Name: Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta 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; Extra red chili flakes; Fresh chopped parsley

If you’re craving a pasta that’s bursting with bold, vibrant flavors and has just the right amount of heat, then you’re in for a treat with this Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta Recipe. I absolutely love how this classic Italian-American dish balances the richness of fresh shrimp with a spicy, garlicky tomato sauce that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Stick with me, and I’ll show you all the tips to nail it perfectly every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You’ll have dinner ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Balanced Heat: Spicy but not overpowering—adjustable to suit your heat tolerance.
Fresh Ingredients: Uses whole foods like fresh shrimp, garlic, and herbs for a vibrant sauce.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family and friends go crazy for this dish every time I make it!

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 Pasta, spicy shrimp pasta, Italian-American pasta recipes, quick seafood pasta, flavorful shrimp pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

The flavor of the Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta Recipe comes together thanks to fresh shrimp, garlicky tomato sauce, and a kick from red pepper flakes. When shopping, I always grab the freshest shrimp I can find – it really makes a difference!

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 Pasta, spicy shrimp pasta, Italian-American pasta recipes, quick seafood pasta, flavorful shrimp pasta

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin for that authentic flavor.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
Spicy red pepper: Optional, but adds a fresh punch if you love extra heat.
Garlic: The star of the sauce — freshly chopped is best.
Crushed tomatoes: Don’t skip this – it’s the base of your sauce; fire-roasted tomatoes ramp up smoky flavor.
Spicy red pepper flakes: Controls the heat level; adjust to your taste.
Dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity; Sauvignon Blanc works well.
Dried oregano: Adds that Italian herbal note.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning – always taste and adjust.
Chopped parsley and fresh basil leaves: Brighten and freshen the finished dish.
Prepared linguine noodles: The perfect pasta shape to hold the spicy 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 experimenting with this recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood we’re in. Feel free to tweak it to make it your own – it’s incredibly versatile!

Extra Veggies: I sometimes toss in some sautéed bell peppers or spinach for an easy veggie boost.
Heat Level: If you prefer milder food, reduce or skip the red chili flakes; for heat lovers, add fresh chopped hot peppers.
Gluten-Free: Swap linguine for gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter, allergy-friendly option.
Wine Swap: If you don’t have wine, a splash of chicken broth and a squeeze of lemon adds brightness.

How to Make Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection

Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. Season your shrimp generously with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and just cooked through—avoid overcooking or they’ll get rubbery. Once done, set them aside on a plate but don’t clean the pan yet; you’ll build your sauce in the same pan to capture all those amazing shrimp flavors.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics for a Flavor Bomb

Into the same pan, toss in the chopped onion and the optional spicy red pepper if you’re using it. Let them soften over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. Next, add the chopped garlic and stir it around for a minute until it’s fragrant—this little step is where the magic starts, trust me.

Step 3: Build the Spicy Tomato Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes with their juices, add the remaining red pepper flakes, the white wine, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and all the flavors meld together—this is your chance to relax or start boiling your pasta water.

Step 4: Combine Shrimp and Sauce

Return the cooked shrimp to the sauce pan and stir them in gently, heating through for just about a minute so they soak up some of that spicy tomato goodness. Then stir in fresh chopped parsley and basil leaves for a hit of freshness. Give the sauce a final taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more chili flakes if you want extra heat.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Drain your cooked linguine and toss it into the sauce right away, coating every strand in that luscious, spicy tomato sauce. Plate it up, add a sprinkle of extra red chili flakes or more fresh parsley if you like, and enjoy immediately!

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Pro Tips for Making Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta Recipe

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast; pulling them off the heat while slightly underdone keeps them tender after tossing in the sauce.
Use the Same Pan: Building the sauce in the pan where you cooked shrimp adds depth and flavor —that fond is gold!
Simmer Slowly: Let the sauce simmer gently to marry the spicy notes and let the alcohol cook off from the wine.
Taste as You Go: The heat level can vary with chili flakes so taste frequently to find your perfect spice balance.

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta 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 Pasta, spicy shrimp pasta, Italian-American pasta recipes, quick seafood pasta, flavorful shrimp pasta

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and sometimes a little extra red chili flakes if we’re craving heat. A drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens it up even more. Trust me, these little touches make a huge difference.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like to keep it simple and fresh—think a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus. Garlic bread is the perfect companion if you want to soak up every last bit of the spicy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this pasta in individual shallow bowls garnished with whole basil leaves and a swirl of chili oil. It’s impressive and brings a lovely pop of color to the table. Plus, it makes everyone feel like they’re dining at an Italian trattoria!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be hard!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I find the shrimp stay tender if eaten within 1-2 days. Keep the pasta separate if you prefer to avoid sogginess, then toss everything together before reheating.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this dish because shrimp can get rubbery when frozen and reheated, but if you need to, freeze the sauce on its own. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add freshly cooked shrimp and pasta at serving time for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works but can toughen shrimp, so I avoid it if possible. Add fresh herbs after reheating to revive flavors.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to get a nice sear. Frozen shrimp might release extra water, so cooking at a slightly higher heat can help evaporate that moisture.
What pasta works best for Fra Diavolo sauce?

While linguine is classic and perfect because its flat, broad strands hold the sauce well, spaghetti or fettuccine are great alternatives. Avoid very thick pastas like penne so the sauce clings nicely to every bite.
How spicy is this dish?

The heat is adjustable depending on how many chili flakes you add and whether you include the fresh spicy red pepper. I usually keep it moderately spicy that most people can enjoy, but you can always dial it up or down easily!
Can I make this recipe without wine?

Yes, you can substitute the white wine with chicken or vegetable broth plus a squeeze of lemon juice to keep the acidity and brightness in the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something comforting yet exciting. Its perfect balance of heat and fresh flavors is addictive, and it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. I really hope you give this a try, whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a weekend dinner with friends—trust me, you’ll love how effortlessly delicious it turns out!