Name: Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 spicy red pepper, chopped (optional, for extra spicy); 4 cloves garlic, chopped; 14 ounce can crushed tomatoes (or diced or fire roasted); 2 teaspoons spicy red pepper flakes + 1 teaspoon (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; 8 ounces prepared linguine noodles (for serving); Extra red chili flakes; Fresh chopped parsley

If you’re craving something with just the right amount of heat and a burst of bold Italian flavors, you’re going to love this Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish turns out every time — juicy shrimp swimming in a fiery, garlicky tomato sauce that’s perfect over linguine. It’s a fan-freaking-tastic meal that feels fancy but is actually super easy to pull together, even on a weeknight. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be coming back for seconds!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and Spicy Flavor: The perfect kick from red pepper flakes and fresh chili that shrimp lovers crave.
Quick and Simple: Ready in about 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights without sacrificing taste.
Fresh Herbs Magic: Basil and parsley add brightness that balances the heat beautifully.
Impresses Every Time: This one’s a crowd-pleaser — my family always asks me to make it again.

A black frying pan filled with a dish consisting of flat, pale yellow pasta noodles tossed with cooked shrimp that are orange with a slightly charred texture. The pasta is mixed with chunky red tomato sauce and garnished with small green herb pieces scattered throughout. A wooden spoon lifts a mix of the noodles, shrimp, and sauce from one side of the pan. The pan handle is wrapped with a green cloth and the scene is set on a white marbled surface with some scattered red pepper flakes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo, spicy shrimp pasta, Italian seafood recipe, quick shrimp dinner, fiery tomato shrimp

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe create a harmony of heat, umami, and freshness. Each plays an important role, whether it’s that fiery red pepper or the sweet burst from crushed tomatoes. Here are a few shopping tips to get you started on the right foot.

Flat lay of peeled and deveined raw shrimp arranged neatly, a small mound of finely chopped white onion, a few small pieces of chopped spicy red pepper, several cloves of whole fresh garlic, crushed ripe red tomatoes in a small white bowl, a small white bowl of vibrant red chili flakes, a small white bowl with clear dry white wine, a pinch of dried oregano sprinkled beside, fresh green chopped parsley, a few fresh bright green basil leaves, a bundle of cooked linguine noodles elegantly coiled on a simple white ceramic plate, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo, spicy shrimp pasta, Italian seafood recipe, quick shrimp dinner, fiery tomato shrimp

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined shrimp work best for quick cooking and the ideal texture.
Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for richer flavor.
Onion: A small yellow or white onion adds sweetness when softened.
Spicy red pepper: Optional but highly recommended for extra heat; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Garlic: Four cloves give the sauce a fragrant punch—don’t skimp on it!
Crushed tomatoes: Fire-roasted adds depth, but regular crushed or diced tomatoes work just as well.
Red pepper flakes: Two teaspoons plus a dash more for seasoning—perfect for that signature spicy kick.
Dry white wine: Adds acidity and brightness; like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works great.
Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb for earthy undertones.
Salt and pepper: Don’t forget to season well at every stage!
Fresh parsley and basil: Chop these fresh herbs to stir in at the end for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Prepared linguine noodles: Perfect pasta choice — cook just until al dente before tossing with sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love encouraging you to make this dish your own! The Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe is wonderfully versatile, and tweaking it to your taste or dietary preferences can be so much fun. Here are a few variations I’ve tried — they all work beautifully.

Less spicy: If you’re sensitive to heat, I drop the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon and skip the fresh chili—still loads of flavor but gentler on the palate.
Extra veggies: Sometimes I add chopped bell peppers or a handful of spinach for color and nutrients; they cook down nicely in the sauce.
Gluten-free option: Swap linguine for gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter, gluten-free meal everyone enjoys.
Wine-free: If you want to omit wine, just add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness, which balances the tomato sauce nicely.

How to Make Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp Perfectly

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a wide pan. Season your shrimp with salt, pepper, and one teaspoon of red chili flakes to infuse flavor right from the start. Cook the shrimp about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn that pretty pink; don’t overcook or they’ll get rubbery. Then, set them aside—you’ll add them back in later so they soak up the sauce without getting tough.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan, toss in the chopped onion and spicy red pepper if you’re using it. Let this cook down gently for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Then add chopped garlic and cook for about a minute—watch closely so it doesn’t burn but releases that amazing aroma that sets the tone for the sauce.

Step 3: Create That Rich, Spicy Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with their juices, then sprinkle in the red chili flakes and oregano. Add the white wine next—this step adds a lovely brightness and depth to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives the flavors time to marry and the sauce to thicken beautifully. Tip: Prepare your linguine during this time so everything comes together smoothly.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Stir the cooked shrimp right back into the simmering sauce, letting them warm through for about a minute. Toss in chopped fresh parsley and basil leaves—this fresh herb combo lifts the spiciness and adds an irresistible pop of color. Give the sauce a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Toss the Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo sauce with your drained linguine noodles, making sure every strand is coated in that fiery tomato goodness. Plate it up, garnish as you like, and get ready to impress everyone at your table.

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Pro Tips for Making Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook very fast — pull them off the heat as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
Adjust Spice Gradually: Start with less red pepper flakes and add more if you want to kick up the heat; you can always add but never take away!
Use Good Quality Wine: Cooking wine matters here — a crisp dry white makes a big flavor difference in your sauce.
Simmer for Flavor Depth: I learned from experience that letting the sauce simmer longer melds the spices and makes the whole dish more vibrant.

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with pasta and shrimp. The pasta is light yellow and soft-looking, with a few pieces twisted and layered all over. On top, there are five shrimp, cooked to a golden orange color with a slightly crispy texture. Small pieces of red tomato and green herbs are mixed in among the pasta, adding bright color spots. A silver fork is placed inside the bowl, with its handle pointing outwards. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with small red chili flakes scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo, spicy shrimp pasta, Italian seafood recipe, quick shrimp dinner, fiery tomato shrimp

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with an extra sprinkle of red chili flakes for those who crave more heat and a handful of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon — it brightens up the whole plate beautifully.

Side Dishes

Since this recipe is packed with bold flavors, I keep sides simple. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread to soak up extra sauce pairs perfectly. Occasionally, steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans bring a nice balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this dish in individual shallow bowls, topped with a sprig of fresh basil and a lemon wedge on the side. Layering the sauce and shrimp on a nest of linguine gives it a rustic Italian look. Offering chili flakes and fresh herbs on the table lets guests customize their spice level.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because the shrimp can get a bit tougher over time, it’s best to enjoy leftovers quickly. I keep the pasta separate if I have the chance to preserve texture.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is a bit tricky since cooked shrimp don’t freeze as well, but you can freeze the sauce portion separately for up to 2 months. Then just thaw and add freshly cooked shrimp and pasta when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the sauce gently on the stove to avoid breaking down the texture, then stir in freshly cooked shrimp and pasta. This helps maintain that fresh-from-the-kitchen taste. Microwave reheating works too but do it in short bursts and stir in between.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to get a nice sear. This prevents excess moisture from watering down your sauce and helps the shrimp develop a better texture.
How spicy is this Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe?

This recipe has a noticeable kick thanks to red chili flakes and optional fresh spicy peppers, but you can adjust the heat easily by reducing or omitting the fresh red pepper and scaling back the chili flakes to your liking.
What’s the best pasta to serve with Fra Diavolo sauce?

Linguine is a classic choice because its slight flat shape holds the spicy tomato sauce well. You can also use spaghetti or fettuccine if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! This Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe is naturally dairy-free since it’s made with olive oil and tomatoes, so no need to adjust anything for a dairy-free diet.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something that feels both special and effortless. The balance of heat, herbs, and that luscious tomato sauce is something everyone at my table always raves about. If you’re looking to turn dinner into a memorable experience without spending hours, I really encourage you to try this – I promise it’ll become a staple in your recipe collection just like it did in mine.