Seafood Dinner

Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe

Spicy garlic tomato shrimp in a fast pan sauce that clings to every tender bite and wakes up your weeknight dinner.

This Shrimp Fra Diavolo fills the kitchen with a spicy garlic tomato aroma and delivers silky shrimp that are beautifully tender in just a few minutes.

I love making it when I want restaurant style flavor at home because it comes together quickly, works beautifully over pasta or rice, and lets you control the heat level.

One pan, minimal dishes, and that bright lingering kick make it feel like a little celebration on an ordinary Tuesday night.

Recipe at a Glance

⏱Prep Time10 mins

🔥Cook Time15 mins

🕐Total Time25 mins

🍰Servings4 servings

🇺🇸CuisineItalian American

🔢Calories~320 per serving

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce

1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)

1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste

1 teaspoon lemon juice or white wine vinegar

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread for serving

Substitutions & Variations

★Use gluten free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low carb version.

★Substitute turkey or chicken breast if you prefer a different protein.

★Swap in fresh tomatoes roasted and crushed by hand for a brighter taste.

★Use smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne if you want a deeper spicy flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Prep the shrimp and aromatics

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Slice the garlic thinly and measure out your red pepper flakes, oregano, and black pepper so everything is ready to go.

2

Sear the shrimp in olive oil

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook until just opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer shrimp to a clean plate and cover loosely to keep warm.

3

Build the spicy base

Lower the heat to medium, add the sliced garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano to the same pan. Stir frequently for about 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

4

Deglaze the pan

Pour in the white wine if using, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it bubble until reduced by half, which deepens the flavor.

5

Simmer the sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and kosher salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thickens.

6

Finish with lemon and shrimp

Return the shrimp to the pan along with any collected juices. Add lemon juice or vinegar and toss gently to coat. Cook just until the shrimp are heated through.

7

Taste and adjust seasoning

Check the balance of salt and heat. Add an extra pinch of salt, a little more pepper, or another pinch of red pepper flakes if you want more kick.

8

Stir in fresh parsley

Remove the pan from heat and fold in the chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and brightness.

9

Plate and serve

Ladle the saucy shrimp over cooked pasta, steamed rice, or crusty bread. Spoon extra sauce over the top so every bite is coated and flavorful.

10

Enjoy immediately

Serve right away while the shrimp are tender, the sauce is glossy, and the aromatic garlic tomato fragrance is at its peak.

Pro Baker Tips

✓Do not overcook the shrimp or they will turn tough and rubbery.

✓For deeper flavor, use homemade or high quality crushed tomatoes.

✓Taste before serving and tweak the salt, pepper flakes, and acid to match your preferences.

✓If you like a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream when you add the tomatoes.

Storage & Serving Notes

◆Cool leftovers quickly and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

◆Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until the shrimp are warmed through, adding a splash of water or wine to refresh the sauce.

◆Avoid freezing the shrimp as they can become mushy, though the sauce can be frozen separately.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vibrant, spicy shrimp over your favorite base and top with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

›Over angel hair pasta or zucchini noodles

›With steamed jasmine or basmati rice

›Alongside a simple arugula salad

›With lemon wedges for an extra bright finish

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

The heat comes from red pepper flakes and you can easily adjust the amount; start with half a teaspoon for a gentle warmth and add more to suit your spice tolerance.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp separately and reheat gently, but for the best texture it is ideal to cook the shrimp just before serving.

What if I do not have white wine?

Use chicken broth plus a squeeze of lemon or skip the wine and let the tomatoes simmer a bit longer to develop flavor.

Is this family friendly?

Yes, you can serve it milder for kids or offer extra pepper flakes at the table for those who like more heat.

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Go Make It!

This Shrimp Fra Diavolo is quick, restaurant worthy, and packed with bold garlic tomato flavor, making it a reliable go to when you want dinner to feel special without spending hours in the kitchen.