.
• Cook the shrimp just right: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. They are done when they turn pink and slightly curled. If they're cooked too long, they will become tough and rubbery.
• Use a mix of canned and fresh tomatoes: Using a mix of canned and fresh tomatoes will give the sauce a more complex flavor. The canned tomatoes add depth, while the fresh tomatoes add brightness.
• Adjust the spiciness: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. If you like it spicy, add more.
• Let the sauce simmer: Letting the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes will allow the flavors to develop and meld together.
• Serve with a crusty bread: Shrimp Fra Diavolo sauce is perfect for dipping with crusty bread. Warm up some bread and serve it on the side for a delicious and satisfying meal.
• Don't forget the finishing touches: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.